Embody the Rhythm

Welcoming Summer with a FREE Show

12 Jun 2016 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Notice

What’s New:

New Moon Ensemble Performs on Congress Square July 15!
* Private movement lessons * Dance discounts for men *
* Possible Thursday dance class time change *

For Weekly Dance & Drum Class Schedule, please click HERE

NME - Congress Sq

Hosted by Friends of Congress Square Park – Friday July 15th, 6-8pm

New Moon Ensemble is an inter-cultural performance ensemble of West African dance and drumming. We bring community together through rhythm and dance, deepening awareness and understanding across cultures, reconnecting with traditions of communal sharing in life’s seasons and passages.

Come enjoy an exciting evening of music and dance
lead by dancer/choreographer Marita Kennedy-Castro, with master drummer Namory Keita, from Guinea, West Africa.

Bring your kids, bring a friend, tell your neighbors…
Free outdoor show in downtown Portland! We hope to see you there!

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

NEW: Private Movement Lessons ~ Have you often thought you’d love to take a dance class, but don’t quite dare? Do you wish to find your freedom of movement but struggle with body image, or feel “stuck” in some way? Individualized classes can help to unblock and access movement and expression, at your own pace. Marita provides a safe and fun environment in which to explore, and is passionate about helping folks find more ease and confidence in their bodies. Contact Marita HERE to explore the possibilities.

NEW: Men Dance for Just $5, first Tuesdays or Thursdays ~
Acknowledging that Maine can be a tough place for men to feel at home on the dance floor, I want to give the fellas a little boost – All identifying males dance for just $5 on first Tuesdays or Thursdays of the month. Tell your people! Flood the dance floor!

Possible Thursday Dance Class Time Change ~ Heads up ~ Starting in the fall, we are looking to switch our dance class day and time to better serve this community. Stay tuned!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MAY
Mini Guinea Fest in Kittery was a blast!

~ Here are a few glimpses of the fun we had ~

Amazing Dance Class with Sidiki Sylla ~

Love Sayon Camara! All smiles & skills ~

Seny Daffe sets the drums on fire! ~

There were SO many more amazing moments, and many more to come.
Thanks to Elizabeth Fowler and Kittery Dance Hall for hosting!

Save the dates: September 24-25, Youssouf Koumbassa returns to Portland & Kittery!

See you on the dance floor!

Guest Artists Returning to Maine in May

04 May 2016 1 Comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

3 Special guest artists from Guinea return to Maine for
MINI GUINEA FEST in Kittery

Join us May 21st at the Kittery Dance Hall for an exciting day of workshops and an evening performance

Jeh Kulu Artists

These fantastic artists from Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum Theatre are great about making West African dance & drum accessible to all people. Join the fun!

Saturday, May 21

12:00 to 1:30 pm
Drum class with Ismael Bangoura

1:45 to 3:15 pm
Dundun dance class with Seny Daffe (*videos of dundun dance below)

3:30 to 5:00 pm
Dance class with Sidiki Sylla
(Accompanied by Ismael, Seny, and Namory Keita)

No experience necessary for any of the classes.
$15 per class in advance or $17 at the door

7:00pm
West African Drum & Dance Performance with Guinean artists: Namory Keita, Ismael Lafori Bangoura, Seny Daffe, Sidiki Sylla, Sayon Camara, and other special guests!

Portland’s New Moon Ensemble, led by Marita Kennedy-Castro and Namory Keita and Seacoast West African Dance & Drum, led by Liz Fowler and Namory Keita will open up the show.

Performance tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
(Kids 10 and under are free!)

Register for workshops or buy tickets for the performance in advance:
http://m.bpt.me/event/2539581

More info:
https://seacoastwestafricandanceanddrum.com/2016/04/17/mini-guinea-fest-in-kittery/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/487503218122456/

Thanks to all who came to the Dundun Dance Workshops
with Marita and Namory ~

We had such a great time with all of you!

Here are a few fun moments:

For info on weekly Dance & Drum Classes with Marita & Namory
in Portland, Maine click HERE

Drop in any time! Join us on Tuesdays in May to dance Gumbé, from the Tuba people of Guinea, and on Thursdays to dance Kassa from the Malinke people.

See you on the dance floor!

Dancing Back to the Earth

06 Apr 2016 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

What’s New:

Dundun Dance Workshops, modern community rituals, plus special guest artists from Guinea returning in May… Happy Spring!

DunDun Dance – April Workshops

Dundun Dance is the incredibly fun art of simultaneous drumming and dancing, from the country of Guinea, West Africa.

Saturdays April 23 and 30
Hustle & Flow Studio, Portland, ME
10am-12pm
$20 per Workshop
Drums and sticks provided

Instructed by Marita Kennedy-Castro
Djembe accompaniment by Namory Keita
**SPACE IS LIMITED**

Pre-register at hustleflowstudio.com
or in a weekly class with Marita
Join event on Facebook: Dundun Dance Workshops, Portland Maine

Many more dundun dance videos to be found online

*

Click Here for Weekly Dance & Drum Class Info

*
Bring the Ritual of Dance & Drumming to Your Occasion

In our modern communities the celebration of our interconnectedness is often forgotten, yet can be transformative when remembered. West African dances and rhythms honor interrelationship with the rhythms of nature and with one another, celebrating and sharing life’s cycles and seasons.

Marita & Namory, along with New Moon Ensemble are available to provide modern community rituals catered to your occasion, incorporating traditional rhythms and movements danced for centuries in West Africa.

Bring the international ritual of dance and music to your:

BIRTH CELEBRATIONS * WEDDING CELEBRATIONS * HARVEST PARTIES

BRIDAL SHOWERS * BIRTHDAY PARTIES * GRADUATIONS

* OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS *

Performances and lessons available. Please be in contact here, with inquiries.

Guest Artists from Guinea Return to Maine, May 21!

Sidiki Sylla, Seny Daffe & Ismael Bangoura from Jeh Kulu will return for Mini Guinea Fest 2016 in Kittery ~ Save the date and stay tuned!

*

Dancing Back to the Earth

In honor of interconnection and in recognition of Earth Day, I encourage folks to walk, bike or carpool to class, give back to this Earth Mama that sustains us and take part in movements for Cultural Survival.
MAY WE ALL THRIVE.

I made this video in honor of our interconnection. The song is “Fala”, by Tom Diakuté, and the quote is from Anna Halprin. Photographers listed in video notes.

See you on the dance floor!

It’s all About the Love

02 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

Tuesdays & Thursdays all year long.

If you’re ready to try West African Inspired Dance, 2016 is your time!

~ Spreading the Love ~
NEW special offers

New Student Discount: $20 for 4 classes in 4 weeks. Try both classes!
Introduce a Friend to Class: If they buy a pass, you get a FREE class.
4-pass: $52 (lasts 8 weeks), 8-pass: $96 (lasts 12 weeks)
Passes may be used in either class.
Additional Details: Dance & Drum Class Page

~ Dancing for Love ~

On Tuesdays in February we will dance Yankadi and Makru, dances for courtship and love from the Susu people of Guinea, West Africa.
Learn some sultry moves to take home and
share with your sweetheart.

Thursdays we will dance Djolé, a celebratory dance
from the Timiné people of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Inspire the ones you love with your powerful new moves.

~Giving Back the Love ~

Sending out immense gratitude and love to some of my amazing teachers:
Check out this powerful dream team (click photos to enlarge) ~

Youssouf Koumbassa

Djeneba Sako

Dejenba Sako – she flies!

Moustapha Bangoura

Mamady Sano

Abdoulaye Sylla – May he rest in Peace

Mabiba Baegne (left), Djeneba Sako (right)

(Photos from Camp Fareta, July 2015)

More good things coming !

Connect with us on Facebook and help us spread the word

See you on the dance floor!
Peace and blessings

Thanking the Moon & Stars

07 Jan 2016 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

Happy New Year! I am still beaming from New Moon Rising on January 2nd. The very first show of the New Moon Ensemble was a fabulous success, thanks to an absolutely wonderful ensemble, and to the amazing community that showed up and packed the venue to the rafters!

~ Here are a few photos from New Moon Rising at Mayo St. Arts ~
from photographers, Sage Hayes and Tony Castro

It begins with a blessing and a song

Namory Keita tears it up!!

Special guest, Abou Sylla!!

I dedicated this performance with a prayer for the expansion of interconnections in community that celebrate diversity, and the creation of beautiful and transformative ways for us all to learn from one another. May there be ever-growing energy, action and change-making that benefit the good of all.

We sold out all the seats, and even the standing room for this show. For all who couldn’t make it in the door, there will be more! Meanwhile, come dance with us Tuesdays and Thursdays, and enjoy the beautiful grooves for yourself.
For weekly dance and drum class info, click HERE.

This month in class we are dancing Sinté on Tuesdays and Gumbé on Thursdays.
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram at: Embody The Rhythm

Here’s to the healing power of music and dance!

New Moon Rising!

11 Dec 2015 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Uncategorized

Click HERE for Dance & Drum Class Info for 2016

At the dawn of the new year, a new performance ensemble will bud in Portland. We hope you will join the New Moon Ensemble for our kick off celebration on January 2, at Mayo St. Arts. We’re excited to share an evening of rhythm, dance, community, and cultural exchange, and gather donations of clothing to be taken to Guinea, West Africa.

For tickets, click here: Brown Paper Tickets
Let us know you’re coming here:
Facebook Event Link

New Moon Ensemble rehearsal sneak peeks:

Working out some moves…

Wait til you hear these rhythms!

…you might just want to bust some moves too

Post rehearsal goofiness... Namory and Marita try to pose for a photo

Post rehearsal goofiness… Marita and Namory try to pose for a photo

Click HERE for our schedule of weekly classes

We are dancing Kassa on Tuesday nights and Sofa on Thursdays in December!

(No classes on Dec 24, 29 or 31)

The Winds of Change are Blowing…

08 Oct 2015 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates

Fresh winds are blowing, the colors outside are changing, and things are evolving and shifting too at Embody the Rhythm…

Click HERE for our schedule of weekly classes

Here’s a moment from our Thursday night class, last month ~

After long last, the formation of an official West African-Inspired Performance Ensemble is under way in Portland.
This exciting project is “under construction” as I build the ever-evolving, pop-up performances by Blue Moon Tribe into an official ensemble offering. Keep your eyes out for a kick off party for the newly-formed Blue Moon Tribe (same name, new form) in the coming months!

A small portion of the larger ensemble performed this past weekend, at the Biddeford Ball. I’m awaiting more photos, but in the meantime, here’s one of just a few of us, posted on Faces Maine ~

Dancers & Drummer from the Blue Moon Tribe

Gina, Marita, Alysia & Sandra ~ Blue Moon Tribe performers at the Biddeford Ball. Photo by Hannah Holmbom

Sandra & Adrian, Blue Moon Tribe Drummers at Biddeford Ball.

Early in September, Annegret Baier (another of our fabulous drummers) and I teamed up again for a presentation in a few Southern Maine schools. Here are a few highlights from that collaboration ~

Marita Kennedy-Castro & Annegret Baier perform for schools in Southern Maine. Photos by Danielle Peterson

We get the students and teachers dancing too!

An upcoming change to note for Tuesday Class:

On October 27th, there will be no Tuesday night beginner dance class. Drum classes will continue, with Namory Keita as usual, at the Woodford’s Club at 7:15pm.

On Tuesday November 3rd, beginner dance class will be held at Evo Rock & Fitness, at 65 Warren Ave in Portland. Class will begin at 5:30pm.

See you all on the dance floor!

Peace

Fresh Fall Air, Fresh New Moves & Fun Incentives

14 Sep 2015 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates

The days are beginning to cool down outside, but we are heating things up in the studio on Tuesday & Thursday nights!

Click HERE for our schedule of weekly classes

On Thursdays this month we’re celebrating the rhythm and dance Soko, from the Malinké people of Faranah, Guinea. Check out the video and preview Soko fun.

~ SPECIAL FALL INCENTIVES ~
SPREAD THE LOVE, BE THE LOVE, RECEIVE THE LOVE:

RAFFLE – Throughout the months of September & October, bring or send a total of 3 new friends to dance class on Tuesday (beginners) or Thursday (all-levels), and be entered into a raffle for a FREE month of classes for you! Please have them mention your name when checking in. All new student’s 1st class is 1/2 price.

DANCE CLASS PASSES – NOW VALID ON EITHER NIGHT!

FMI on Classes & Prices Click HERE

PRIVATE LESSONS – AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

NEW DANCE SESSIONS BEGIN EVERY MONTH ~ ALL ARE WELCOME!

Namory Keita and Lanssine Traore playing for Tuesday night dance class. Photo by Ben McCanna

Instructor Marita Kennedy-Castro leads a class in West African inspired dancing Tuesday, April 7, at The Woodfords Club in Portland.

Marita Kennedy-Castro instructing Tuesday night dance class at the Woodford’s Club. Photo by Ben McCanna.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES – The Blue Moon Tribe will bring some West African Inspired Grooves and Fire Dances to the Biddeford Ball fundraiser, on October 3rd.

Celebrating Mill Workers and raising funds to illuminate the historic Pepperell Mill Building in Biddeford, the Masquerade Ball will include an array of performance acts, a delicious feast of local foods and drinks, and a band to boogie to. Find more info and purchase tickets to the event, HERE.

With the changing seasons, and more exciting things coming up soon, this is a great time to share the dance and drum class experience.
See you all soon! Peace.

Dancing to Remember

08 Aug 2015 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates

Click Here for our Schedule of Weekly Classes

Come join the fun ~ We begin a new dance every month!

Freshly inspired by the incredible master teachers at Camp Fareta (annual West African dance and drum camp in California), I am excited to share Gumbé on Tuesdays this month, and Soli on Thursday nights.

Marita dancing at Camp Fareta – Photo by Dawn Cerf

Dancing at Camp Fareta – Photo by Dawn Cerf

This month I am dancing in honor and remembrance of our beloved teacher, Abdoulaye Sylla, who has so recently left this world. I am still stunned that he has passed, and give thanks for having been able to see and dance with him again, just a few weeks ago.

Abdoulaye had an incredible, lively spirit and energy. May he rest in peace, love, respect and harmony ~ the things he wished for everyone in the world ~ and may his spirit live on.

Dancing with Abdoulaye Sylla – Photo by Dawn Cerf

Dancing with Abdoulaye Sylla – Photo by Dawn Cerf

“Peace, love, respect, and harmony for everybody – Unity. Together. One.” ~ Abdoulaye Sylla (Photo by Dawn Cerf)

At Camp Fareta there are both beginner classes and intermediate/advanced classes in dancing and drumming every day, all day long.

There is a kid’s camp, offering amazing activities for the young ones while their parents take classes, the food is was delicious local, organic and made with love, the community is international, warm, open and beautiful.

I’d love to get a big group from Maine to come along next year!!

Photographer Dawn Serf captured the energy of the dance and drum classes so beautifully. Check out more of her beautiful photos at this link ~ Joyful West African Dancers at Camp Fareta 2015.

See you on the dance floor!

With love and gratitude.

Dancing from Coast to Coast

29 Jun 2015 Leave a comment

by danceswithfire in Monthly Dance Updates, Special Workshops

Click Here for our Dance & Drum Class Schedule

Portland is still buzzing from Mini Guinea Fest

One of the highlights was the celebration of Namory Keita’s move to Portland, and the moment Youssouf Koumbassa, Sayon Camara and Abou Sylla gave their blessings for his move here, and bestowed him to the Maine community.

Abou Sylla offers a blessings and officially bestows Namory Keita to his new home in Portland, ME

Our honored guests rocked the house with their incredible performances, including Theo Martey and Youssouf Koumbassa busting up the dance floor!

Akwaaba Ensemble performs

Theo Martey of Akwaaba Ensemble

Youssouf Koumbassa performing in Portland, ME in May 2015.

Namory Keita

It is truly a gift to have Namory in Maine. If you haven’t gotten to one of his drum classes yet, now’s a great time to start! New students always welcome. Every Tuesday 7:15pm, 179 Woodford St. in Portland.

See more beautiful moments from Mini Guinea Fest 2015, HERE

The month of June brought more special performances to Portland, including Seacoast West African Dance & Drum hosted by the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project at Old Port Festival on June 13~

And Portland’s Blue Moon Tribe, hosted by Friends of Congress Square Park for the Heart of Community Placemaking Launch on June 24 ~

This week I’m gearing up to head out to CA to study with master teachers Moustapha Bangoura, Abdoulaye Sylla, Djeneba Sako, Marie Basse-Wiles, Mabiba Baegne & Aziz Faye, Youssouf Koumbassa and many more, at Camp Fareta!

I’ll be building connections to bring more master artists to Maine in the future. I’m excited to bring back some wonderful energy to share with this community!

Come dance with me in class this Tuesday, June 30th, before I go.

There will be no class in Portland Thursday July 2nd ~ It’s a great night to pop down to Kittery for drum class with Namory Keita and dance class with Elizabeth Fowler and Seacoast West African Dance & Drum !

All other Portland classes are on, as usual.

We will have some wonderful subs for Tuesday classes (Janice Erickson) and Thursday class (Ashley Edmondson), until I return in mid July. Have so much fun with these lovely teachers!

Reminder: Now is the time to sign up for Dundun Dance and Fire Dancing Workshops in July & August. More details in last months blog (scroll down) or at the Facebook links provided below.

Click the class name for more info:

Dundun Dance Workshop Series

Fire Poi Dancing ~ A Beginner’s Series

Peace

What’s New:

Register for workshops or buy tickets for the performance in advance: http://m.bpt.me/event/2539581

More info: https://seacoastwestafricandanceanddrum.com/2016/04/17/mini-guinea-fest-in-kittery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/487503218122456/

What’s New:

DunDun Dance – April Workshops

Many more dundun dance videos to be found online

*

* Bring the Ritual of Dance & Drumming to Your Occasion

Guest Artists from Guinea Return to Maine, May 21!

*

Dancing Back to the Earth

I made this video in honor of our interconnection. The song is “Fala”, by Tom Diakuté, and the quote is from Anna Halprin. Photographers listed in video notes.

Tuesdays & Thursdays all year long.

If you’re ready to try West African Inspired Dance, 2016 is your time!

~ Spreading the Love ~ NEW special offers

~ Dancing for Love ~

~Giving Back the Love ~

More good things coming !

~ SPECIAL FALL INCENTIVES ~ SPREAD THE LOVE, BE THE LOVE, RECEIVE THE LOVE:

This week I’m gearing up to head out to CA to study with master teachers Moustapha Bangoura, Abdoulaye Sylla, Djeneba Sako, Marie Basse-Wiles, Mabiba Baegne & Aziz Faye, Youssouf Koumbassa and many more, at Camp Fareta!

Come dance with me in class this Tuesday, June 30th, before I go.

There will be *no class in Portland Thursday July 2nd* ~ It’s a great night to pop down to Kittery for drum class with Namory Keita and dance class with Elizabeth Fowler and Seacoast West African Dance & Drum !

All other Portland classes are on, as usual.

Reminder: Now is the time to sign up for Dundun Dance and Fire Dancing Workshops in July & August. More details in last months blog (scroll down) or at the Facebook links provided below.

Click the class name for more info:

Newsletter Archives

Content © 2011-2024 Embody the Rhythm

Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103 | (207) 200-4834

Register for workshops or buy tickets for the performance in advance:
http://m.bpt.me/event/2539581

More info:
https://seacoastwestafricandanceanddrum.com/2016/04/17/mini-guinea-fest-in-kittery/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/487503218122456/

*
Bring the Ritual of Dance & Drumming to Your Occasion

~ Spreading the Love ~
NEW special offers

~ SPECIAL FALL INCENTIVES ~
SPREAD THE LOVE, BE THE LOVE, RECEIVE THE LOVE:

There will be no class in Portland Thursday July 2nd ~ It’s a great night to pop down to Kittery for drum class with Namory Keita and dance class with Elizabeth Fowler and Seacoast West African Dance & Drum !