Class Descriptions
West African Drumming
Learn the intense and exciting polyrythmic drum music of west Africa. Class will cover the history, cultural significance and technique of West African instruments including djembe, sangban, kenkeni, dununba, bells, & shekere.
Brazilian Samba
Begun in the Spring of 2005, Unidos Da Filadelfia is the city of Philadelphia’s premier Escola De Samba, in the tradition of samba schools found in Rio DeJaneiro and the blocos afros of Salvador Da Bahia. Founder Mike Stevens,a talented percussionist who has been performing in various groups around Philadephia for several years, started the ensemble to further education about Brazil and it’s rich culture.
West African Dance
African dances vary because of the many cultural differences in musical andmovement styles. These dances must be viewed in close connection with African Music, as many African languages have no word to define music. These dances teach social patterns and values and helps people work, mature, praise or criticize members of the community while celebrating festivals and funerals, competing, reciting history, proverbs and poetry; and to express spirituality.
Beginning Belly Dance to Inspire and Empower
Strengthen your body, mind, and spirit with a mixture of classic Egyptian and American fusion belly dance. Class will cover fundamental belly dance isolations, postures, and movements as well as history. Each class will include a short and easy choreography and accompaniment by drummer Jay Beck.
Dress comfortably for the class. No need to wear a hip scarf or anything revealing.
