African Dance Classes, Seattle
Please Note: This page is here for archival purposes only. I now list current dance classes on my Seattle World Beat African dance classes page.
You can take an African or African-inspired class every day of the week in Seattle. And Seattle is also a popular destination for touring dance teachers.
Frank Is Teaching!
Frank Anderson
e-mail Frank
Traditional Dance of Guinea and Mali
Saturdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, beginning July 24 for 3 weeks
$15 per class (or negotiable)
7 Star Studio
525 21st Ave (between E Cherry & E Jefferson)
Study the beautiful dances of Mali and Guinea with Seattle’s own inimitable Frank Anderson. Learn Sunu, Dansa, Madan, Wassolonka, Maraka, Farabaka, Djan Jigi, and Suku. Frank is a fabulous teacher whose love of the dance and culture of the Mande peoples is immediately apparent. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study these rootsy dances.
Frank also teaches Hamana rhythms and says “if people want to study some crazy ass dunun rhythms they should contact me” [e-mail link above].
If you teach an African or African-inspired dance class in the Seattle area and don’t see it listed here, please send me info on your class.
Ongoing African Dance Classes
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PLEASE NOTE: Vacations and other schedule changes are common for these classes, and I’m not real diligent about keeping on top of class changes (this page last updated 7/24/09), so please contact the teacher before going to these classes.
One World Dance
Sarah Lee Parker-Koumbassa
206-938-3148, e-mail
Monday, 7:30-9:00 pm – beginner level
Thursday, 7:30-9:00 pm – beginner/intermediate level
Planet Earth Yoga
418 N. 35th St.
(in Fremont, just east of Phinney Ave. on the north side of the street)
$15 per class (drop-in rate); both Monday classes for $25 ($5 discount = $12.50 per class)
$65 for a 5 class card ($13 per class); both Monday classes for $23 ($3 discount = $11.50 per class)
$110 for a 10 class card ($11 per class); both Monday classes for $20 ($2 discount = $10 per class)
“Move your body to grooves based on traditional African rhythms. Simple choreography and a nurturing environment make this a very fun and inviting class.”
Wassa Dance
(formerly Positive Sweat)
Lara McIntosh
206-284-9473, e-mail
Wed., Fri., Sat., 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Tues., Thurs., 6:30-7:45 pm
Sun., 10:00-11:30 am (stellar live music on Sundays)
ARC School of Ballet
9250 14th Ave NW – in Ballard (map)
Mon.-Sat., $14 per class (punch cards available)
Sun., $19 per class (punch cards available)
On week days – Elemental, polyrhythmic movement and music meld in this unique Afro-fusion dance class. Open-minded movers at all levels of experience are invited to explore the benefits of integrated rhythm, breath, imagination, and playful deep focus.
On Sundays- Explore the depths of African-based movement while tuning your senses to the percussive grooves of a rich mix of the city’s finest musicians. Come see why this is one of Seattle’s longest-running live-music dance classes.
Dance of Benin
Etienne Cakpo
206-417-4679, e-mail
Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 am
Friday, 7:00-8:30 pm
Note: Regular Open Flight Studio classes are suspended July 13-31 due to an intensive dance program there. Etienne will not hold classes July 15, 17, 22 or 24, and will be on tour with his company in South America (Colombia) July 26-August 8. This means Etienne resumes regular teaching schedule on Wed August 12 and Friday August 14th!
Open Flight Studio
4205 University Way NE
$14 per class or $12 with class card
Contemporary African dance and traditional dance from Benin.
African Fitness Dance
Sawe Imani
Tuesday, 6:00-7:30 pm
Columbia City Fitness
4860 Rainier Ave S
(a few doors south of the Columbia City Theater) call 206-725-7894 for directions or more info
75% African dance and 25% fitness. 100% fun. Live drumming.
African & Funk Dance Class (Live Music)
Eric Wilson
206-579-6880, e-mail
Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 pm
1701 23rd Ave. (corner of 23rd and E. Olive)
across from the Ebenezer Church, parking on E. Olive
Capitol Hill 98122
$12 per class or 3 class card for $30
This class is an all levels class with no prior experience needed Drop-ins Welcome. Class setting designed for dancers to feel more comfortable. High energy rhythms set the tone as Eric leads you through various dance styles (African, funk), core strengthening, and stretching. This class is designed for the sole purpose of toning, and strengthening your body while having as much fun as possible. Eric focuses on safe and controlled movements, with special attention on moving through the body’s inner core as you continue towards your highest potential. Work at your own pace and take water breaks as you need. You can take the class bare foot or bring indoor dance shoes for the newly padded wood floor. Don’t let the cost keep you from coming, donate what you can and get fit.
Eric has also produced two very cool workout CDs called “Fitness Rhythms and Fitness Rhythms Instrumental Version,” which you can buy at Amazon.com.
Dance of Guinea
Frank Anderson
e-mail
Sun., 7:30-9:00 pm
Perhaps best known as Seattle’s most fabulous non-African dunun player, Frank teaches traditional dance of Guinea, West Africa.
Manimou’s West African Dance
Manimou Camara
206-902-7379, e-mail
“Come enliven your body and spirit with the exhilerating rhythms of Guinea, West Africa! guides the class through an invigorating warm-up, introduces the rhythm, breaks it down, leads the class through the dance, and then helps everyone put a little gbengbe (hot pepper) on it!”
Sabar with Fama
Fama
info: Fama 206-354-0647 or Karen 206-234-3747
Fama will take a break for Ramadan after the Aug. 18 class, resuming in late Sept.
Tues., 7:30-9:00 pm
Harlequin Source School
7601 Greenwood Ave N
$15 drop-in / $48 for 4-class punch card
“Featuring live drumming by Mapathe Diop and crew! Come get your Barambaye, Nyary Gorong, and Leumbuel on!! Throw in a little Theboudienn and Yabba Compose’ and you got it made!”
Past Visiting Dance Teachers
Djeneba Sako
Amazing Dancer from Mali
Sunday February 15, 2009, 2:30-4:00
Cost: By donation to cover travel & hosting expenses
Legacy Gallery
Northwest African American Museum
2300 S. Massachusetts St.
Seattle, WA 98144
206-518-6000
All Levels
Djeneba was born and raised in Mali West Africa. She has been dancing the traditional dances of Mali since childhood. She has been in several professional Malian dance companies. Live drumming by Moussa Traore.
This class is part of Festival Sundiata. Visit the web site
to see other events including drum class with Moussa Traore and performances featuring these artists.
Alseny Yansane
West African Dance
Sunday, January 18, 2009
All Levels 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Intermediate 7:15-8:45 p.m.
$15 per class $28 for both
American Dance Institute
8001 Greenwood Ave. N
Alseny Yansane is a fourteen-year veteran of Les Ballets Africains, one of Guinea’s best-known touring companies. Alseny is a beautiful dancer who skillfully executes dance movements with strength and grace. He is a friendly and supportive teacher for all levels of student. He breaks the moves down for beginning dancers while simultaneously challenging more advanced students to push their edge and become stronger dancers. For more info, call Ellesa at 206-300-8613.
These are African dance teachers who have visited Seattle in the past few years. I include them here because some of these folks come around at about the same time every year, so this info may help you plan your annual dance-class calendar. Out-of-town dance teachers also show up at Seattle’s annual World Rhythm Festival (usually in late March/early April).
Charles Ahovissi & Etienne Cakpo
Traditional Dance from Benin
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008
10:00-11:30 am
Open Flight Studio
4205 University Way NE
Get your Voudoun dance fix with Charles Ahovissi and Seattle-based dancer and drummer Etienne Cakpo. Charles is a master dancer, drummer and costume maker with years of teaching experience (www.ahovissi.com). Charles’s workshop last fall was fantastic. Don’t miss this chance to study with him again.
Ousseynoou Kouyate (one of the twins)
Senegalese
Sunday, November 25, 2007
2:15-3:45 pm
$15
Velocity Dance (4th Floor Chamber)
915 E Pine St
Featuring the drumming of Thione Diop, Souleymane N’Diaye, and Gora Diop. For more info call 206-722-6602 or 206-769-1868.
Odunde Festival ’07
Various Teachers
$15 per class
Youngstown Cultural Center
4408 Delridge Way SW
Friday, November 16
6:00-7:00pm, West African Dance, Anna Zadi
7:30-9:00pm, Mali-Kan Dance, Sekou Soumah
Saturday, November 17
1:30-3:00 pm, Orisha (all levels), Mark Lilly
3:30-5:00pm, West African Dance, Afua N’Diaye
Other Odunde Festival events on the Drum Classes and World Music Shows pages.
Faustin Linyekula
Master Class
Saturday, December 1, 2007
$12 ($7 with ticket stub from OTB performance)
On The Boards
100 West Roy Street
Dancer/choreographer Faustin Linyekula of Kinshasa, Congo, is a leading figure in contemporary African dance. See the Seattle World Music Shows page for info his performance.
Kathy Manyongo (visiting dancer from Paris)
Afro-Jazz Dance
Wednesday Sept. 26, 2007
6:00-7:30 pm
Single class $15 or reduced rate with Ewajo class card.
Ewajo Dance Studio
2719 East Madison
206-322-0155
info@ewajocentre.com
www.ewajocentre.com (web site not working 9/24/07)
Kathy is a big woman and AMAZING dancer, a true pleasure to watch – and study with. This is the only class she’ll do in Seattle, so don’t miss it. All levels welcome.
Charles Ahovissi
Traditional Dance from Benin
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007
3:00-4:30
$15
Open Flight Studio
4205 University Way NE
Get your Voudoun dance fix with Charles Ahovissi and Seattle-based dancer and drummer Etienne Cakpo. Charles is a master dancer, drummer and costume maker with years of teaching experience (www.ahovissi.com). This is a one-time opportunity to see and learn from these dancers in action together.
3 Dance Workshops
Saturday March 17th
Noon – 4pm
With:
D. Fatimah, 12:15 – 1:15
Sawe Imani, 1:30 – 2:45
Nabu Gueye (sabar), 2:55 – 4:00
$14 per workshop or $39 for all three
Vitality Pilates Studio
3603 South McClellan St.
Seattle (206)328-6517
Live Drumming, African Marketplace, Silent Auction
Won-Ldy Paye
Liberian Style West African Dance
February 27, March 1, 6, 8, 2007
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
South Campus Center 316 – Left Side, University of Washington (Behind the UW Hospital, Columbus Road -extension of 15th Ave. South)
To Register Contact: ASUW Experimental College, University of Washington, http://www.exco.org , Direct Line: 206.221.3256
Won-Ldy is one of the finest African Dance instructors to come to the Northwest. His vast experience makes him a master at taking the most complicated steps and teaching them in a straightforward manner that anyone can learn. Live drumming -by Denny Stern, Huldah Martin, Caxambu and others- energizes the whole room and motivates the dancers. You are sure to get a great work out. Give yourself the opportunity to dance and have fun!
Youssouf Koumbassa’s West African Dance Series
With special guest teacher M’mah Toure and Musicians Fode Bangoura and Karim Koumbassa
All Levels Dance Class with Youssouf Koumbassa
Monday, October 9, 7:30-9:00 pm
$15 ($13 for One World Dance punch card holders)
Planet Earth Yoga
418 35th Street (just east of the intersection of 35th and Phinny in Fremont)
From Sarah Lee Parker Koumbassa: Youssouf Koumbassa is a beautiful dancer and a really “accessible” dance teacher, who only makes it to Seattle 1 time per year. If nothing else, DEFINITELY come out and dance with him! Youssouf is my primary teacher who I have studied with in Guinea two times. Check out his website: www.westafricandance.com
All Levels Dance Class with Youssouf Koumbassa
Friday, October 13, 8:00-9:30 pm
$15
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW (just a few blocks off of the West Seattle Bridge)
Dance Class with Youssouf Koumbassa
Saturday, October 14
4:00-5:30pm-Beginners
6:00-7:30pm-All Levels
$15 for one class, $28 for both
Planet Earth Yoga
418 35th Street (just east of the intersection of 35th and Phinny in Fremont)
All Levels Dance Class with M’mah Toure
Monday, October 16, 7:30-9:00pm
$15 class ($13 for One World Dance punch card holders)
Planet Earth Yoga
418 35th Street (just east of the intersection of 35th and Phinny in Fremont)
From Sarah Lee Parker Koumbassa: M’mah Toure is a world class dancer who, until recently, has been dancing with Les Ballets Africains – the premier dance company in West Africa. In July I had the chance to take a few classes from her in Fresno, and she too is a lovely dancer who is very easy to learn from. This will be her first visit to Seattle, and we want to welcome her with big open warm arms!
Moustapha Bangoura
Dance Class with Moustapha Bangoura
Sunday, October 22
$15 per class
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW (just a few blocks off of the West Seattle Bridge)
For Information call Komala 206-726-1169 or Sarah Lee 206-409-6430.
From Sarah Lee Parker Koumbassa: Moustapha Bangoura is the “Grand Frere” (big brother) of almost all of the Guinean Artists in the United States. He has been teaching, choreographing and performing this music and dance for more than 3 decades, and is fabulous!
Mouminatou Camara
with master drummers Mohamed Camara and Karim Koumbassa
Guinea West African Dance
Friday August 11, 2006 – 6:00 7:30pm
Saturday August 12, 2006 – 1:15 2:45pm
$15 per class
Studio 900 (map)
900 N 34th St
For more information, contact Komala 206-726-1169 or Ellesa 206-706-5676
Mouminatou Camara, was the principal dancer for 10 years for Les Ballets Africains, one of the most famous African dance troupe in the world. Prior to that, she was a dancer with Ballet Djoliba, one of the most dynamic companies of Guinea. She is recognized as one of the most exhilarating dancers to come out of Guinea, West Africa.
Mohamed Camara was selected a member of Percussions de Guinea, the prestigious national drum troupe composed of the seven best percussionists in Guinea. Karim Koumbassa is a master dunun player who has studied the traditional music of his country extensively with renowned percussionists such as Famadou Konate and Mamady Keita.
Conference Taranga
Various Artists
Thursday, June 22-Sunday June 25, 2006
Four-day drum and dance conference featuring top West African teachers and performers. See the Planet Afua web site or download the Taranga Conference flyer (large file: 660K) for details.
Les Ballets Africains
Dance of Guinea
Saturday April 1, 2006
10:30-12 noon Beginners
12:30 2:00 pm Intermediate
$15 per class
Principle performers from LES BALLETS AFRICANS will be leading 2 dance classes.
The classes will be open to the public, and will be in MEANY DANCE STUDIO 266. To get there, enter MEANY HALL from the Red Square level through the doors that are just ABOVE the Studio Theatre entrance. Plan on arriving early to have enough time to park and register. (You will have to pay for parking before noon. However, AFTER noon, you can park free in the Meany Central parking garage. )
For more info contact Sarah Lee Parker-Koumbassa, 206-938-3148
Yousseff Koumbassa
Dance of Guinea
Tues. October 11
6:30-8:00 pm-Beginners
8:00-9:30 pm-Intermediate
Happy Medium Day School
620 20th St. S.
Sat. October 15
5:30-7:00 pm-Beginners
7:00-8:30 pm-Intermediate
Studio 900
900 34th St. Fremont
Mon. October 17
6:30-8:00 pm-Beginners
Studio 900
900 34th St. Fremont
$15 per class
All Classes will be accompanied by Djembefola Fode Bangoura, Dununfola Karim Koumbassa, and Master Balafon player Facinet Bangoura. For Information call Komala 726-1169 or Ellesa 706-5676.
Alseny Soumah
Dance of Guinea, West Africa
Wednesday, September 28
6:30-8:00 pm Beginners
8:00-9:30 pm Intermediate
$15 per class
Studio 900 (map)
900 N 34th St
“Alseny Soumah was born in Boke, Guinea revered and adored in both of his continental homelands of Africa and the United States. His International acclaim as a Performance Artists includes Solo artist with renowned companies of Guinea, West Africa Les Mervilles D’ Afrique and Le Ballet du Guinea, including travel throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. As a well sought out guest artist for stage, Dance Conferences and classes of instruction, Alseny brings a fresh new flavor to the art of Dance as well as cultural enrichment teaching and promoting the Dance and Drum culture of Guinea. His style is revered by his students and audience members as electrifying, yielding energetic performances and creative choreographies.”
Julien Babinga
Julien is a Congolese teacher and performer currently living in Paris. He taught several classes in Seattle in December 2004.
Yousseff Koumbassa
Yousseff Koumbassa was in Seattle October 16 & 17, 2004, to offer his amazing classes on the dance of Guinea.
Moustapha Bangoura
Dance of Guinea, Aug. 4 & 5, 2004 – One of the clearest teachers around, Moustapha is a 26-year veteran of the world-renowned drum and dance theater company “Les Ballets Africains.”
Caro Diallo
Caro taught bougaraboo, sabar, kutiro, and djembe dance from Casamance, Senegal, during his August 2004 visit to Seattle.
Les Ballets Africains
Unfortunately, this amazing drum and dance group only gets to the U.S. every 5 or 10 years. They were just here in April 2004, so we might have to wait a while for their return. On their last visit their dancers taught two classes. More than 100 students attended the beginner-level class.
Mabiba Baegne
This lanky Congolese woman has mastered the drum and dance of West Africa and sometimes visits Seattle from her home in Salt Lake City to teach. Her last Seattle classes were offered in April 2003.
Jeneba Sacko
One of Mali’s finest dancers, Jeneba was a big hit when she did some dance workshops here in the fall of 2001 and at the 2002 World Rhythm Festival.
Keywords & spelling variations: African dance, Africa, African-inspired, dance, teacher, teachers, workout, work-out, live drumming, drum, movement, fitness, Senegal, Senegalese, Mali, Malian, Guinea, Guinee, Guinean, West Africa, West African
This page created 8/1/04; last updated 7/24/09.
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