[Wadabo_updates] 2 NEW Contemporary Dance Classes with Wendy Jehlen

Contemporary Dance
with Wendy Jehlen

Wednesdays 9:30-11am at the Dance Complex
for 8 weeks
Jan 21-March 11
pre-register for all 8 classes for $80,
$12 per class drop-in

Mondays 6-7:30pm at Green Street Studios
for 8 weeks
Feb 2-March 23
pre-register for all 8 classes for $80,
$12 per class drop-in

more info: wendy@akhra.org
617 861 7930

This class will incorporate elements of Modern Dance, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi (South Indian classical dance), yoga, Capoeira and African Dance. We will work with new choreography each week as well as developing phrases over several weeks. Dancers of all backgrounds are welcome, however students need previous dance experience.

Wendy Jehlen is a Contemporary dancer/choreographer, whose unique approach to movement incorporates elements of a wide range of dance and movement styles.   Wendy has studied the South Indian dance forms of Bharata Natyam, Odissi and Kuchipudi since childhood.  She has also studied Butoh, Capoeira, African dance and a wide-range of Modern and Contemporary dance styles.  Wendy has taught Contemporary dance workshops in the US, Japan and India and is on the faculty of the Triveni School of Dance in Brookline.  She has performed her choreography in the United States, Europe, India and Japan.
"more than dance"  – India Today

www.akhra.org/anikaiweb

[Wadabo_updates] Uhuru Africa events: NYC 1/23, Cambridge 2/21

Dear African Dance & Music Community, 

Thursday January 22nd 2009

Uhuru Afrika proudly presents the return of BEMBE

Featuring Artist, DJ & Producer
CARLOS MENA
Oakland, CA : Ocha / Yoruba Records

With Uhuru Afrika Resident Selectors:
ADAM GIBBONS : Boston : Uhuru Afrika, Soul Revival
MAX PELA : Santo Domingo : Uhuru Afrika, Afrobeta Bodega

With Live African Percussion, A screening of the visually stunning African
film ' Hommage á Noir'and The UhuruAfrika Booth featuring Oils, Inscense,
Shea Butter, Jewelry, Clothing and Accessories will be open.

Uhuru Afrika is experienced through a HHPete Sound System!

We are looking for interns and West African percussionists to partner
with! Are you interested in working with us? email:
connect@uhuruafrika.com


::Next Uhuru Afrika events:

::Friday January 23rd
Soul Funktion & Uhuru Afrika present : BEMBE
At Bar Sputnik - 262 Taaffe Place in Brooklyn, NY.

::Saturday February 21st
Uhuru Afrika celebrates African History in the New World.
with Special Guest Julius The Mad Thinker (3degrees Global : Chicago)
and KC Hallett (KCsgroove, Soul Revival, Fela Lives)
at AllAsia, 334 Mass Ave in Cambridge.


__________________________________________________
Pics from the last Boston Bembe:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12353&id=601769613

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14586&id=601769613&op=6

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14589&id=601769613&op=6


__________________________________________________
Pics & Vids from the Last Uhuru Afrika


http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=36557029613&subj=518297128&oid=42001721402

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/video/video.php?v=36578379613&subj=518297128&oid=42001721402

http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=42001721402&view=all


__________________________________________________
Other Related Links

http://www.going.com/uhuruafrika0109
http://www.myspace.com/uhuruafrika
http://www.myspace.com/bembecelebration
http://www.myspace.com/casamena
http://www.myspace.com/djadamgibbons
http://www.myspace.com/djmaxpela

__________________________________________________
We Greatly Thank our Partners & Supporters:

NextAid - http://www.nextaid.org
Hempest - http://www.hempest.com
Salmagundi for Ladies and Gents - http://www.myspace.com/salmagundiboston
CLINK Arts: http://www.myspace.com/clinkarts
West African Dance in Boston site - http://www.wadabo.com/
Fusicology: http://www.fusicology.com

[Wadabo_updates] Alvin Ailey master classes & event @ OrigiNation

Celebrity Series of Boston in Partnershipwith OrigiNation

presents

Two nights with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's

Abdur-Rahim Jackson, Olivia Bowman and Marcus Willis

 

Master Classes

Thursday, January 22, 2009

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration: $10.00

Pre-registration strongly advised

 

Two Levels: Advanced Beginner & Intermediate/ Advanced

Ages 13+

 

 

Lecture Demonstration

Friday, January 23, 2009

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Admission: FREE

 

Location:

OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center

11 Walnut Park (Egleston Square)

Roxbury - 617-541-1875

Best regards,

Ms. Musau M. Dibinga
Managing Director
OrigiNation, Inc.
P.O. Box 191878
Roxbury, MA 02119
Tel: 617-541-1875 Fax: 617-541-1876
www.originationinc. org

[Wadabo_updates] Update: Daniel Soumah

Dear African Dance & Music Community,

This past Saturday, January 17th we witnessed a beautiful event: members from every part of the community came together to sing, dance, and make music in Daniel Soumah's name. There were about as many artists onstage and back stage as there were watching the show, which illustrates the tremendous amount of effort and love that went into making this event happen. Thank you to all of the artists who donated their time and talents to this concert and all the friends and family who came out to participate and donate!

The benefit show raised over $900 - together with all the other donations received so far, close to $3,000 has been raised. All of this has gone directly to send Daniel home to rest in Guinea and towards travel, funeral and other costs to Susan and his family there. 

Thank you to every single person who has worked in any way to support these efforts over the past few weeks. Not only have we individually and collectively shown how much we cared for and will miss Daniel, but we have reached out and supported Susan in her time of need. This is community at its best; this is what community is for!

If you would still like to help, there is still need. The cost of sending Daniel overseas, flying to Guinea, arranging for funeral and burial and other travel expenses, coupled with lost wages from being out of work and accumulating bills is an huge financial burden for one person to sustain. We have helped defray some of this, but Susan will need our continued support. Send any donations to:

Susan Soumah
26 Grentree Ln, Unit 21
South Weymouth, MA  02190 

Peace & Blessings,

Darya

[Wadabo_updates] Abdoulaye Sylla teaches TODAY

Dear African Dance & Music Community,

Aboulaye Sylla, master dancer from Guinea and former member of Les Ballet Africains,

will be teaching Fatou N'Diaye's African dance class:

TODAY, Saturday, Jan 17th

4:30-6pm, $15

At the Dance Complex

536 Mass Ave, Central Sq, Cambridge

www.DanceComplex.org

ALSO REMEMBER:

African Music & Dance Benefit Concert
in Honor of Daniel Soumah
Saturday, January 17th at 8pm
$15 suggested donation
At The Dance Complex

The artists of the African Dance & Music Community have come together
to create a evening of performances to celebrate the life of Daniel
Soumah. All are welcome to participate; all are welcome to attend! 
With performances by Sory Diabate & Benkadi, Boubacar Diabate & SambaLolo, Mohammed Kalifa Camara, Fatou N'Diaye & Co.
and many, many more talented local and visiting artists!

100% of the proceeds will be donated to help fly Daniel home to Guinea to rest
with his family there. 

Please forward this notice to any of your
friends, colleges, associates who might want to come or donate for
this important cause.

Additionally, for those that cannot attend but want to
donate,offerings can be sent to:

Susan Soumah
26 Grentree Ln, Unit 21
South Weymouth, MA  02190 


The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass Ave in Central Sq, Cambridge MA
617.547.9363, http://www.DanceComplex.org

[Wadabo_updates] Reminder - Benefit Concert for Daniel Soumah This Saturday!

Dear African Dance & Music Community

African Music & Dance Benefit Concert
in Honor of Daniel Soumah
Saturday, January 17th at 8pm
$15 suggested donation
At The Dance Complex

The artists of the African Dance & Music Community have come together
to create a evening of performances to celebrate the life of Daniel
Soumah. All are welcome to participate; all are welcome to attend!
With performances by Sory Diabate & Benkadi, Boubacar Diabate & SambaLolo, Mohammed Kalifa Camara, Fatou N'Diaye & Co.
and many, many more talented local and visiting artists!

100% of the proceeds will be donated to help fly Daniel home to Guinea to rest
with his family there.

Please forward this notice to any of your
friends, colleges, associates who might want to come or donate for
this important cause.

Additionally, for those that cannot attend but want to
donate,offerings can be sent to:

Susan Soumah
26 Grentree Ln, Unit 21
South Weymouth, MA  02190

Thank you,
Susan

The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass Ave in Central Sq, Cambridge MA
617.547.9363, http://www.DanceComplex.org

[Wadabo_updates] Samba in Boston - Jan workshops moved to Feb & more!

Sambistas of Boston!

 

Afro-Brazilian Dance Workshop w/ Mario Axé: New Dates!
Saturday, February 14th
3:30 - 5:30pm

Sunday, February 15th
3:00 - 5:00pm

(The Jan 24 & 25 workshops have been CANCELLED)

 

At the Dance Complex
536 Massachusetts Ave, Central Sq. Cambridge
www.dancecomplex.org

 

Samba w/ Deraldo Ferreira - CLASS CANCELLATION:
There will be NO class at Green Street Studios on Tuesday, January 20^th.  Class will resume on January 27^th.

 

Deraldo teaches Samba in Central Square, Cambridge

EVERY TUESDAY at Green Street Studios, 7:30-9pm, $12

& EVERY SATURDAY at the Dance Complex, 1;30-3pm, $12

 

ALSO:

Check out Glenio's fine classes in
Samba de Gafieira and Forró...
www.learndancesamba.vpweb.com/

[Wadabo_updates] US Secretary of the Arts?

Dear Arts Community at Large:


Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect  Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.  While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. Those in the arts need this and our country needs the arts now more than ever.   Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.

www.petitiononline. com/esnyc/ petition. html

Please, pass it on this would be great to have a voice that actually cares about the arts in a Government position.

Thanks,
Darya

[Wadabo_updates] Benefit Concert for Daniel Soumah 1/17

Dear African Dance & Music Community

African Music & Dance Benefit Concert
in Honor of Daniel Soumah
Saturday, January 17th at 8pm
At The Dance Complex

The artists of the African Dance & Music Community have come together
to create a evening of performances to celebrate the life of Daniel
Soumah. All are welcome to participate; all are welcome to attend!

The proceeds will be donated to help fly Daniel home to Guinea to rest
with his family there. Please forward this notice to any of your
friends, colleges, associates who might want to come or donate for
this important cause.

Additionally, for those that cannot attend but want to
donate,offerings can be sent to:

Susan Soumah
26 Grentree Ln, Unit 21
South Weymouth, MA 02190

Thank you,
Susan

The Dance Complex is located at 536 Mass Ave in Central Sq, Cambridge MA
617.547.9363, http://www.DanceComplex.org
_______________________________________________
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Subscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:
http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates
_____________________________________________
This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

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:
www.wadabo.com
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
If you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go to
http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates
and subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

[Wadabo_updates] Haitian Drumming and Caribbean Dance Classes at Springstep

New Classes at Springstep in Medford!

Afro-Haitian Drumming

Learn about the rich culture and rhythmic art form of Afro-Haitian Drumming with Native Haitian Drummer, Jakobo. You will learn the history of the sacred and popular rhythms and songs, while learning ensemble drumming techniques. Drums and various percussive instruments will be provided in-class for student use. Class size limited to 10.

Saturdays beginning Jan 10 (Ages 14 and up)
8 Weeks: 11:30am - 12:45pm
$109 Members    $121 Non-members
Register at http://www.springstep.org or call 781.395.0402

==

Afro-Caribbean Dance

Satisfying for students of all levels, this class develops strength, flexibility, and grace, through the fluid and dynamic movement of Afro-Caribbean folkloric and contemporary dance. The rhythmic energy of the music, and masterful instructor Leslie Salmon Jones, leave you feeling empowered, and energized. Leslie has been dancing since the age of seven and was a scholarship recipient at the esteemed Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York City as well as the London Contemporary Dance School.

Tuesdays beginning Jan 6 (Ages 14 and up)
6 Weeks: 6:00 – 7:15pm
$94 Members    $104 Non-members
Register at http://www.springstep.org or call 781.395.0402

Springstep is located at 98 George P. Hassett Drive in Medford Square (across from Medford City Hall)


Kerry Donahue
Manager of Marketing & Communications
Springstep
celebrating cultures and connecting people through dance + music
98 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155
781.395.0402 x209
781.395.0403 fax
www.springstep.org

[Wadabo_updates] Memorial Service for Daniel Soumah

Memorial Service for Daniel Soumah:

Tuesday, Jan 13, 09

Viewing at 5pm, Service at 6pm

 

J.B. Johnson Funeral Home (in Dudley Sq.)

196 Warren St., Boston, MA  02119

(617) 445-8150

 

Parking lot available and free parking on either side of the street.

 

Announcement will also be in the Herald Friday and Saturday.

 

There will be a gathering immediately after the service at Fatou N'Diaye's home:

 

43 Nazing St., Dorchester, MA, Apt 1, 02121 - We welcome you to bring a dish.

 

Any questions, please call Fatou at  hm:  617-427-5160 or cel:  857-492-1424.  You may also call Peaches at 617-821-3774.

 

NOTE:  There will be a benefit concert on Sat., 1/17, probably at the Dance Complex in Central Sq, at 8pm. The proceeds will help to fly Daniel home to Guinea to rest with his family there. Please look tomorrow for the official announcement with confirmed details - When you receive it, please forward to any of your friends, colleges, associates who might want to come or donate for this important cause.

 

Thank you so much.

 

Susan Soumah

[Wadabo_updates] Balla Kouyate @ Beehive + Balla & YO YO MA!!!

Hi Friends,

A couple updates on Balla Kouyate & his group World Vision.

1) Balla and World Vision will be playing the Beehive again next weekend. The last show was a blast! Come join the fun. Details below. Beehive is always FREE, so some on out.

SAT 1/17 Band goes on at 10PM until 1:30 AM
The Beehive
541 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
617.423.0069
http://www.beehiveboston.com/

2) Vote to give Balla a chance to record with Yo-Yo Ma!
Just a quick note to ask you all to take a minute and vote for me if you like my submission. I entered a contest to record an album with the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Voting ends on SAT 1/10/09.

You can check out my submission here:

http://www.indabamusic.com/submissions/show/4805

Thanks!
Balla

www.myspace.com/ballakouyate
www.ballakouyate.com

[Wadabo_updates] MIZERO Children of Rwanda "Forgiveness Tour" January 9th

MIZERO Children of Rwanda "FORGIVENESS Tour"
Friday, January 9 at 7:30pm

PROCEEDS TO HELP BUILD A SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS IN RWANDA

REGENT THEATRE
7 MEDFORD ST. (OFF MASS AVE), ARLINGTON, MA.
TICKETS AND INFO: 781-646-4849  www.regenttheatre.com

General Admission Tickets: $15 Adults; $10 students, children, seniors; $8 for Regent Theatre Card Members or groups of 10 or more.

http://www.regenttheatre.com/events/mizero.htm

MIZERO Children of Rwanda is an inspiring choir composed of 13 Rwandan children ages 11–18 who are currently on their first tour of North America. These young cultural and peace ambassadors take audiences on a journey into the lives of the Rwandan people through music, dance, costumes, and drumming. In fact, they were invited to perform at the United Nations earlier this month. (The UN has declared the year 2009 as the Year of Reconciliation.)

"While many organizations are helping Rwanda recover from the 1994 genocide, few have addressed the issue of cultural brokenness. My vision for MIZERO is to build, bring and to spread hope to Rwandan children through our vibrant music and dance traditions. It is my goal to mentor them to help them discover the power of forgiveness as I have, to help these young ones grow up free from hatred, bitterness and the spirit of revenge. This use of the arts combined with the message of forgiveness can help these children heal their wounds from the past and put a stop to violence and any future genocide through this next generation of young leaders," says MIZERO founder and CEO, Jean Paul Samputu.

Samputu and MIZERO have embarked on an impassioned 2009 schedule filled with activities that focus on the topic of Forgiveness as a Step to Reconciliation. This includes the FORGIVENESS TOUR, various conferences and concerts, and global conferences called GATHERING OF FORGIVENESS: A Step to Reconciliation, to be held in Rwanda in February and July 2009 which will also commemorate the 15th year of the Rwandan genocide.

Mizero means Hope in their native language, Kinyarwanda. For more information, visit http://www.mizerochildren.org

Also, here is a link to a Boston Globe article from last Friday which mentions their other performances in the Boston area.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/27/rwanda_genocide_survivors_to_sing_of_hope/

[Wadabo_updates] Daniel Soumah

Dear West African Dance & Music Community,

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I bring you the news that
our brother, Daniel Soumah, passed away this morning in the presence of family and friends due to complications from cancer.
His wife, Suzanne, extends her thanks to all in the community who have reached out with support during Daniel's illness. 

Information regarding the funeral and wake arrangements will be announced sometime on Thursday. Suzanne respectfully asks that people refrain from contacting her directly while she takes personal time to mourn Daniel's passing. However, Fatou N'Diaye and Peaches can be reached during this time: Fatou - 617.427.5160h, 857.492.1424c Peaches - 617.821.3774.

Mohammed Kalifa Camara, Pape N'Diaye and other artists are in the process of organizing a benefit concert to raise funds to send Daniel home to rest in Guinea. The event will be held in the next few weeks; a tentative date has been set on Saturday, January 17th at the Dance Complex, but please keep your eye out for more information as the plans may change. If you would like to participate please contact Mohammed (617.650.0400) or Pape (323.684.8298). If you would like to donate please contact Fatou (number above).

Daniel's bright spirit will be sorely missed by everyone.
Peace & Blessings,
Darya

[Wadabo_updates] PROVIDENCE CLASSES ON TODAY (1-4-09)

Drum and dance TODAY (January 4) at 11 (drum class) and 12 (dance
class) with Issa and Seydou! See you there!
_______________________________________________
WaDaBo_Updates mailing list, WaDaBo_Updates@wadabo.com
Subscribe, Unsubscribe or View Archive:
http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates
_____________________________________________
This email is brought to you by www.WADaBo.com (West African Dance in Boston)

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:
www.wadabo.com
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
If you would like to be removed from this list, or only contacted for certain events (performances, workshops, etc), please go to
http://lists.wadabo.com/mailman/listinfo/wadabo_updates
and subscribe to this list. Pass it on!

[Wadabo_updates] Dance Classes with Demba Sene: Jan 10 & 11

Demba Sene, former member of Le Ballet National du Senegal,
will teach 2 classes in Senegalese dance next weekend:

Sabar: Saturday, January 10th, 3:00-4:30pm
Djembe: Sunday, January 11th, 12noon-1:30pm

$12 per class, with LIVE music by master drummers
All levels are welcome
Classes will be held at The Dance Complex
536 Massachusetts Ave, Central Sq. Cambridge
www.DanceComplex.com

Demba Djiby Ndalor Sene began studying Djembe dance in his home country of Senegal, West Africa at the age of eight. By 16 he was dancing with Goree Mon Historie, a professional company in Dakar, Senegal.  He spent three years as a lead dance for Le Ballet National du Senegal, touring internationally. Since coming to the United States Demba has taught, choreographed or performed with: Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zanes Dance company (New York City), The Spielpalast Cabaret (Vermont and The Burlesque Festival in Brooklyn, NY), & Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater (Vermont). Demba has also taught workshops for various professional performing groups including Le Cirque du Soleil "O" Production in Las Vegas, Ron Brown Evidence Company in NYC, Djoniba Studios and Maimouna Kieta School of African Dance in NYC, Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater in Vermont,  & Goree Studios in Baltimore MD.