West African Dance

1300 Thomas Street,Hampton VA 23669

07 November, 2021

Description

Ride the Rhythm...... West African Dance is the embodiment of poetry, history, community and transformation....ride the rhythms, let the beat of the drums move your body! The DAY Program introduces Mariyama Shari Caldwell to our family of instructors to teach a recurring West African Dance class. “Tanti Mariyama” focuses primarily on the movement and music from the country of Guinea. This is an intergenerational and multi-leveled class offering variations and modifications throughout allowing all to be successful in the attempt. We begin with a warm up objective to build stamina and endurance while simultaneously establishing a relaxed approach to both low and high energy traditional dance movements. The students enjoy the challenge! Typically a short combination of likewise traditional movements is offered in place followed by practice across the floor, culminating in a final phrase. Come in with an open mind and embrace the dance, drum and song! Classes will be accompanied by live music…The DAY Program’s traditional djembe orchestra. This series of classes is instructed by Tanti Mariyama. Born Shari Caldwell in New Haven, Connecticut, she began her studies in dance at an early age. Her first dance teacher, Dr. Angela Bowen ignited in her a fire for the arts that is still vibrant in her today. She went on to learn from an array of Master Teachers, such as Dr. Pearl Primus and Baba Chuck Davis in the 70’s and 80’s. After traveling with various musical ensembles and dance companies, Caldwell returned home to teach. Ms. Shari, as she is fondly called by her students and former students, would contribute artistically as arts educator/dancer in communities, public/private schools and universities for 3 decades. She taught dance at Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School for 19 years. Ms Shari was sought out by Yale University’s Athletics Department at Payne Whitney Gym to teach African dance for 4 years and ACES/Educational Center for the Arts also for 4 years. During those years of teaching and after the birth of her daughter in 1989 she began studying traditional African dance under various artists from international African music and dance companies, Les Ballets Africains and Merveille D’Afrique. She co-directed Company BAAFILA with international artist Yamoussa Camara in 2003. She founded and directed MABHONGO a youth arts ensemble in 2007, then founded The Caldwell Dance Center, LLC in Hamden, Connecticut in February 2011 where MABHONGO made its home. We are committed to sharing the wisdom of yoga and the culture of the drum authentically in a safe and nurturing atmosphere in order to bring greater health, happiness and well-being into the lives of those in our community. We strive to impart this knowledge in the spirit of healing, love, transformation, and service. We share a vision of higher states of consciousness and embrace the path of self-realization. Bonney and Kam The DAY Program Drumming, Artz, Yoga