African Vibes: Drum and Dance invites you to join us for our 6 week Beginners classes.

Always wanted to dance and drum, but wondering if you are too old? Thinking you have no sense of rhythm and two left feet? Then these classes are absolutely for you!

Catering for all ages, all abilities, all shapes and sizes, these workshops are age- friendly, engaging and a lot of fun.

Over the 6 weeks you will be introduced to some of the easy and uplifting West African drum rhythms and dance movements. You will learn to play and dance together as a group, and experience the joy of connection and through rhythm and dance. These classes are fun and uplifting.

Class Details:

6pm Drumming with Yacou Mbaye*

7pm Dancing with Karenna Alexander

(Dance classes will be to live drumming with Yacou and Bass )

Where : OWN 8-10 Victoria Rd, Newtown, NSW.

*Please let us know if you need to borrow a drum on the night

Cost:

$20 per class (Drum or Dance Only)

$35 for both classes on the night (Drum and Dance)

$100 for 6 weeks course Drum or Dance

$175 for 6 weeks course Drum and Dance

Bookings Essential . Casual drop in classes welcome.

You can pay via Eventbrite or Direct Deposit :

African Vibes Drum and Dance

BSB: 302 162

Account: 141 9652

Reference: (FirstName)DrumDanceBeginners

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Should I Wear ?

- Something comfortable and easy to move in. You might like to wear tights and a Tshirt or loose harem pants and a top. Whether you are drumming or dancing, or both, you will probably get hot and sweaty, so wear layers, and be comfortable.

Should I dance In Shoes?

- you are welcome to wear dance shoes or runners, though many prefer to dance in bare feet .

What else should I bring?

Water, a small towel , a Djembe drum if you have one , and a yoga mat for the warm down and warm up. And most importantly bring wonderful you !

Am I too old to Start Dancing? Drumming?

- This class is an all inclusive beginners class, designed for all ages. So whether you are 19 or 99 years old, please know this class is definitely for you. We are never too old to start something new, and drumming and dancing will keep us young in spirit, body and mind.

Can I bring my young children?

- Children are very welcome to come with you, and join in, or if too young, to watch. We do ask parents/ carers supervise their children. These classes are designed for adults, but we welcome all ages to come along and enjoy the community of drumming and dancing.

I want to come but I really really cannot dance and / or drum!

- This class is definitely for you. Yacou and Karenna love seeing the joy and wonderment when people who " cannot dance or drum" start dancing and drumming. Please come along and know that these classes are for you!

I cant make all Six Classes. Can I still come?

- Though we do run this as a progressive course, you are welcome to drop in for casual classes. Repetition learning is the key for beginners, and we will revise every week. So don't worry if you miss a few!

Questions? Enquiries?

Karenna Alexander : Ph: 0424 977 960

Yacou Mbaye : Ph: 0411 956 472

E: africanvibes2017@gmail.com

www.yacoumbaye.com

Meet The Teachers:

Yacou Mbaye : Drumming

Yacou is originally from Senegal, and now based in Sydney. He is a super talented percussionist, drummer, dancer, performer and comes from a long line of storytellers, musicians and performers. Yacou , a talented percussionist and skilled teacher, is passionate about sharing his culture and knowledge through music, rhythm and storytelling. Yacou's warm and relaxed teaching style will have even the most nervous beginner drumming and confidently participating in this rhythmic learning journey of West Africa. Yacou is the founder and director of African Vibes: Drum and Dance, and is the creator of AfroMbollo , his Sydney based, African Fusion band .

Karenna Alexander : Dancing

Karenna is trained as a yoga teacher, workshop facilitator, and . She has danced and performed throughout her life , and developed a passionate love of African Dance 30 years ago. Karenna has been a long time student of Yacou Mbaye. She has also studied with teachers and mentors from Guinea , Ghana and Senegal, including Lucky Lartey, Epizo Bangoura, Mohamed Bangoura, Fode Mane, Pape Mbaye, and Claire Okomoto. In Australia she trained with the talented Rachel Bangoura, as well as teachers of diverse dance styles and traditions. In addition, Karenna studied the sensual rhythms of arabic drum and dance, with Tereska. Karenna is thrilled be working with Yacou, to share her joy and passion of African dance in this 6 weeks beginners class. Karenna s committed to sharing the joy of movement and dance with people of all ages and stages of life. Karenna believes movement and dance are the gateway to joy and health, and knows we are never too old ,or young , to start dancing.

Maestro Laye (Bass) : Originally from Senegal, Bass works with Yacou as part of African Vibes:Drum and Dance. Bass will be supporting Yacou and Karenna on Doun Doun's, keeping the African rhythm and groove while we drum and dance during these 6 week beginners course.

The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Drumming and Dancing. Did you know?

Drumming and dancing has been proven to reduce stress, increase calmness, lower anxiety, improve concentration and coordination , and create an overall sense of wellbeing and happiness. It keeps us feeling young, fit, connected and confident.

So why not come along and give it a try! Bring a friend, or come along on your own and meet new friends.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Karenna, Yacou and Bass.

ph: 0424977960 - Karenna

ph: 0411 956 472 - Yacou

Email: africanvibes2017@gmail.com

www.yacoumbaye.com