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Sovu Dancers

African Dance & Drum Classes

Updated December 15, 2003
For more information, contact Danny.

Public classes in Marin are not offered at this time. We're all in the middle of some big life-type changes, so classes will just have to wait until things settle down a bit. This page is still here only because I'm too sentimental to remove it! - Danny

Public classes are held at Creations Dance Studio in Fairfax, California (near San Rafael in Marin County). Drop-in students at any skill level are always welcome. Drop-in fee is $10 for dance class only, $15 for the drum workshop or both classes. Significant discounts are available if you pay by the month - ask us about it in class. We encourage dancers to participate in the music workshops - and drummers to learn some dancing - but it's not required. Classes are also open to teens and youngsters with approval of the instructor(s). There are no sessions -- start whenever you like.

African InstrumentsCan women drum? Can men dance? You betcha. In fact some of the dance-drumming traditions are strongly oriented towards female drummers and male dancers, and those folks are always in short supply. Most of our long-term members do both.

Directions: Creations Studio is located at 765 Center Blvd Suite E in Fairfax, California. Take 101 to Sir Francis Drake Blvd (just south of San Rafael). Exit and travel North on SFD into Fairfax. Turn left at Pastori Ave (just before downtown Fairfax), then right at Center Blvd. One Tribe is in the Fair-Anselm Plaza directly across from Albertson's market. Go around the back on the west end of the plaza building (behind Avatar) to find the studio. Check out these Yahoo maps for more details: global view and zoom view.

Description

Instructor

When
Dance Class

Learn traditional dances to live drumming. Dancers at all levels of experience (including none) are welcome. We teach dance styles from various West African ethnic groups, featuring exciting rhythms and close interaction with the drummers. And remember, in Africa men dance too! C'mon guys, this is a macho thing to do.
Thursdays, 7:30-9pm
Drum Workshop

Learn traditional sacred & secular music on native instruments. Students at all levels are welcome, including rank amateurs. Be prepared for a challenge; this is some of the most exciting and powerful music in West Africa. Whatever your musical talents, you'll be amazed at what you learn. All instruments are provided.
Thursdays, 6:30-10:00pm
Singing Workshop

Songs are a vital part of the African experience. Learn traditional songs in 6 native languages to accompany the dance repertoire. Think you can't sing? We'll prove you wrong. Songbooks provided (also available for purchase).
Currently integrated with Drum & Dance classes.

Other Classes and Special Events

If you'd like to host classes or a demonstration in your school, church or community center, contact Danny for details and references. We can provide instruments and costumes for dance performances as needed. You'll need a good sized room where we can play drums without disturbing anyone.

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Songs of West Africa Songbook/CD
Now on sale!

 

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