Embodying Our Sacred Selves Through Afro-Caribbean Dance

A 10 Class Series with Tracy Vernon, M.Ed.

 One Saturday a month from 10:00am to 12:30pm September 2010 to June 2011

Dates: 9/25, 10/30, 11/20, 12/4, 1/22, 2/12, 3/26, 4/9, 5/28, and 6/18.

Menu of Dances:

Haitian: Ibo, Nago, Yanvaloo, Koy, Gaga, Orisha: Eleggua, Oggun, Yemaya

Afro-Puerto Rican: Bomba (Sica and Loiza), West African: Lamba, Kakilambe, and Kpan Logo

It will provide the time, space, and resources for a more in-depth journey through the history and mythology of Afro-Caribbean dance to the landscape of our sacred selves.  The format of this two and a half hour class affords students time to dive into the significance of a particular dance form for intimate self-reflection, rich group dialog, and personal growth.  The sacred dances of the Afro-Caribbean bring us to the realm of the Soul Self where sacred rhythms, songs, and dance steps foster physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clarity and stamina.  It is in this realm that we find new opportunities to meet our challenges with the grace of compassion and transform our liabilities into assets.

 Dance the Divine is not centered on raising metabolic rate and feeling the burn.

Instruction of the steps for a particular dance are done slowly, repetitively, and methodically so that the movements are understood on a very deep level.  Dance segments of the class are introduced by excerpts from published texts about the dance form and are followed by time for introspection through journal writing and group discussion. The teaching of basic drum patterns and songs are interspersed throughout the class adding to the deepening of our understanding and love of the dances.

Students will receive printed information including history, songs, and steps as well as a bibliography of books, articles, VHS, DVDs, and cds.  A cd of music will be provided for personal practice between sessions.  The beginning of each session after the first meeting will be a review of the previous session.  Questions are always welcomed during class and over the weeks between sessions. Students are also invited to videotape segments of classes to further support their studies.

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