West African Dance of Madison
804 W. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 251-6996
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West African Dance of Madison (608) 251-6996 |
WADOMA is a percussion and dance ensemble presenting traditional rhythms, dances and songs from Guinea and Mali, West Africa. WADOMA has performed for a variety of audiences, from corporations to schools to outdoor festivals. By adapting a centuries-old tradition of social expression to the modern stage, WADOMA bridges the divide between tradition and innovation.
Otehlia Kiser
(608) 251-6996
okiser@sbcglobal.net
Class times: Thursdays 7:30-9 pm
.
Location: Kanopy Dance Studio, 341 State
St.
Cost: $12
or $60 for 2-month pass
Live drumming by members of WADOMA.
Class Format: Classes are open to drop-ins and all levels are welcome! We focus on dances from Guinea and Mali, and as always, classes are accompanied by live music.
Otehlia Kiser is a vibrant and energetic dancer-educator, and mother, who has been studying West African dance for over 13 years. Her dedication to learning African dance took her to Cameroon, Guinea and Mali, West Africa, where she studied traditional dance in its cultural context. In addition to continuing to instruct and choreograph at the UW, Otehlia teaches classes in the community, conducts African cultural outreach programs at various local elementary schools, and co-directs and choreographs dances for WADOMA.
Paddy Cassidy
(608) 335-2997
padraic1@gmail.com
Class meets every SUNDAY NIGHT, 6:30 - 8 pm.
Location: Kanopy Dance Studio,
341 State St.
Cost: $12 per class or 4 for $40
Class Format: Rhythms from Guinea and Mali, on Djembe and Dunun. Multiple parts, including first and second accompaniment djembe, bass djembe, ballet-style dunun and traditional dunun (3 bell parts). This class is open to all levels, though it is geared toward serious learners. Parts are assigned based on ability level. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of technique and rhythm, while more advanced students learn solo phrases and repertoire. Experienced drummers are guaranteed a new challenge.
Paddy Cassidy has studied and performed drums for over ten years. He has studied djembe and dunun in Guinea and the USA with artists from Les Ballets Africains and Ballet Djoliba. Paddy currently performs with the UW Dance Program and WADOMA, and has been a guest instructor for the UW Percussion Studio.
Shawn Barry
(608) 469-2024
barrydjembe@charter.net
Class time: Wednesdays 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
Location: Kanopy Dance Studio,
341 State St.
Cost: $15 per class; $50 for a block of four classes
Class format: Warm up, work on technique and handing, exploration of one rhythm per class learning accompaniment parts for djembe and dunun patterns with bells. Traditional rhythms from Guinea and Mali taught and played as an entire arrangement. Prior drum experience helpful but not necessary.
What to bring? Your drum (djembe, dununba, sangba, kenkeni, ashiko... no bongos, congas, hoop drums, talking drums etc… this is a specific class, not an open drum circle) bring some water, optional items a note book and a taping device (for personal study only!)
**Need a drum? Call ahead of class time to arrange a rental or purchase a drum!*****
That's all for now, however WADOMA is always searching for future events. If you work for a school, work on a neighborhood board, or know of anyone in need of a hot, high energy, fun performance,workshop, or educational/cultural experience...please contact Shawn Barry (sbarry@terracom.net)
WADOMA is also searching for information regarding how to become a non-profit organization. Anyone that has experience or clear understanding of the process, or a great web site to look at please drop us a contact.
We are also looking for someone with professional photography skills. If you are that person and have an interest in what we do...please contact us!
Many thanks to everyone for supporting your community classes! Keep drumming, dancing, sweating, singing and celebrating life!
