Drum class $15 Dance class $20
This is an all level, high impact class with a 30 minute warm up and an hour of dance technique and choreography. Classes include learning traditional songs that accompany the dances and a circle for dance offerings. West African Dance Techniques: Lamban, Kuku, Manjiani, Kakilambe, Doundounba
Afro Caribbean Dance Techniques: Calypso, Rara, Jonkonu
Cari Ann Shim Sham: in service to dance for 24 years, specializes in West African, Afro Caribbean, Rhythm Tap Dance, Movement for Musical Theater, and Experimental Movement techniques. She lived in Ghana West Africa for a year, training in dance, drumming, African flute and performed with a traditional dance troupe at funerals and ceremonies. On her return to the states, she continued her West African training with the internationally acclaimed Nzingha Camara and danced professionally for Carolina Mendizabal's Afro Caribbean company. She currently teaches Traditional West African and Afro Caribbean Dance Thursday nights in Topanga Canyon at Yoga Desa. She also makes dance for camera films, video art for dance theater and teaches Dance for Camera at UCLA in the World Arts & Cultures Department. www.cariannshimsham.com
Henrik "Alya" Jakobsson:
Fascinated by the intense connection between the drums and the dance, Henrik devoted many years to accompaniment for West African dance classes. In 1997 he made a one year pilgrimage to Guinea Conacry to study under master drummers such as Ibrahima "Boka" Camara and Famadou Konate. Currently living in LA, with over 15 years of experience teaching workshops and performing with West African Dance Troops, Henrik is a vibrant source of inspiration to any drummer and percussionist.
