Dance Classes-Winter 2013

scroll down for class descriptions, benefits & student quotes, pictures & videos

All classes @ WOW Hall, 291 W. 8th Avenue in Eugene

African Dance Fundamentals & Core Strengthening (Beginning)
Designed specifically for beginning & emerging dancers! Taught by Andrea DiPalma Yansane with live drumming lead by Alseny Yansane

Moving to Wednesdays Feb 20th!
7:00-8:30 pm

5 pre-paid classes for $45
Drop-ins welcome @ $10 per class
$8 Students w/ valid ID

All-Levels African Dance
Excellent way to kick off your weekend with an encouraging community vibe and heart pounding and sweat producing dance moves all to the powerful beat of live drumming! Class taught by Alseny Yansane, authentic, source artist from Guinea.

Saturdays 
11:00 am-12:30 pm

Drop-ins welcome @ $12 per class
$10 Students w/ vaild ID

Class Descriptions
African dance Fundamentals & Core Strengthening (Beginning) taught by Andrea DiPalma Yansane with live drumming lead by Alseny Yansane is designed to give you everything you need to learn to become confident and fluid in the African dance form. Class will begin with a dynamic warm up that will ease you into the dance movements gradually building upon the complexity of the moves as you get warmer focusing on building core strength, "head tail" connection and other body awareness. Together we will continue to work the movements deeper adding layer by layer of movement nuances as you incorporate more and more of what you've learned.

You will learn about how intimately the dance movements are connected to the music, how to understand the poly-rhythmic dialog of the drums, where exactly you to lock into the driving beat and how the dances relate to West African culture. You will also experience a learning atmosphere that is open, encouraging and supportive of all levels and experiences.

Saturday All-Levels African Dance is a lively and exciting class pace with fantastic live drumming featuring source percussionist Ibrahim Sylla and Eugene’s own drum crew! Choreography is broken down step by step to help beginning dancers catch on while keeping class flowing for more experienced dancers. Heart pounding aerobic choreography is developed by dancing one part at a time in lines moving toward the drummers, building complexity by adding one layer at a time.

Class benefits:
Confidence in African dance form
Feel energized
Connect with a caring and encouraging community
Improved flexibility, strength & endurance
Proper body alignment, improved poster & position
Ability to recognize the various dances, rhythm names, & cultural significance
Increased fluidity with movements & transitioning from one move to the next
A deeper sense accomplishment dancing in the African dance form
Freedom to jump out in the solo circle & improvise

"African dance is a beautifully complex invitation to move your body and enliven your spirit. When I started taking classes with Alseny and Andrea at LCC, I had no experience with this form of Dance. It was fun and challenging to learn how to move my body in poly-rhythmic patterns and to express my spirit in the supportive environment that Alseny and Andrea strive to create.  Every recognized form of Dance has its unique fundamentals and African Dance is no exception. Taking an African dance class that focuses on those fundamentals will be a basket of cultural enrichment. I recommend this class for anyone who wishes to improve their style as well as for beginners who want to get a great start. I recognize that I feel the best in my artistry when I am really utilizing the key components that create the foundations of this Dance form." Jillian S.

"I have always been intrigued by dance. I've many years of my life exploring many different styles of the art form. After taking my first class with Alseny and Andrea I was hooked. Their passion and dedication to sharing West African Drum and dance with others really shines in the classroom. They share their knowledge of the cultural significance as well as the importance of the relationship between drumming and dancing. They create a comfortable, fun, and inspirational learning environment for dancers of all levels. West African Dance has been a very positive influence on my life. I am truelly blessed to have the opportunity to learn from Alseny and Andrea. I hope more people in this world discover the beauty and joy of West African dancing and drumming." Amanda B.

Alseny and Andrea execute dance movements with strength and grace. They are friendly, patient and encouraging and excellent at nurturing beginning dancers by breaking down the steps while simultaneously challenging more advanced students to push their edge and become stronger dancers.

These classes are perfect for beginning and experienced dancers alike. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or just get a good work out these classes are for you! All workshops will be accompanied by live drumming.