WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Join “AmaKweku Cultural Arts” West African Dance & Music 5-week workshop for an immersive celebration of movement, rhythm, technique, and tradition. Dance to the vibrant sounds of live drumming while learning traditional songs that deepen your connection to the culture. This high-energy class is open to all skill levels and will leave you feeling uplifted and connected within a supportive community.
ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTISTS
Aatifa Drayton
Born and raised in the Bronx Aatifa discovered her love for dance at the age of 5, as a part of her family’s cultural arts and dance center. It was there where she began her extensive training in dance. At age 7, she expanded her exposure and experiences in dance by joining “A Touch of Folklore Dance Company,” where she continued training and over 10 years, she began growing and excelling as an artist, performer, choreographer, and teacher. Aatifa has performed and study with many reputable dance institutions and dance companies such as, “A Touch of Folklore Dance Company” where she learned Music History, Musical Theater and Cultural Arts as she studied the techniques of West African Dance and African American Dance Diaspora. She was also a featured dancer with “Forces of Nature Dance Theater” for 5 years. “Bokandeye African American Dance Theater” where she trained, studied, and performed in the style and technique of “The LaRocque Bey School of Dance Theater” Inc. for 25years; and is currently a member of “Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation’s Dance Company”, since 2019. Aatifa continues to generously share her love, joy, and knowledge of dance as an Instructor, Mentor, Choreographer, Leader, and Facilitator in many outreach programs, youth centers, and dance studios throughout the country and abroad.
Khary Kamau
Khary Kamau is a multitalented percussionist and storyteller, a passionate teacher of West African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American music and culture. Raised in Queens, NY he began playing and studying at a very young age. Over many years, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge of the history and customs of the many cultures of the African diaspora, and he even traveled to the continent to further his understanding. He has trained under notable master djembefolas such as Baba Joseph Barnes, Adewole Love, and Yao Ababio. He is a member of the legendary Bambara Dance and Drum Ensemble and the Pan-African neo-folk group Akoko Nante Ensemble. As such, he is frequently featured in Brooklyn Academy of Music’s DANCEAFRICA, the International African Arts Festival in NYC, and many other world music venues around the New York metropolitan area.
COST OF THE WORKSHOP
$60 for the 5-week workshop