Live Online Classes Keeping Community Together

20 Mar 2020 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Notice

As we *collaborate to protect one another’s wellbeing*, distancing has become the new jam.
Please join us for ONLINE DRUM & DANCE CLASSES
Scroll down to find the blue registration links

✴

While deeply wishing we could be together right now, we avidly support keeping our healthcare workers and all who are immune-compromised, safe. 

Let’s keep our immune systems boosted, eat well, get plenty of rest, and dance & drum together, online!
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*  MOVEMENT truly IS MEDICINE  *
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When the weather gets warmer we hope to offer classes outdoors   ✴


Sliding scale payment options available.
See you online!


CLASSES, DATES & TIMES
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THURSDAY DRUM CLASS with Namory Keita at 6pm EST
via Facebook Live and IG Live
Join: Seacoast West African Dance & Drum Facebook Group and stay tuned to Namory’s Website for updates and payment options.


TUESDAY DANCE CLASS with Marita, LIVE DRUMMING
6-7pm EST via Zoom
Ongoing weekly: REGISTER NOW, DROP-IN TOMORROW
All pre-paid passes will be extended and honored when we return to studio.
Registration is Required. Links in blue ink, below.
*

FRIDAY DANCE CLASS with Marita, Recordings from Guinea
9-10am EST via Zoom.
March 20-May 8, 2020:
REGISTER NOW, DROP-IN TOMORROW.
Registration is Required. Links in blue ink, below.

✴

NEW PAYMENT OPTIONS
*

As self-employed teaching artists and independent contractors, we’ve been heavily impacted, as our teaching residencies/performances have been canceled for the foreseeable future and side jobs closed down. Being able to move our classes online and keep community coming together (even virtually), means a lot to us. 

Please offer the contribution amount you’re able to make.

THOSE WHO HAVE THE MEANS, paying the online drop-in price or more, allows us to continue contributing to these important Social Change Initiatives, AND support our teaching artists. Donating more helps offset those who are unable.

THOSE WHO ARE FINANCIALLY CHALLENGED, If you’re unable to give $1 or more for class, please email me for the link to attend free, at least 1 hour before class begins.

#1 CREATE A ZOOM ACCOUNT: https://zoom.us/

#2 REGISTER FOR CLASSES – IMPORTANT NOTE: Upon completing and submitting the registration form, you’ll receive a URL link for the class. Copy and save the link or log on directly if class is about to begin!

REGISTER for Dance Class with live drumming, TUESDAY 4.7.20

REGISTER for Dance Class, FRIDAY 4.10.20

REGISTER for Dance Class with live drumming, TUESDAY 4.14.20

REGISTER for Dance Class, FRIDAY 4.17.20

Take the POLL for ADDED CLASSES

More classes will be added weekly! ~ Check back for updated links.

Until this is over, let’s all create some fabulous new awkward dance moves to share as greetings when we’re out getting fresh air. 😉
Spread love. Be love. 
See you on the (virtual) dance floor!!

ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @embodytherhythm / @namorydjenekeita
Facebook: Embody the Rhythm – Portland Maine West African Dance & Drum

 

Let Your Heart Guide Your Dance

14 Feb 2020 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Special Workshops

WITH EVERYONE’S WELLBEING IN MIND, WE’RE MOVING ALL DANCE & DRUM CLASSES *ONLINE* UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
OUR FIRST ONLINE CLASS IS TUESDAY 3.17 at 6PM and FREE!
LIVE DRUMMING!  KEEPING VIBES HIGH & BODYS HEALTHY.
#SPREADLOVE#BELOVE


So much happening at Embody the Rhythm and we don’t want you to miss a beat!!


FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, is BRING A FRIEND FREE DAY and Marita’s last class before she’s away for a bit ~ Grab a buddy and come dance!
9-10am at 302 Stevens Ave, Portland.
Happy V-Day!

NEXT FRIDAY MORNING DANCE SERIES BEGINS MARCH 20 ~ Details and registration below. Early Discount before March 1!

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TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 18 & 25 lovely Anne Esguerra will be subbing for Marita, and FEB 18th is Namory Keita’s first dance class back in Maine from winter in Guinea!! Come show them some love, give Namory a warm welcome back and congratulate him on his recent engagement!!!

Tuesday Classes are Ongoing, 6:00-7:30pm at 302 Stevens Ave. – Guinea Style West African Dance with Live Drumming. Always open!

Anne Esguerra

 

Namory Keita

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUESDAY MARCH 3, SPECIAL GUEST IMAN BANCE will be subbing for Marita as she stops through Portland on her way back from spending 3 months dancing in Guinea:

Iman Bance

Born and raised in Hawaii, Iman Bance started studying African Dance in 2006. She was part of Harambe Dance Company in New York, for a time, and studied with various New York dance schools, including Mark Morris, Alvin Ailey Extension, Peridance Capezio Center, as well as Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance.  Iman lived a year in Guinea, studying and rehearsing with Les Merveilles, the preeminent drum and dance company of Guinea.

She is a patient and clear teacher and her positive energy, enthusiasm and passion are infectious. Catch this special opportunity to dance with Iman in Portland, Maine: March 3, 2020!!

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MORE WAYS TO MOVE WITH YOUR HEART:

Our dear community and New Moon Ensemble member, John Marlowe, has done incredible work to raise funds for our teacher Sayon Camara’s village in Guinea, West Africa.
John and his son Jamie put in tons of love to help raise the money for a library in Sayon’s village and provide school supplies to village children.
Now John’s own family is in deep need of support ~ Over the past few months both John’s wife and their son Jamie have been struggling with some major health issues, which have become nearly impossible to afford. I’m calling on our drum and dance village, to see what we can do. Sending along some love and any amount of financial support would go a long way.
With gratitude, here’s a link to: SUPPORT THE MARLOWE FAMILY.

 

~ DANCE THE FLOWERS UP FROM THE EARTH ~
Friday Morning Dance Series, March 20 – May 8

 
Friday Dance 2.png
Guinea Style West African Dance
Register Now! – Early Discount before March 1st, 2020
*

Join me for 8 Fridays of grooving in the morning sunshine, at Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave. 9-10am

Classes at Embody the Rhythm are designed for all levels of students, bringing community together through the healing power of movement and music.
No experience required. This is a safe space for newcomers.

Friday classes focus on the heart and hip opening movements that support a solid foundation in Guinea style dance. We warm up to lively contemporary music from West Africa, and dance to smoking traditional rhythms recorded live in Guinea. 

 
EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT
BEFORE MARCH 1st:
$104 cash or check received before March 1 
(or $108 online – link here)
REGISTRATION AFTER MARCH 1st:
$116 cash or check 
(or $120 online – link here)
*

Spread Love. Be Love. See You on the Dance Floor!

Be the Light Dancing Through Darkness.

09 Dec 2019 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Join Dance Classes, Tuesdays or Fridays in 2020!
Join Drum Class ~ next series starts January 22 ~ See this page for details.

Happy Winter y’all!
TUESDAY DEC 10 we bid bon voyage to our drummer Namory Keita, for his annual winter trip to Guinea.

We’re COLLECTING DONATIONS of warm-weather clothing and medical supplies for Namory to take along with him. If you miss the opportunity to donate in dance class, you can donate financially to support the building of Hamana Art Center, by clicking HERE.

Hamana Art Center, Art & Culture Center in Guinea ~ Under Construction

~ Dancing Through Darkness ~
In the dark days of winter,it’s ever more apparent how good it feels to dance our hearts out and find warmth together in community.
Together we create light.


Our last TUESDAY class in 2019 will be Dec 17 – Share in an early Solstice Celebration by wearing white/bright colors, and/or bring a votive candle to light, if you wish.
Tuesday classes will resume Jan 7, 2020..  Meanwhile:

Our Upcoming FRIDAY class series begins Dec 27  – Early Registration Discount is still live through December 13th ~ Reserve your spot or PURCHASE THE GIFT OF DANCE  for a loved one, today.

Friday Morning Series in Guinea Style West African Dance 
8 Weeks
Dec 27 – Feb 14
9:00am -10:00am
Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME

These lively classes are designed for beginner and intermediate students, bringing community together through the healing power of movement and music. We will focus on heart and hip opening movements that support a solid foundation in Guinea style West African dance. No experience required.

We warm up to lively contemporary music from West Africa and dance to the smoking traditional rhythms recorded by my teachers.

Early Registration Discount – (Register by December 13)
$104 cash, check/ $108 online

Registering After December 13 –
$116 cash, check / $120 online
$16 Drop in, any time

Contact Marita to pay by cash/check.

 

Stay up to date on all classes, special guests, performances and other happenings ~

  • Sign up for Embody the Rhythm news by adding your email address in the box on upper right of this page where it says “Stay Tuned”  ~ Be sure to check your inbox to confirm subscription.
  • Follow Embody the Rhythm on Instagram , Facebook

 

In 2020 Embody the Rhythm will continue to inspire Movement Medicine for Social Change, through ongoing financial support of important initiatives lifting up Black and Brown people in Maine, and supporting the development of art and cultural preservation in Guinea, West Africa, the source of our learning in these classes. 

Dancing in Community Compounds Healing

28 Sep 2019 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Notice, Special Workshops

3 More classes in December 2019! NEW CLASSES AND POSTS COMING SOON.

Happy Autumn, y’all!  So many exciting things to share!

New Moon Ensemble wrapped up 3 summer shows in September. Thanks to all who came out!

Preview the hot topics of this post:

Please join us, Friday October 4th at the Greely Center for the Arts, 6:30pm.

Ultra talented, ultra kind human and master drummer Sayon Camara is performing in Cumberland, ME alongside friends and members of New Moon Ensemble for a special fundraiser ~  Hear the beautiful traditional music of Guinea, including the sounds of krin, bolon, djembe, dundunba, sangban and kenkeni. Beautiful art for a great cause! 

Beginning Drum Class with Sayon Camara, Monday October 7th, 6:15 -7:15pm, $15

Sayon is a patient, inspiring teacher and will be guest teaching in Namory’s regular weekly drum class at @ Root Wild Kombucha, 135 Washington Ave., Portland, ME. Bring your djembe or if you need to reserve a drum contact info@namorydrum.com.

Sayon will be guest drummer for Dance Class on Tuesday October 8th!

There’s nothing like seeing Sayon’s glowing smile while you dance.

Dancing Together is Healing ~ Check it out:

This Autumn celebrate freedom of movement in your body, experience the pleasure of live drumming and feel the joy of moving in unison with others. Science confirms, more and more, what so many of us have experienced for decades ~ There are innumerable health benefits to dancing, affecting not just our bodies, but our mind and spirit too.

This article on NPR shares the benefits of dancing in synchrony with others: 
The Health Benefits of Dancing go Beyond Exercise and Stress Reduction

This article from the Journal of Pan African Studies highlights Guinea dance too:
African Dance as Healing Modality Throughout the Diaspora: The Use of Ritual and Movement to Work Through Trauma

 

Friday Morning Dance Series Starts October 4th

Join me for this 8-week series, geared especially for beginners.
I love starting my Fridays off dancing. Can’t wait to share this journey with you! 
9-10am, set to the sounds of traditional rhythms and music from West Africa. 
October 4 – November 22
Click here to register, or just drop in.

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Drum & Dance with Seny Daffe & Namory Keita, Tuesday October 29

We love Seny Daffe!
Seny returns to Embody the Rhythm to teach a class that’s accessible to all levels, Tuesday Oct 29th, right after a special drum class with Namory Keita.
Classes at Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME

Drum Class with Namory 4:45-5:45pm, $15 cash or check at the door
BYO djembe, or email Namory to reserve one: info@namorydrum.com

Dance Class with Seny Daffe 6:00-7:30pm, $18 cash or check at the door
Come dance with this fabulously talented and fun teacher. 

 

Moments from New Moon Ensemble’s
August & September shows

Thanks again to all who came out to support us. If you have photos to share, we’d love to see them!

Save the Date! Jeh Kulu’s Annual West African Dance & Drum Festival in Burlington, VT   November 1-3

Dance & drum students are highly encouraged to experience this fabulous festival of classes in the beautiful town of Burlington. Master teachers including Moustapha Bangoura, Ismael Bonfils Kouyate and many more.. (This is where Seny Daffe calls home).

 

New Moon Ensemble shows & Guest Workshops coming right up

25 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Special Workshops

Together from 6 countries, 3 continents, 18 beating hearts, 1 planet: *NEW MOON ENSEMBLE*
plus SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS
SATURDAY AUGUST 24th at CONGRESS SQUARE!

New Moon Ensemble

Don’t miss this special event!
Guinea Style West African Dance & Drumming

*New Moon Ensemble* with guest artists Sayon Camara, Seny Daffe and Theo Martey
August 24th at Congress Square Park! 6:30-8pm

 

Sayon Camara

Theo Martey

 

Seny Daffe

 

Whether experiencing Sayon as a teacher or performer in classes, workshops, or celebrations, Sayon will take you places in drumming and traditional Guinean music that you didn’t know were possible and will do so with contagious joy.


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Theo is a Songwriter, Recording Artist, Producer, Performer and Teacher. He has taught and performed African drumming, dancing and music in Ghana and internationally. 

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Seny is a versatile musician and plays the djembe, krin, bolon, gogo ma, sangban, balafone, and doundouns. He is also a very talented singer and comedian, and is considered one of the world’s finest doundoun players. SPECIAL GUEST CLASSES WITH SENY, AUGUST 22 in Kittery & 23 in Portland. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.

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Meet New Moon Ensemble Dancers:

Anne Esguerra

Alison Green-Parsons

Ann Brandt

 

 

 

Ashley Edmondson

Megu Hirayama

 

 

Aminata Doumbouya

Grace Kapinga

 

 

 

Danielle Dellaquila

 

 

 

 

 

Marita Kennedy-Castro ~ Artistic Director, Choreographer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~     ~~     ~~     ~~    ~~     ~~     ~~     ~~

Meet New Moon Ensemble Drummers:

Namory Keita ~ Musical Director

Annegret Baier

Jeff Howe

John Marlowe

Janice Erickson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Moon Ensemble
Guinea Style West African Dance & Drumming 

Coming together from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, New Moon Ensemble members share a love for West African dance and drumming, the accompanying traditions and the gift of intercultural exchange. Together we build community and inspire international study and collaboration, through the healing power of music and dance.

Master village drummer and performer Namory Keita, from Sangbarela, Guinea and dancer/choreographer Marita Kennedy-Castro from Maine developed the 15 member troupe to help spread the love for traditional music and dances of Guinea, West Africa. The Ensemble includes multi-talented musician Annegret Baier, from Germany, as well as a handful of other skilled musicians and dancers from Marita & Namory’s weekly classes.

New Moon Ensemble’s performances offer the uplifting rhythms and dances into the world as prayers for peace and well-being for all.

SPECIAL DANCE CLASSES
with guest artist Seny Daffe!

THURSDAY August 22nd in Kittery (click here for details)
FRIDAY August 23rd in Portland:
WEST AFRICAN dance class with Seny Daffe
Accompanied by Master Drummer Namory Keita
6-7:30 pm at Portland New Church on 302 Stevens Ave – Portland ME
$16-20 sliding scale – Cash at the door

Seny is uplifting, a very clear teaching style and so much fun!
All levels welcome!

 

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday September 7th
New Moon Ensemble performs at HENRY FEST, in YARMOUTH, ME
Seny Daffe will join us, for another fabulous show!

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RECENT WORKSHOPS:
(If you missed the workshop, join weekly classes with Namory by clicking HERE)

Saturday July 27th ~ ADVANCED DRUM WORKSHOP
with NAMORY KEITA

Saturday July 27th
1 – 4:30 PM
$60 online /$70 at the door
Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME
*For Intermediate/Advanced players*
Bring your Djembé or Dounoun playing to another level!
Visit Namorydrum.com for more info or to register

Growing, Dancing, Drumming, Changing

13 May 2019 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Special Workshops

SENY DAFFE RETURNS TO PORTLAND, ME (and beyond) IN MAY!

Guest artist Seny Daffe, alongside Namory Keita and our talented drummers rocked the house in Portland & Kittery last month!

Here’s some of the fun we had singing and dundun dancing with Seny, April 25:


Seny & Namory have a mini-tour together in Maine and New Hampshire, MAY 27th – MAY 31st ~ Catch them for drum, dance, or dundun dance in Bristol, NH or Portland, Kittery, or Camden, ME!

Seny&Namory


Monday MAY 27 ~ INT/ADV DRUM CLASS with Namory Keita
Wild Root Kombuchery, 135 Washington Ave, Portland, ME | 6:15-7:15pm |
$15/class or $13 per class for punch card of 4
Find and share on facebook HERE

Tuesday MAY 28 ~ SPECIAL DANCE CLASS with Seny Daffe at Embody the Rhythm! 
Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME | 6:00-7:30pm |
$16-20 sliding scale – cash only please
Show support and share on facebook HERE

LINK for CLASS DETAILS  May 29 – May 31
Wednesday MAY 29, Bristol, NH
Thursday MAY 30, Kittery, ME
Friday MAY 31, Camden, ME

THIS JUST IN: Beautiful djembefola (master drummer) Sayon Camara will be visiting Maine next week, and be our special guest drummer in Tuesday Dance Class, May 21st!

sayon-camara-13-wp-r-sdi-ac-web

Come dance to the beautiful rhythm, Kassa, May 21! Drumming led by Namory Keita and Sayon Camara

 

 


*IMPORTANT* ~ CHANGES/NOTICES
at EMBODY THE RHYTHM:

 

  • Dance Class TIME CHANGE: Tuesdays JUNE – AUGUST
    7:00 -8:30pm* | Catch an extra hour of sunshine before coming to dance it out to live drumming!!    *If you’ve purchased a 4 or 8 class card and won’t be able to attend during this time change, please talk with Marita or Anne in class, or email me (Marita)*
  • SEEKING OUTDOOR LOCATION for Dance
    I’m seeking a flat, open, (non-concrete) available space outside, to hold dance class on some Tuesdays this summer. Have ideas? Please email me.    If a Portland location is found, will be posted as *special notice* at top of homepage here, by midday of class. If rain is expected or nothing posted, you’ll find us @ Portland New Church.
    *
  • Our DANCE Class SUPPORTS SOCIAL CHANGE INITIATIVES
    A percentage of proceeds from every class is contributed to important social change initiatives. Please learn about the ones we support in 2019: VISIT THIS PAGE.
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  • SUMMER PERFORMANCES ~ SAVE THE DATES
    New Moon Ensemble     performs:
    Saturday August 24th ~ Free evening show at Congress Square Park, Portland, ME
    Saturday September 7th ~ at Henry Fest (Folk Music Festival), Falmouth, ME

 

HELP BUILD a LIBRARY for these children in KOUYA SIDIA, GUINEA, WEST AFRICA

Children.KouyaSidia

 

Our newest dance class drummer, John Marlowe, has created THIS FUNDRAISER to help build a library in the home village of our wonderful teacher, Sayon Camara. 

Please check out this awesome project, and share it with the librarians, book lovers, children and community change-makers in your life!

 

Flowers are blooming, the weather is warming, the air is fresh, the birds are singing…  SO many reasons to dance. See you on the dance floor! 

 

 

Spring is Popping & so are Our Classes!

03 Apr 2019 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Special Workshops

Weekly Dance & Drum Class Details, CLICK HERE

Special Guest Teacher SENY DAFFE Returns to Maine!
COME DANCE ~ Tuesday, April 23

SenyDaffe.Dunun.jpg

Join us in welcoming back master artist Seny Daffe
to Embody the Rhythm, Tuesday April 23

6:00-7:30pm

Dance Class with Seny: $16-20 sliding scale – cash at the door
Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave
All levels welcome

Special Guest artist Seny Daffe, from Guinea, West Africa has a warm personality and a fun, lively dance style. We’re excited to welcome him back as our guest teacher to our Tuesday night dance class, April 23rd. Join this special opportunity!

More about Seny Daffe: http://senydaffe.blogspot.com/

Class accompanied by live drumming with master drummer, Namory Keita and friends. See you soon!

AND on Thursday April 25,
Drum with Namory Kieta & Dundun Dance with Seny Daffe

in Kittery, Maine
CLICK HERE FOR KITTERY CLASS DETAILS

Team.Seny.Namory

Next 3 Week Session of Drum Classes with Annegret Baier starts April 24

Annegret

Wednesdays 4/24, 5/1 + 5/8
6-7:30pm
Portland Friends Meeting House, 1837 Forest Ave, Portland
 Register today by contacting Annegret HERE
$70 for 3 Classes  – Djembes available for rent

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HAPPY SPRING!
PLANTS LOVE SOCIAL CHANGE

A percentage of our Tuesday Dance Classes is contributed to some fantastic social change initiatives. In April, donate an extra $10 or more in class, and you can take home a free jade plant!
IMG_3578.jpg

LINK HERE For our Weekly Dance & Drum Classes at Embody the Rhythm

Join this ever-growing community! All are welcome.


 

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