Ailey Dance Class: West African Sat, Nov 23, 2024, 11 am–12 pm

Ailey Dance Class: West African

Sat, Nov 23, 2024
11 am–12 pm

A diverse group of five people in colorful attire are dancing joyfully in a bright, spacious studio with large windows showing a cityscape. Everyone is smiling and has one arm raised, with the other arm bent at the elbow. The background includes tall buildings and a clear sky.
A diverse group of five people in colorful attire are dancing joyfully in a bright, spacious studio with large windows showing a cityscape. Everyone is smiling and has one arm raised, with the other arm bent at the elbow. The background includes tall buildings and a clear sky.

West African with Maguette Camara at Ailey Extension Photo by Whitney Browne

Tickets

Tickets are required and include Museum admission. $35 General Admission $10 Members.

Doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to start time. To protect the focus and integrity of our teachers, latecomers will not be admitted. Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged. Additional tickets may become available closer to the program date. Check back often. Participants may be required to remove shoes during the class.

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The Susan and John Hess Family Theater is equipped with an induction loop and infrared assistive listening system. Accessible seating is available.

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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. 


On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

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