Engaging and spirited, Afro-Haitian folk dances such as the Ra-Ra and Ibo dances embody community celebration. As students learn the traditional dances of this culture, they will easily recognize the steps that inspire contemporary jazz today. Portsha Jefferson brings her wealth of performance experience, 10-years of teaching Haitian dance to Bay Area students, and passion for youth development to some of our most in-demand classes.
Mondays, 4:30 - 6 pm
at Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
Show on March 14 at 5:30 pm!
Kamala Devam will be teaching an exciting martial art form from the South Indian state of Kerala called "Kalaripayattu". This martial art is little-known in the Bay Area and is claimed to be the mother of all others including karate and kung fu, brought from India to other parts of Asia by Buddhist monks in the 4th century. Often called "Kalari" for short, this movement language is similar to dancing in its beauty and athleticism, incorporating the fighting actions of animals found in Indian jungles and moving in graceful, circular motions between fantastic kicks and flying jumps. Students will become stronger, more flexible and have fun learning a completely new way of moving!