Ailey Dance Class: West African
Sat, Nov 23, 2024
11 am–12 pm
West African with Maguette Camara at Ailey Extension Photo by Whitney Browne
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Floor 3, Theater
With live drumming, this class teaches the fundamentals of traditional West African dance with an emphasis on understanding the accompanying drum rhythms. Classes start with a thorough warm-up followed by a sequence of movements across the floor.
West African classes bring together body, mind, and spirit in an energetic union of music, dance, and the oral traditions of West African cultures. The live drumming enriches the experience, illustrating the intricate relationship between music and dance. This syncopated rhythm serves as a common language, enabling students to fully embody the essence of West African dance.
Instructor
Maguette Camara is a globally recognized West African dancer, choreographer, teacher and drummer who is based in New York City. Camara began his career at a young age with the Ballet Bougarabou Dance Company in Dakar. His dedication and talent have earned him the opportunity to perform in prestigious venues such as the Guggenheim Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. He has also performed in concerts, festivals, and productions, including The Rolling Stones World Tour, The World Trade Center Jazz Festival, Angélique on Broadway, and as the opening act for Senegalese vocalist Baaba Maal.