Namory just returned from Guinea last week and will have his first Kittery class, Thursday February 21 at the Dance Hall.

Though we’re so glad that Namory is able to visit his home country each year, having him return to our community in Maine is always a blessing!

Wondering what some of the dancing and drumming was like in Guinea? Here is some footage of a dundunba in Namory’s hometown village of Sangbaralla and clips of drumming and dancing in both Conakry and Sangbaralla.

Drum class
5:30-6:30 pm
$15.00 drop-in
~Be sure to let Namory know ahead of time if you’ll need to borrow a drum~

Dance class
6:45-8:15 pm
$15.00 drop-in or $96.00 for 8-pre-paid classes
This week we will do both dance and dundun dance.
~Wear comfortable clothing. Bring water to stay hydrated.~
~Dance is usually done in barefeet but clean soft-soled shoes are fine.~

There will be no drum and dance classes on Thursday, November 22. Enjoy the evening with friends or family.

Namory Keita will be back from traveling for two weeks before heading off to Guinea.

Join us for some festive classes November 29 and December 6!  There will be a post-class potluck and party on December 6th as we send Namory off for the winter in Guinea.

What you can bring to class on December 6th:

• a dish to share – drink (non-alcoholic only), appetizers, meal, or dessert (no need for paper or plastic ware, we’ve got a good stash)
• contributions for Namory’s school project in Guinea – Hamana Arts Center
• a little extra money to spend at the “bazaar”, a collection of clothes, jewelry, and more – pay what you wish, with the proceeds going to Namory’s project
• small amounts of warm-weather kids clothing and/or over-the-counter first aid supplies, which Liz will bring to Guinea in January

Last week Namory, Liz, and several drummers and dancers from Thursday night classes spent an hour at Rice Public Library in Kittery. Namory led a few songs and rhythms and several people who were there to watch joined in with the drumming and dancing. Folks from Seacoastonline captured some of the evening with photos and a story.

Thursday, August 16: there are no classes but we’ll be back at the Dance Hall on August 23 starting with drum class at 5:30 pm.

Seny Daffe will be back in the area in early September collaborating on classes and a performance with Namory.

Thursday, September 6: Seny will teach a dundun dance class at the Dance Hall in Kittery
Drum class with Namory 5:30 to 6:30 $15.00
Dundun dance class with Seny 6:45 to 8:15 $18.00 for drop ins or $15.00 for students with punch cards
Reserve your drums now!

Saturday, September 8: Seny, Namory, Marita Kennedy-Castro and folks from Portland’s New Moon Ensemble perform at Henryfest in North Yarmouth, ME.

Sunday, September 9: Drum and dance classes with Seny and Namory at Maine Ballroom Dance, Portland
Drum class with Namory 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Dance class with Seny 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
$16 each class or $30 for both
Contact Marita to sign up, and please be sure to specify if you’ll take drum, dance, or both classes: https://embodytherhythm.com/contact/

We’re trying to organize a class for Seny and Namory in Cambridge – stay tuned!

Bolokada Conde, djembefola from Guinea, will guest teach drum class Thursday, March 29 at the The Dance Hall.

Drum class from 5:30 to 6:45 – $20.00.
Dance class, taught by Liz Fowler will be accompanied by Bolokada from 6:45 to 8:15 – $15.00 for drop-ins or use your punch card.
Join us for the first of many classes with Bolokada to come!

Seny Daffe will return to teach a dundun dance class Thursday, April 5 at the Dance Hall.

Drum class with Namory Keita from 5:30 to 6:30 – $15.00,
Dundun dance with Seny from 6:45 to 8:15. $18.00 for drop-ins or $15.00 for students with a punch card.

Save the date:
Thursday, May 24 Afro-Brazilian Fusion ABIEIÉ Dance Class with Irineu Nogueira