Dear friends;

I'd like to announce in advance a new offering at NS starting in 2025: beginner-level West African dance with live drummers! I know this is a little far out-of-the-box in relation to the more traditional Jewish- or Judaism-oriented classes. But in this current world, attending to our physical and mental health has become all the more imperative. West African dance engages legs, hips, arms and chest, and even head if you so choose, providing a great workout for strength, flexibility, and coordination. The very physicality of the dance, along with the singing of the drums, invites you to release whatever emotions you might've been feeling earlier in the day, or what you are feeling in the moment. It's about moving from your core and from your heart. Most importantly, it's about supporting each other in learning a different kind of dance form, and building community. 

The class will be offered initially for a six-week session on Monday nights 6-715pm. In order to pay the drummers, there will be a requested donation of minimum $8 per class or $44 up front for all six. Call, text or email if you have questions. 505-967-8208. Hope to see you Monday Jan 20!

B'shalom,

Becky 

A little bio: I have taught, studied and performed West African dance for over 20 years. I started taking classes on Chicago's southside in 1989, taught by members of the renowned Muntu Dance Company. I continued in Brooklyn with Marie Basse, former dancer in Les Ballets Maliens, Mali's national dance company. And finally, for another ten years or so in Albuquerque, I was privileged to learn from Rujeko Dumbetshena of Zimbabwe and perform in her Blue Tribe company. During those years I attended a 3-week dance seminar in Senegal led by Mary and Kobiana Nakigan and performed in their dance group, Casadimanza. In addition, there were countless workshops and dance camps with visiting teachers from Guinea, Senegal and Cote D'Ivoire. All of these teachers shared their dances with enthusiasm, tremendous joy and above all, grace.