Beginner West African Dance Class

 

What can students expect from this class?

The class is an hour and a half that consists of a warm-up, break -down of dance movements followed by high energy dancing across the floor. During the break-down of steps in the beginning of class, students learn a short sequence of choreographed steps that is repeated again at the end of class. I provide students with information about the history and meaning of the dances being taught and teach traditional songs that go with the dance. Though the class is listed for beginners, I accommodate for all dance levels. All classes have live drumming.

 

Registration:

Classes are on a drop-in basis. Pre-registration not required.

 

Cost of Class

$20 Single Class

 

Accepted Payments:

Cash

CashApp: $Papeboston

Zelle

 

What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching?

This class explores West African culture and traditions through music and dance. African dance and music are deeply woven into the social fabric of Africa and marks life experiences, celebrates rites of passage and major milestones in life as well as honoring nature and the ancestors. Many of the traditional dances and techniques taught are from Senegal, Mali and Guinea. Lamba, Kuitiro, Wongo, Bougarabou, and Balanta are some of the dances taught as well as Sabar from the Wolof people in Senegal. African dance is intertwined with African music and songs.

 

What background, training, and or relationship do you have with this style/technique/class subject?

I grew up in Dakar Senegal surrounded by African dance and drumming. I’ve had extensive dance training and experience as a performer, instructor and choreographer. I danced with the National Ballet of Senegal, Cinquihme Dimension, Ballet Sinomew, Fore’t Sacre’e, Manhattan Dance School, and Jant-Bi. I’ve choreographed for Jant-Bi, Maimouna Keita School of African Dance, Harvard University Pan-African Dance and Music Ensemble. I am the founder of Ndaje School of African Arts which hosts the annual Ndaje Festival of African Dance and Music. I have been teaching African dance for several years at the Dance Complex and various locations throughout New England and New York.

 

Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…

…It’s my culture. I grew up in the Senegalese traditions; singing, dancing, and performing. I want to share and impart my knowledge to others.

 

How can students learn more?

Website: ndajefestival.com

Facebook: Pape N’Diaye

Instagram: Pape N’Diaye

 

Contact Information

Contact Pape: ndiayeartiste@yahoo.com or 317-439-1076

 

Accompanists, Assistants, or Substitutes: 

Live drumming from various artists.

 

Sat, Sep 7 @ 03:30 pm
3:30 pm — 5:00 pm (1h 30′)

Studio 6

Pape Ndiaye

Street shoes are not allowed in the studio at any time.