Dancing is a great way to come together
and set energy in motion
to create positive change.
This month on Valentines day people will be gathering in towns and cities around the world as part of One Billion Rising, calling for an end to violence against women. One unifying aspect of these actions and rallies will be dancing! I’m encouraging everyone to take part in our local Portland events on V-day, and to get ready to take part in a flash mob by attending the Flash Mob Rehearsal this Sunday 2/10.
On Valentines night at West African dance class we’ll keep the energy of change flowing!
In recognition and support of One Billion Rising we will have a donations jar at class on 2/14 to support the work of a fantastic, Portland-based organization, Prevention. Action. Change. The focus of P.A.C. is on “helping people understand and avoid risk, gain confidence in making safe choices and in expressing what they want, need, and feel, and add to their tool box of skills for addressing violence in all its forms.” Taking workshops with this organization is extremely informative and empowering for all genders.
Recent happenings~
I want to share this message for everyone who donated during classes in December to our dear friend, Brigitte Ndyikum-Nyada, so she could return to Cameroon for her mother’s funeral: “Please spread the word to all who donated that I love them, I am grateful, and I wish all a fabulous-happy and healthy new year. You are the greatest of friends anyone must have. I am lucky you are mine! Love Queenie B”
In January some of our wonderful drummers and students from class joined with me as the Blue Moon Tribe, participating in a 2 year anniversary celebration at Bright Star World Dance Studio in Portland. It was a night of celebrating and paying tribute to dance from cultures around the world. I wanted to share with you the Blue Moon Tribe’s performance, in case you missed it:
Embody the Rhythm 