Dances of the African Diaspora
Dances of the African Diaspora explores various dances from the vast continent of Africa and the communities that descended from that region. Students learn to execute polyrhythmic patterns and practice multiple types of call and response cues performed both verbally and physically. Different exercises will focus on body isolation, the use of weight, and traveling in space.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Mark Morris Dance Center in collaboration with Urban Bush Women!
Urban Bush Women: Dance for Every Body
February 22, 2025 | Saturdays 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Skill Level: All-Level Community Class (no experience through pre-professional)
Age: Intergenerational, Family Class
Price: $12 per Adult, $10 for children (ages 13 and under, must be accompanied by an adult)
This movement jam/dance class embraces the ideas that each individual has a unique and powerful contribution to make, and that our bodies are a powerful source of agency. The goal is for “every body” to find their level of challenge and comfort and partake according to their abilities, and to appreciate the groups’ diversity as an attribute to their community. This is a movement class designed for the community so no prior dance experience is needed. Participants explore UBW’s technique with close attention to the use of breath, weight, call and response and polyrhythm.
Beginner Afro-Brazilian
View DetailAfro-Brazilian dance is full of spontaneous, soulful movement that energizes the body and spirit. In this class, dancers will learn sequences and exercises that prepare the body for the uplifting and exciting dances of northern Brazil, where African influences are most present. Participants will develop rhythm and coordination, stay fit, relieve stress, and learn about Brazilian culture. Styles covered include: Afro-Brazilian, Samba, Samba de Roda, Axé, Sambareggae, Afoxé, and Orixas.
Afro-Caribbean Dance & Movement
View DetailThis class unites dance, rhythm, and song. It creates an environment and dance community that nurtures, heals, renews, and inspires the body and spirit. The class was listed in New York magazine’s “The Best of New York”, New York Confidential, and was also written up in New York Woman’s “Time Out”. Open to all experience levels.
Suggested Attire:
- Comfortable clothing in which you can easily move. Lapa or wrap skirt optional
- Class is taken barefoot.
Beginner/Intermediate Afro-Haitian
View DetailLearn the fundamentals of Afro-Haitian dance and immerse yourself in drum-based movement. Through this style rooted in Haitian folklore, develop new relationships to spatial awareness, body control, human connection, polyrhythm, percussion, and pulse.
Intermediate Belly Dance
View DetailThis class explores the traditional belly dances of North and East Africa. In addition to learning belly dance’s fundamental movement and performance techniques, students will be introduced to choreography, music, and the use of props. This class is for students who have some experience with belly dance.
Suggested Attire:
- Comfortable clothing in which you can easily move. Belly dance skirt optional
- Class is taken barefoot.
Open Level West African
View DetailLet go of the work week with a high energy African Dance class led by Broadway performer (and Beyoncé collaborator) Ismael Kouyate.
Open-level.
Accompanied by a live percussion ensemble.
Intermediate West African
View DetailA class for those with experience with West African Dance – this high energy class explores traditional dances from West Africa. Each week one or two new dances are explored. The start of a class builds on traditional West African dance techniques, followed by practice across the floor, and culminating in a final phrase. This class is accompanied by live music on traditional instruments such as the djembe and the djun-djun.
Intermediate/Advanced West African
View DetailA class for those with experience with West African Dance – this high energy class explores traditional dances from West Africa. Each week one or two new dances are explored. The start of a class builds on traditional West African dance techniques, followed by practice across the floor, and culminating in a final phrase. This class is accompanied by live music on traditional instruments such as the djembe and the djun-djun.