Should I put the African dance blog under Fitness or Spirit & Mind? That was the question. African dance does have healing effects. African dance is sacred, ancient, should be respected and has positive spiritual, mental and physical effects. As promised we are going to touch on drum breaks and soloing at this time. Any drum that you have ever seen in your life origin is from Africa. The best and most original drum is from Africa is made of wood. The function of the drum is communication/healing. This is why it is great that African dance classes are being offered to the Harlem community.

Traditional African drum playing in the realm of African dance classes purpose is to play for the instructor/students.  In the dance class it is the teacher who decides the rhythm for the drummers to play based on the dance that the instructor has chosen. The instructor will also choose where the break should be played within the rhythm as well as the length of the dance and the breaks/change of movement within the African dance combination. The drummers maintain the rhythm and keep the pace/timing. It is the lead drummer who signals the break and the bass drummer who keeps the time. In order to be in perfect harmony the drummers and dancers must be as one. Traditional dances of Africa are rich, diverse and have various cultural purposes and carries folklore. Each dance has its own rhythm. Each rhythm uses a specific drum orchestration or drum. Soloing in dance fulfills beautiful purposes. Communication/healing, reconnecting with the community, re-confirming relationships, keeping and building a stronger community. Soloing occurs toward the end of the class. A circle is formed with everyone facing into the circle. The drummers are in the front and the dancer(s)/student(s) dances in the middle area of the circle. The purpose of soloing in a formal class is usually to share what one has learned in class. One is usually creative and respectful to the rhythm simultaneously. You may see different styles and levels of dance in the circle on the dance floor. Some like to give the corresponding moves to the traditional African rhythm and some like to "drop it like it's hot". One dancer/student may go out into the circle. Sometimes two, three or more. In Africa where celebrations occur and drummers play everyone dances when he wants to, and it's usually done in the circle of life/unity. It could be 15 or more people dancing in the circle at one time. That's a party!!! Overall, the very best experience in an African dance class is a non-judgemental one. Go in and have good time. Learn the dances, the rhythm, folklore and the songs. Do what you can but have fun and relate sweetly to your environment. Please check back for more information about free African dance classes in Harlem regarding the 4th Annual African American Cultural Expo. In the meantime visit www.africandanceschedule.com and click on the link for NY African Dance Classes. That link will lead you to Free African dance classes in Harlem. If you have an experience you would like to share please come back and add your comments. Are you a teacher, student, drummer participating in classes in Harlem?  What lessons have you learned? Please share your great experiences with the community!

Maybe we will see YOU on the dance floor!!!