Bush Mango - Dance Classes

Sign up here to receive news on Bush Mango Drum & Dance activities and performance events

Bush Mango offers many weekly classes; adult membership starts at only $49 a month.

September 2010

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events currently scheduled.

Dance Classes

West African Dance originates from a deeply soulful tradition of honoring the archetypal stages of life, such as birth, initiation, marriage, death and all that lies between. In it's cultural context the dance is a spontaneous response to the music - not a codified and organized style of dance that is taught in the Western form of dance instruction.

At Bush Mango Drum & Dance our intention is to preserve the language as we have been taught by former and current members of the premiere performing artists of Guinea, West Africa. We teach the cultural context of the language and it's application to our non-African lives.

It is at once, soulful, ceremonial, joyful, musical, aerobic, graceful, melodic, rhythmic, and demands a full presence and surrender.

At Bush Mango Drum & Dance we welcome the non-dancer, the life long dancer, the lean, the not so lean, and every age, racial and socio-economic group.

Tuesdays
7:00-8:00 p.m. African Dance II

Tuesday is our most advanced community class. We explore dances from Guinea, West Africa with partcular empahsis on longer phrasing, quality and musicality. All students are welcomed to this class though if you are competely new to West African dance, Thursday clas would give you a stronger foundation.

Thursdays
7:00-8:00 p.m. African Dance I

These classes are for those new to drum and dance. Fun, and only as challenging as you are ready for! We recommend a few months of Thursday nights before beginners join our other classes. This builds the strong foundation needed to enjoy polyrhythmic music to its fullest, and get the most from upper level classes.

Drop in fees for all classes are $15 per class

Saturdays
Youth Project
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
YP schedule details.

Dance Classes General

Bush Mango dance classes engage the student on many levels beyond the truly joyful movement and music experience. All levels of ability participate together in learning the traditional movement and music patterns as taught to lead instructor Colleen Hendrick by her African born teachers. Colleen's movement studies, cultural studies, and ability to direct the student toward personal reflection create a learning environment that is lively, fun, intimate and transformational for the body, mind and soul of the dancers.

It is highly recommended for the serious student to attend three movement classes a week and to participate in drum classes. Novice students are encouraged to start with one class, and then add to their dance schedule as their bodies and minds become increasingly ready -- and hungry -- for more.

How to dress for dance classes

Women and girls should wear dance pants or shorts and either a t-shirt or athletic top. Wraps made from African fabrics are common, though not necessary. Men and boys should wear sweat pants or shorts and t-shirts. No shoes or socks!