Dance & Drum Classes
FRIDAY Dance Class for Beginners, through Nov 13
Register Today & Drop-In!
ONLINE, OUTSIDE or in STUDIO*
Scroll down for blue registration links and class details
Dance classes are OUTSIDE weather permitting, live ONLINE rain or shine.
In uncertain weather, location posted to top of this page.
We dance properly distanced for everyone’s safety.
Wear/bring a mask.
BEGINNER CLASS
FRIDAYS | through Nov 13
9:00-10:15am
Studio classes are at Casco Bay Movers*
Outside while warm/dry
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*IN STUDIO SPACES ARE CURRENTLY FULL, however DROP-IN students are welcome outside and online, and can chose to be notified if studio space opens!
See class descriptions & details below.
CLICK HERE TO DROP IN – OCTOBER 23
CLICK HERE TO DROP IN – OCTOBER 30
(More drop in links added weekly)
NEW: Due to Covid-19 and the need to proper distance, our Tuesday class with live drumming is on hiatus a few months.
It will return!
NEW: Private lessons available online or outside.
JOIN EMAIL LIST for news & updates:
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These classes are being shared from Wabanaki Territory – known as Portland, ME under colonization.
Outdoor classes meet in Payson Park:
Look for us in the triangle of grass that faces Baxter Blvd. entrance.
For Online Classes you’ll need a Zoom account: https://zoom.us/
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DANCE & DRUM CLASS DETAILS
TRADITIONAL DANCE & DRUMMING FROM GUINEA, WEST AFRICA!
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This is a welcoming and anti-racist space. All people, all ethnicities, all gender expressions, all ability levels always welcome. Spread Love.
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DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
*Beginner/Foundations (Fridays)
Honoring the source and original teachers of this form, these classes are designed for beginners, bringing community together through the healing power of movement and music. We will focus on the foundations and feeling of each dance, exploring the heart and hip opening movements of Guinean traditional dance. Students will learn about the cultural context and origins of each of the dances/rhythms shared in class.
*Beginner & Intermediate, Choreography (when Tuesdays return)
In this class additional movement sequences and choreography are provided for those wishing to take it up a notch. Foundational movements are also broken down, and folks are invited to participate at their chosen level. Class is accompanied by fantastic Live Drumming in traditional Guinean rhythms. Cultural context and origin of the dances and rhythms is shared in every class.
DANCE Fridays with Marita
9:00-10:15am EST (online & outside or in studio)
8 Weeks, September 25 – November 13
Beginner/Foundations
Accompanied by recordings from Guinea
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DRUM Wednesdays with Annegret Baier
6:00-7:00pm EST (online via Zoom)
Visit AnnegretBaier.com for updates and payment options
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DRUM Thursdays with Namory Keita
6:00-7:00pm EST (online via facebook & IG live)
Join: Seacoast West African Dance & Drum Facebook Group or go to NamoryDrum.com for updates and payment options.
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DROP-IN CLASSES OFFERED ON COMMUNALLY-SUPPORTED
SLIDING-SCALE: Pay What You Can
For those with the means, paying suggested drop-in price or more allows us to continue contributing to these important Social Change Initiatives, support our teaching artists, and help offset those who’s funds are limited.
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ALL ARE WELCOME.
“If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing.”
~ Proverb from Zimbabwe
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Guinea Style West African Dance Class
Dance and drumming are a rich part of culture and community in Guinea. There are traditional rhythms and dances that accompany all manner of life’s passages and natural cycles, including births, weddings, coming of age ceremonies, the planting and harvesting of crops, full moons, and celebrations of many sorts.
In these classes Marita shares dances from 20+ years of study under master West African dance and drum artists, both in the U.S. and in Guinea, West Africa. She will share the names, meanings, regions and ethnicities from which the dances come, honoring the source and recognizing our place in the lineage of learning. Marita promotes awareness and appreciation for the culture and traditions of her teachers and for the interconnectedness of all life.
What to expect:
Classes begin with a warm up, we tune into our bodies and get our blood flowing…
Next, dance steps or sequences are broken down and repeated in parts…
The environment of these classes is welcoming to students of all levels.
Marita teaches a different dance monthly in each class, starting new dances at the beginning of the month or series. Students are lead through short sequences or choreography and invited to enjoy the enlivening rhythms of Guinea.
Live drumming in the traditional rhythms is provided by a fantastic crew of professional drummers for Tuesday nights class; beautiful Guinean recordings are utilized for the Beginner series.
Dance steps and sequences are broken down for every class. No prior knowledge is required for drop-in students. Those who come consistently can really get the moves into their bones.
What to wear & bring:
We generally dance barefoot, but dance shoes are fine too, if preferred. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you ease of movement, and the ability to work up a sweat, and
bring water to stay hydrated.
