The Center for Contemporary Dance is excited to host a 2-part African Dance Workshop with Dr. Margo Blake on Saturday, August 9 and August 16. You’re invited to jump in and experience the joy and exuberance of African dance.

The workshops are accompanied by live drumming and bring together body, mind and spirit in an energetic union of the music, dance and oral tradition of the people of West Africa.

If you are interested in performing (and especially if you’re already registered!) in the winter 2014 student concert, MAKULU: A Contemporary African Ballet, this 2-part workshop series provides an excellent introduction to the movement style that drives the show.

Even if you’re not participating in MAKULU, these introductory-level workshops offer a “high-spirited, high-powered rhythmic dance experience for anyone who loves to dance.”

While all levels are welcome, we recommend students be at least 6 years old to attend. (Adults are also encouraged to participate!) Please wear comfortable all-black dance attire. Ladies are encouraged to wear a colorful wrap/sarong tied to the waist. Specific footwear is not required.

The instructor, Dr. Blake, began training over 48 years ago. Her instructors included Lester Wilson, choreographer for “Saturday Night Fever,” and Michael Peters, choreographer for Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and “Thriller” videos, and the original Broadway production of “Dream Girls.” She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, and worked on the film “The Wiz.”

Her dance education includes studies in Ghana, West Africa and Katherine Dunham’s Cultural Technique Seminars in St. Louis, MO. She has been a company member with the Bernice Johnson Dance Company and Arthur Hall’s Afro-American Dance Ensemble. Dr. Blake has served as an adjunct dance professor at Rollins College and Temple University. Notably, she was the first African-American female Associate Show Director for Walt Disney World Entertainment, training both choreographers and cast members for Festival of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dr. Blake is a Teaching Artist for OCAE, FAAE and is been a guest Consultant in African dance for the Clark County School District’s Equity & Diversity Dept. in Las Vegas, NV.

Details
Part I: Saturday, August 9
Part II: Saturday, August 16
2:15-4:15 pm
The Center for Contemporary Dance
3580 Aloma Avenue #7
Winter Park, FL 32792
407-695-8366
$25 each session or $45 for both (recommended)
Reserve your spot today.