Friday, December 29, 2006

Re: [Wadabo_updates] Fatou Dance classes cancelled - Sat/Mon Dec 30, Jan 2

I will be away from December 27 through January 19. My email access will
be limited. Thank you for your patience during this time and happy new
year!

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A full listing of regularly held West African Dance and Drum classes taught by master artists in and around Boston can be found at our website:
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WADaBo is an entirely volunteer effort, if you would like to help out in anyway, please contact wadabo@gmail.com
WADaBo is a collective of individuals interested in promoting and enjoying Dance, Drum, Music, Language and Culture from West African and the Diaspora
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[Wadabo_updates] Fatou Dance classes cancelled - Sat/Mon Dec 30, Jan 2

Hello All -

FYI for any of you still in town this New Year's weekend:

Fatou has cancelled the next two classes at Be One Saturday 12/30/06 and Monday 1/1/07. Please spread the word. Also please continue to support her long trips from NYC to keep Joh's classes going until the end of January. She will resume teaching on Saturday, 1/6/07.
Thanks and enjoy your New Year's weekend and celebrations. Peace in 2007.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Call for artists & Alvin Ailey FREE performance

Dear African Dance and Drum Community,
Hope the holidays are being enjoyed by all!

In this email:

1- Call for Music and Dance Artists

2 - Alvin Ailey Dance Across the City free concert at the Strand Theatre
*******************************************************************************************

1 - Call to Music and Dance Artists

The Somerville Human Rights Commission is seeking
performers for our fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr.
Day celebration. Held at the East Somerville
Community School, this city-sponsored event features
speakers, performances, and awards honoring the spirit
of Dr. King's work.

Date: January 15, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: East Somerville Community School, 115 Pearl
Street, Somerville

We invite local artists (preferably musicians or
dancers) to perform either solo or in groups for TWO
slots of 10-15 minutes each. Unfortunately, all
speakers and performers are unpaid - sorry! This is,
however, a great opportunity to have your work seen by
a diverse audience of approximately 250 people,
including local officials and community leaders.
Please consider donating your time to help us honor
the legacy of Dr. King and the work of local civil
rights advocates and activists.

To inquire further, please contact: Mary Lu Mendonca
at 617-625-6600 x2165 or
mmendonca@ci.somerville.ma.us.

2 - Alvin Ailey Dance Across the City free concert at the Strand Theatre

Alvin Ailey Dance Across the City
Friday, Jan 5
7:00 pm
Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road
Dorchester

FREE performance at the Strand as part of Dance Across the City Day.
Featuring showcase performances by the Boston Ballet, Pilobolus,
the Boston Arts Academy and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Members of the Ailey Company will perform their signature work, "Revelations."

To Reserve free tickets call (617) 598-3201 (celebrity series).
You must call and be on the list in order to pick up your tickets.
We cannot take orders here.

Maximum of 6 tickets per person. Tickets are general admission with no assigned seating.
After placing the order, please allow 2 business days to pick-up your tickets.

Pick-up your tickets in Room 802 from 9 am to 5 pm on December 27, 28, 29 or January 3, 4.
Tickets can also be picked up at the Strand Box Office on Jan. 3, 4 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Tickets not picked up by Jan. 4 @ 5 pm will be released to the general public at the
Strand Box Office on Friday, Jan. 5 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Friday, December 22, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Sad News - Alexandria Ferdinand

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I have to bear the news
that our friend, fellow dancer, amazing artist & blessed woman
Alexandria Ferdinand
passed away on Tuesday, December 19th
due to complications with an on-going heart condition.

This happened while she was doing what she did best:
teaching dance.

Her family is in need of our help!
They have set up the
Alexandria Ferdinand Memorial Fund
to help with the costs of the funeral. Any money given over those costs will be donated to a charity
that her family feels Alex would have supported. If you want to dontate contact:
Cambridge Teacher's Federal Credit Union
459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
617.492.3212 tel.

The Wake is Friday, December 29th, 4pm-8pm
at Roger's funeral Home
380 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141
617.876.8964 tel.

The Funeral is Saturday, December 30th, at 9am
at St. John's Roman Catholic Church
2254 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA
617.547.4880 tel.

Both of these events are open to all in the miriad of communities
that Alex lived, worked and danced with who want to honor her.

If any more information surfaces about these or other events I will post another email.
Peace to all during the holidays, keep Alex and her family in your thoughts & prayers.
Darya

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Guest Teacher - Fatou Keita from Mali

hello all!
so it is that time of year again. Joh has left for Mali for the holidays.
However, we have a wonderful guest teacher to fill in for him on Mondays
and Saturdays, and to fill in for Seydou until he returns.
Fatou Keita, from Mali, has danced with the major dance troupes in
Bamako, Mali, including the renowned Troupe District du Bamako. We're
lucky to have a wonderful female teacher filling in for us, and it would
be great to show her the packed classes we can bring in Boston!
Fatou will also teach Seydou's Wednesday class this week (Dec 20th).
Seydou will be back after Christmas, and may even teach on the 27th of
December. He will be back for sure on the 3rd of January.
See you all on the dance floor!
_______________________________________________
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Subscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:
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Monday, December 11, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Lamine Toure & Group Saloum THURSDAY!

Dear African Dance and Drum Community,

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND... Group Saloum has ONE MORE show at the Lizard Lounge before Lamine leaves for Senegal!!

LAMINE TOURE & GROUP SALOUM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 at 9:30pm

"Soul Low" (early show) with The Grownup Noise at 8:00pm (free)!!

The Lizard Lounge

1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

(between Harvard and Porter Squares)

cover charge: $10 at door (21+ show)

$8 in advance (www.virtuous.com)

Group Saloum is: Lamine Toure (sabar and lead vocals), Thiokho Diagne (sabar), Michael Lewis (drums), Raja Kassis (lead guitar), Akili Jamal Haynes (bass and backing vocals), Patricia Tang (keyboards and violin), Kimani Lumsden (percussion), Josiah Woodson (trumpet, flute and guitar), Iginaijah Maxwell (backing vocals), John Vanderpool (sax) and Sarah Privler (trombone).

For more info, visit www.laminetoure.com or www.myspace.com/groupsaloum

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Cape Verdean Dance

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,
In the next few emails are several opportunties to study and witness dance and music from the African Diaspora.
Enjoy!

**********************************************************************************************
1 - Cape Verdean Music & Dance

*******************************************************************
*       Cape Verdean Music and Dance Workshop Demonstration       *
*                     featuring *** LURA! ***                     *
*             Tuesday, December 12th, 3:00 - 5:00 PM              *
* Thompson Room, Barker Center, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA *
*******************************************************************

This workshop demonstration will feature Lura, one of Cape Verde's most
famous singer-dancers, and her spectacular band of legendary Cape
Verdean musicians. Lura's distinctly Cape Verdean style ranges from ballads to
batuku, a traditional women's genre, to funana, an energizing dance
gaining in popularity throughout West Africa. After the demonstration,
join members of the local Cape Verdean community for Cape Verdean
refreshments and discussion. If you have an interest in music, dance,
the African diaspora, the Lusophone world, or community outreach, this
event is for you!

This event is free and open to the general public. Sponsors: the
Department of African and African American Studies, the Harvard African
Students Association, and the Cape Verdean Creole Institute.

Contact: Carla Martin, cdmartin@fas.harvard.edu

More information about Lura:
http://www.luracriola.com
http://www.worldmusic.org/concerts_event_indiv.php?p_seq=564
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiKxQeDkn58
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjtHrw9lbxU

Boston Globe review:
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2005/09/14/alluring_lura_goes_all_out_with_intense_cape_verdean_flair/

Directions:
http://www.harvard.edu/community/transportation.html

Monday, December 04, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Senegalese Music & Dance Performance this weekend, 12/09

Kisssima Diabate & Pape N'Diaye present
NDAJE
Saturday, December 9th at 8pm
At the Julie Ince Thompson Theatre at The Dance Complex

Two powers of Senegal, West Africa, "Ndaje", come together,
to create a spectacular performance of African drum and dance arts.
Featuring the Boston premier performance
of Sengalese music from Doomou Africa.
Also featuring African dance performances, choreographed by Kissima Diabate & Pape N'Diaye,
with special guest artists from Boston, New York, and Vermont.
Tickets are $15/ $13 students.
The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass. Ave. Central Sq. Cambridge -
www.DanceComplex.org for directions.

Monday, November 27, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Harvard Pan-African Dance and Drum Ensemble Event

Come check out Harvard’s Pan African Dance and Drum Ensemble featuring Master Drummer Joh Camara! We have performances throughout the year and will be closing this show on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Hope to see you there!

DanceShowcaseOne

The Many Styles of Dance at Harvard University

December 1 & 2, 2006

8pm

Harvard Dance Center

60 Garden Street

Cambridge, MA

An invitational performance by Harvard Student Groups

Bhangra Dance Program

Harvard Ballroom Team

Harvard Ballet Company

Harvard Crimson Dance Team

Harvard Early Music Society

HR Dance Company

Pan-African Dance and Drum Ensemble

South Asian Dance Company

Enjoy Rhumba, ChaCha, Classical, Contemporary, French,

Baroque, African, Funk, Asian, Jazz, and much more!

Tickets available through the Harvard Box Office

617-496-2222

$8.00 general admission

$5.00 students and Seniors

[Wadabo_updates] Sabar show December 2!

Dear African Drum & Dance Community,

Lamine Touré and his sabar drum ensemble will be giving a free concert this coming Saturday. Come out and enjoy the drumming!!

R A M B A X

MIT Senegalese Drumming Ensemble

Directed by Lamine Touré

Featuring special guests!

Saturday, December 2 8:00pm

Lobdell - 2nd floor, Stratton Student Center

84 Mass. Ave., Cambridge

Free and open to the public

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] African Turkey

Dear African dance and drum community,

A lthough many of you will not be in the area for the holiday, for those of you are here and

who do want to dance this week/ weekend there are plenty of opportunities. This list is to

the best of our knowledge - you should contact the teachers directly if you have questions.

Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

WILL BE HELD: Tuesday Astou Dance Complex

Wednesday Seydou (Joh Camara) Dance Complex

Saturday Deraldo (Samba class) Dance Complex

Saturday Fatou N'Diaye (Pape N'Diaye) Dance Complex

Sunday Reynaldo Gonzalez Dance Complex

Sunday Astou Dance Complex

Sunday Pape N'Diaye Camb YWCA

CANCELLED: Wednesday Deraldo (Capoeira) Dance Complex

Friday Fatou Carol Dance Complex

Friday Pape N'Diaye Camb YWCA

Saturday Jean Appolon Dance Complex

Saturday Deraldo (Capoeira) Dance Complex

Saturday Chuvicso (Capoeira) Dance Complex

Saturday Joh Camara BeOne Studio

Sunday Jean Appolon (Modern) Dance Complex

Sunday Wilmayer Marcelin Dance Complex

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] TWO Performances of Dance & Drum from Ghana 11/20

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,

There are TWO performances of Music & Dance from Ghana, West Africa

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

FEATURING VISITING ARTISTS EMMANUEL & VICTOR AGBELI

1 - Performance & discussion of Ewe Drumming and Dance with Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

Monday, November 20th, 1:30pm

David Friend Recital Hall at Tufts University (www.tufts.edu)

Emmanuel and Victor Agbeli will lead an exciting performance and discussion of the indigenous music of the Ewe people of southern Ghana and Togo. Please contact Joe Galeota at jagdrums@comcast.net for more information.

2 - Berklee West African Drum & Dance Ensemble presents The Golden Stool; The Music of the Ashanti Nation - Featuring Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

Monday, November 20th, 8:15pm

Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave (at Boylston street), Boston (www.berkleebpc.com)

Directed by Joe Galeota, with special guests Emmanuel and Victor Agbeli, Cherie Rivers, & Karen Carlington, The Berklee West African Drum & Dance Ensemble will present an evening of music from the Ashanti Nation. Please contact Joe Galeota at jagdrums@comcast.net for more information.

Monday, November 13, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] African Dance & Drum This Week:

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,
If you want more African Dance and Music in your life -
This is your week!!!

In this email:
Dance classes, Drum classes, Performances - More info at www.WADaBo.com -

1 - Sabar classes with Paa Seck & Talla Gnom (Senegal) 11/16 & 17
2 - Dance & Drum Classes with Victor & Emmanuel Agbeli (Ghana) 11/18 & 19
3 - Dance Class with Kissima Diabate (Senegal) 11/18
4 - BENEFIT DRUM CIRCLE for folks in Guinea 11/18
5 - Performance with Group Saloum (Lamine Toure, Senegal) 11/16
6 - Performance & Lecture with Agbeli Bothers (Ghana) 11/20

*************************************************************************************************************************************

1 - Lamine Toure presents Sabar Dance Classes with Paa Seck & Talla Ngom

Thursday, November 16th 6:30pm-8:00pm (Lamine Toure's class)
At the Dance Complex 536 Mass Ave, Central Sq. Cambridge

Friday, November 17th 7:30pm-9:00pm (Pape N'Diaye's class)
At the Cambridge YWCA, 7 Temple St., Central Sq. Cambridge

Two days of Sabar dance classes with master teachers Paa Seck and Talla Ngom, featuring drumming by guest artist Moha Seck. Paa, Talla, and Moha are originally from the Kaolack region of Senegal, West Africa and are part of Lamine Toure's extended family. Classes are $12 per student. Classes will have live accompaniment by master Sabar drum artists. All are welcome. For more information please contact 617.416.2323.

2 - Dance and Drum from Ghana – classes with Victor & Emmanuel Agbeli

Saturday, November 18th Drum Class 1:30-3:00pm
At Berklee College of Music 1140 Boylston St, Room Z (basement), Boston

Sunday, November 19th Dance Class 1:30-3:00pm
At the Dance Complex 536 Mass Ave, Central Sq., Cambridge

Come and learn Ewe Dance and Drum with the Gahnaian dance masters! Classes are $12/student and are open to all levels of dancers & drummers. Please contact Joe Galeota at jagdrums@comcast.net for more information.

Emmanuel Agbeli and Victor Agbeli are both Ewe Master drummer and dancers from the Volta Region (south) of Ghana, West Africa. They received their drum and dance training from their father, Godwin Agbeli, who was the principal drummer for the Arts Council of Ghana Folkloric Company for many years. For the past eight years they have served as leaders of the Dagbe Cultural Center in their rural hometown village, Kopeyia. The center offers education in traditional Ghanaian music and culture.

3 - Dance Class with Kissima Diabate

Saturday, November 18th 4:30pm-6:00pm
At the Dance Complex 536 Mass Ave, Central Sq. Cambridge.

This Saturday, Kissima Diabate (above), teach Fatou's class on Saturday at the Dance Complex (Djembe). The class will focus on the dances from Senegal, West Africa. Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Kissima Diabate is a former member of the Senegalese national dance company, Ballet La Linguire.

$12 per student. Class will have live accompaniment by master African drum artists. All are welcome.

For more information please contact 617.427.5160

While Sister Fatou is making the pilgrimage to Mecca and visiting with her family in Senegal, her Saturday dance class at the Dance Complex will still be going strong with master classes taught by local and visiting artists. We wish Fatou a safe journey and look forward to her return in March 2007.

4 - Benefit Drum Circle, Boston Community Action for Guinea

Saturday, November 18, Noon – 5:00PM,
at The DrumConnection Workshop Space, The Gibbs School, Tufts Street, Arlington, MA 02474 tel: 781-316-8068

Please plan on joining us if you can. All money raised by this event will go directly to efforts in Africa to keep people alive. Bring your drums, rattles, dununs, bells and we'll make it a pot-luck. Maybe some classes can prepare a few rhythms to perform. Wine and cheese/crackers will be served. Doctors, drug companies: I need help with collecting broad spectrum antibiotics for my trip. All help and legal assistance in this endeavor appreciated.

Dear Drum Community - As many of you know, some of us in The DrumConnection travel yearly to Guinea, West Africa. Conditions are much worse than earlier years. In the past few years, I personally have seen the disease and death and felt the pain of the people there. Two days after my birthday, this story comes to me to keep me focused on the work we need to do there. Remember... the music of the drums most of you play comes from West Africa. Once again, this year, I will be traveling back to Africa to be a part of the music, dance and song. But I will also be a part of the poverty and the desperation. I hope that many of my friends will still be alive.

I have decided to have a fund raiser next weekend Saturday, November 18th at The DrumConnection Studios, Arlington, MA USA We are planning a drum jam, I will teach a few new rhythms and facilitate the event. I will also show some of my film footage of recent trips highlighting the beautiful and intense music of Guinea. We will celebrate Famoudou Konate, Mamady Keita, Wadaba Kourouma.

-Alan Tauber

5 - Lamine Toure presents Group Saloum

Featuring special guests Paa Seck, Talla Ngom, & Moha Seck (Senegal)

Thursday, November 16th 9pm at the Lizard Lounge

Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA (between Harvard sq. & Porter sq.)

6 - Ewe Drumming and Dance with Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

Monday, November 20th, 1:30pm

David Friend Recital Hall at Tufts University

Thursday, November 09, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Dance & Music Performances in December

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,
These performances and class opportunities in December should not be missed
by anyone interested in African & African-rooted
Dance and Music Arts:

1 - Ronald K. Brown presents Evidence
     Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2 at 8pm

2 - Master Class with Ronald K. Brown
     Saturday, December 2, 9:30am-12noon

3 - Kissima Diabate & Pape N'Diaye present
NDAJE, a Live African Music Concert
      Saturday, December 9th at 8pm
********************************************************************************************************************

1 - Ronald K. Brown Evidence Friday & Saturday, December 1 & 2 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre - Tickets & information call WorldMusic/CrashArts at 617.876.4275 or visit www.CRASHarts.org . Blending African, modern, ballet and hip-hop dance styles, Ronald K. Brown's powerful choreography offers finely crafted, exquisitely danced stories about heritage, truth, destiny and humankind's desire to liberate the spirit within.

2 - Master Class with Ron Brown, Saturday, December 2, 9:30am-12noon at the Dance Complex.
Class is $20. Call 617.876.4274 to pre-register. For more information visit www.CRASHarts.org .
The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass. Ave. Central Sq. Cambridge - www.DanceComplex.org for directions.

3 - Kisssima Diabate & Pape N'Diaye present NDAJE, Saturday, December 9th at 8pm - Two powers of Senegal, West Africa, "Ndaje", come together, to create a spectacular performance of African drum and dance arts at The Dance Complex. Featuring the Boston premier performance of Sengalese music from Doomou Africa. Also featuring African dance performances, choreographed by Kissima Diabate & Pape N'Diaye, with special guest artists from Boston, New York, and Vermont. Tickets are $15/ $13 students. The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass. Ave. Central Sq. Cambridge - www.DanceComplex.org for directions.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Haitian Dance Workshop Weekend with Jean Appolon - next wekend!

Dear African Dance & Drum Communtiy,
This is a reminder that
NEXT WEEKEND

In Honor of Our Ancestors,

Jean Appolon Presents Gede! An Intensive Workshop

on Haitian Folkloric Dance and Culture

Saturday, November 11th & Sunday, November 12th, 3:00-6:00pm

At the Dance Complex, 536 Mass Ave, Central Square, Cambridge

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

To register email daryamarusa@yahoo.com.

Please inlcude your full name, day(s) you would like to attend and your telephone number in the email.

Don't until the last minute, there are limited slots available!!

A complete description of the workshop is available at:

www.JeanAppolon.com.

$60.00 for entire 2-session workshop

$30.00 for Saturday or Sunday ONLY (one class)

$70.00/$35.00 if registered after 11/09

Friday, November 03, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Dance Classes with KISSIMA DIABATE - THIS WEEKEND!

Dear African Dance and Drum Community,

Kissima Diabate
will be teaching classes in Central Sq. this weekend:

Tomarrow!!
Saturday, November 4th - Fatou's class (Djembe)
4:30-6:00pm at the Dance Complex, $12

Sunday, November 5th - Pape's class (Sabar)
6:00-7:30pm at the Cambridge YWCA, $12

Kissima Diabate - Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Kissima Diabate is a former member of the Senegalese national dance company, Ballet La Linguire. We are fortunate to have Kissima visiting the area; Kissima has taught in Boston on many occasions to rave reviews. Don't miss out!

The Dance Complex 536 Mass Ave Cambridge, MA
www.dancecomplex.org

The Cambridge YWCA 7 Temple Street, Cambridge, MA

Sunday, October 29, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Dance Classes with Kissima Diabate - all this week!!

Dear African Dance and Drum Community,

Kissima Diabate
will be teaching classes in Central Sq. this weekend and next weekend:

Tomarrow! Sunday October 29th - Astou's class
3:00-4:30pm at the Dance Complex, $12

Saturday, November 4th - Fatou's class
4:30-6:00pm at the Dance Complex, $12

Sunday, November 5th - Pape's class
6:00-7:30pm at the Cambridge YWCA, $12

Kissima Diabate - Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Kissima Diabate is a former member of the Senegalese national dance company, Ballet La Linguire. We are fortunate to have Kissima visiting the area; Kissima has taught in Boston on many occasions to rave reviews. Don't miss out!

The Dance Complex 536 Mass Ave Cambridge, MA
www.dancecomplex.org

The Cambridge YWCA 7 Temple Street, Cambridge, MA

Thursday, October 26, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Good-bye to Fatou N'Diaye with Abdoulaye Sylla

Dear African Dance and Drum Community,
Our mother and teacher,
Fatou N'Diaye
will be leaving us this Sunday, October 29th until March of 2007.

Although we will miss her dearly,
we are happy for her opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Mecca
and to spend the following months with her family in Europe and Senegal.
Fatou would like to thank everyone in the community who has supported her.
Please join us in saying "Bon Voyage" and to bless her travels and religious path.

Come to wish Fatou well at the master class
with Abdoulaye Sylla
teaching the exquisite dance arts of Guinea, West Africa
This Saturday, October 28th 4:30-6:00pm
At the Dance Complex, $12
with live drumming by master artists.

Don't worry, while Fatou is away we will have a series of master classes
taught by local and visiting dance masters.
You can look forward to up-coming classes with: Pape N'Diaye, Kissima Diabate, Sekou Sylla, Abdoulaye Sylla and many more gifted teachers!!

Abdoulaye Sylla was a principal dancer and percussionist with Les Ballets Africains, the national dance troupe of the Republic of Guinea, from 1989 to 1994 and a principal dancer, percussionist, and the director of technique for Les Merveilles D'Afrique, a private folkloric troupe which trains dancers for the national company, from 1986 through 1994. He has performed, toured, and taught traditional dance throughout Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Travel to Senegal with Fatou Carol Sylla & Sadio Diatta Rosche

A SPECIAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE TO SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA;

AN ARTS BASED, GRASSROOTS, CULTURAL EMERSION STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

JAN. 5-19 OR JULY 9-24, 2007
Information session & Course Overview below:

Goree Island, Senegal

INFORMATION SESSION OCTOBER 21, 2006

Fatou-Carol Sylla and Lesley University invite you to an information session to learn more about A SPECIAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE TO SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA, offering programs in 2007 both in January and July. This is a two-week arts based program that focuses on traditional dance and music in their cultural contexts, with a three undergraduate or graduate credit option through Lesley University. This program, created and led by Fatou-Carol Sylla in conjunction with Sadio Rosche, Dr. Cheikh Sene of Suffolk University/Dakar Campus and Fotigue Toure, music director of the National Theater Group of Senegal, is in its 21st. year!

Come learn what is in store for 2007. Travel in January or July!

Sat. October 21, 2006

from 1:00 - 2:30 PM

416 Porter Exchange Building

Lesley University

Porter Sq., Cambridge, MA

RSVP not necessary but greatly appreciated.

To RSVP or for more information including payment deadlines call Fatou-Carol at 617-868-6193.

Please check out a video clip from the most recent trip in July 2006 at:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=village+parade&hl=en

Course Overview below:

A SPECIAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE:

DANCE, MUSIC AND CULTURE IN SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA

January 5-19, 2007 or

July 9-24, 2007

West Africa is rich with humanistic culture that is transferred from generation to generation through its art forms. This course will offer students a Senegalese grass-roots cultural emersion experience. Students will explore the roles dance, music and the integrated arts play in traditional West African culture. Students will study dance and drumming and participate in arts based cultural activities allowing students the opportunity to develop artistically as well as to explore West African culture on an experiential level. Students will also be exposed to historical, geo-political and religious influences on Senegal today by attending lectures with university professors.

This exciting two-week study abroad program will be based for one week in the Casamance, a geographically isolated region in the southern most part of Senegal, known as the "Garden of Senegal". This is a rural area, in which traditional rituals and an animistic spiritual cosmology are still prevalent.

The beautiful and very historic Goree Island will be home to students during the second week of this cultural emersion experience. Goree Island is a village hundreds of years old and home to the Slave House Museum, which stands as a reminder of the exportation of West Africans as slaves from her shores. It also offers an artistic, research and cosmopolitan environment, due to its proximity (a twenty minute ferry ride) to Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

While in Senegal students will have the opportunity to:

Study indigenous dance and drumming in their traditional contexts as well as with members of the National Ballet of Senegal.

Participate in community drum and dance festivities/rituals

Attend lectures on historical, geo-political, and Islamic influences on Senegalese culture as well as the on Arts and Spirituality in Senegal

Visit the Slave House and Ifa Museum, the University of Dakar as well as attend a National Ballet rehearsal and/or performance.

Meet with a traditional practitioner, watch artisans at work, and visit traditional open markets in Ziginchor, Casamance and on Goree Island.

Fatou- Carol Sylla founded A Special Cultural Exchange in 1985 and has organized and led West African arts based, grassroots study abroad programs for almost two decades in Senegal, Guinea and Guinea Bissau, including several years for Bradford College. She does this in conjunction with Sadio Diatta Rosche, international artist and tour organizer in her native Casamance, Fotigue Toure, music director of the National Theater Group of Senegal, Cheikh Sene, professor at Suffolk University/Dakar Campus, as well as many other artists and family members.

For more information on the January or July Program please call Fatou-Carol at 617-868-6193

or email underthesundandd@hotmail.com.

For fees and payment schedule, please open attachment.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

[Wadabo_updates] Lamine Toure & Group Saloum this THURSDAY!

Lamine Toure and Group Saloum

at the Lizard Lounge

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 @ 9:30pm & 11:30pm (2 sets)

1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

(between Harvard and Porter Squares)

cover charge: $10 at door (21+ show)

$8 in advance (www.virtuous.com)

"Soul Low" (early show) w/ ZULA HOOP at 8:00pm (free)!

For more info, visit www.laminetoure.com or www.myspace.com/groupsaloum

[Wadabo_updates] Gede! An Intensive Workshop on Haitian Dance & Culture

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,
Yes, it is that time of year again.

In Honor of Our Ancestors,

Jean Appolon Presents Gede! An Intensive Workshop

on Haitian Folkloric Dance and Culture

Saturday, November 11th & Sunday, November 12th, 3:00-6:00pm

At the Dance Complex, 536 Mass Ave, Central Square, Cambridge

Master dancer/choreographer, Jean Appolon, presents a two-day intensive workshop on Haitian folkloric dance and culture. The series will focus on the Haitian folkloric dances performed during Gede Season, a time of celebration and homage for ancestors in Haitian culture. Mr. Appolon's course will feature Dunham & Horton techniques in a daily warm-up and Haitian folkloric technique & choreography in two 3 hour sessions. Each class will also include assigned readings and discussions of the Gede (ancestor) traditions relevant to the featured dances. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a Gede celebration hosted by the local Haitian community on Saturday night, 11/11. All classes will be accompanied by live percussion played by Haitian drum masters. Some dance experience is required, please ask for details. Answers to FAQs below.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

$60.00 for entire 2-session workshop

$30.00 for Saturday or Sunday ONLY (one class)

$70.00/$35.00 if registered after 11/09

To register call 617.909.4489 or email daryamarusa@yahoo.com.

Please Visit www.JeanAppolon.com.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1: How are these workshops different from his regular, weekly class?

The extended length of the workshop classes will allow for more detailed explanations of both the Dunham/Horton and Haitian movement techniques and illustrate their interrelatedness in Haitian performance. In addition to an expanded study of traditional Haitian dance technique and movement, Mr. Appolon will teach short sets of dance choreography, which will allow for the students to 'get a feel' for the dance steps and develop a firm foundation in Haitian movement sensibilities.

The workshop classes will also include discussions of Haitian Gede Season celebrations and dance genres, specifically their relationships to the Haitian Voudun traditions. Mr. Appolon would like to educate the participants about Voudun traditions in order to illustrate Haiti's rich culture and to create understanding about the nature and texture of the dances. The overarching goal of the workshop is to engender a more informed dance community and to provide a space for all community members (teachers, drummers and students) to learn and grow together.

All participants are invited to attend a Gede celebration hosted by the local Haitian community on the evening of Saturday, November 11^th. This will allow the student to see the traditions explored within the classroom as they are joyously enacted in the community. Transportation will be arranged.

2: What are Dunham and Horton techniques?

Dunham technique was created by Katherine Dunham to train the body specifically for the rigors of African traditional dance genres. Dunham's specialty was Afro-Caribbean dance genres, particularly Haitian Folkloric dance. In essence, Dunham technique was created to develop Haitian movement and performance skills in the professional dancer. Horton Technique was created by Lester Horton, which focuses on developing core strength and symmetrical balance in the body. Alvin Ailey was a student of Lester Horton and used this technique throughout his career. Both of these techniques are used by professional dancers of African and African-rooted genres (and all contemporary dance) to condition and train the body.

3: What about registration and payment?

· $60.00 for entire 2-session workshop, $30.00 for Saturday or Sunday only (one class).

· $70.00 after November 9, $35.00 for one class after November 9.

· Half payment is due at registration; The remainder of the total fee is due at the workshop.

Registration deposits will not be refunded if cancellation notice is given after November 9. Only cash, money orders and personal checks will be accepted.

For information & to register call 617.909.4489 or email daryamarusa@yahoo.com.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Friday, December 22, 2006

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Monday, December 11, 2006

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Monday, December 04, 2006

Monday, November 27, 2006

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Dear African Dance & Drum Community,

1 - Performance & discussion of Ewe Drumming and Dance with Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

David Friend Recital Hall at Tufts University (www.tufts.edu)

2 - Berklee West African Drum & Dance Ensemble presents The Golden Stool; The Music of the Ashanti Nation - Featuring Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave (at Boylston street), Boston (www.berkleebpc.com)

Monday, November 13, 2006

1 - Lamine Toure presents Sabar Dance Classes with Paa Seck & Talla Ngom

2 - Dance and Drum from Ghana – classes with Victor & Emmanuel Agbeli

3 - Dance Class with Kissima Diabate

4 - Benefit Drum Circle, Boston Community Action for Guinea

5 - Lamine Toure presents Group Saloum

Thursday, November 16th 9pm at the Lizard Lounge

6 - Ewe Drumming and Dance with Emmanuel & Victor Agbeli

David Friend Recital Hall at Tufts University

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Saturday, November 04, 2006

In Honor of Our Ancestors,

Jean Appolon Presents Gede! An Intensive Workshop

on Haitian Folkloric Dance and Culture

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Friday, November 03, 2006

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

In Honor of Our Ancestors,

Jean Appolon Presents Gede! An Intensive Workshop

on Haitian Folkloric Dance and Culture

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS WORKSHOP

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