Dance Classes for Fun
How many dance classes groove to their own djembe ensemble? This one does!
Every Tuesday night at about 7.15pm the rhythmic beats of Rhythm Culture’s djembe drums echo from the Palmwoods Hall. It’s time for the African Dance Co-op to gather. Women and men are stretching and chatting, waiting for the lead singer to give her signal.
Smiles and laughter rise up from the troupe as they move from one side of the wooden floor to the other, a couple of them taking turns to lead. You soon see why this is called a Co-op: Everyone is encouraged to share ideas and moves with dancers happily following the dancer who takes the lead!
With a blend of drums, Bec Mount and her dancers enjoy an hour of aerobic work-out. Bec started the Co-op as a way for people who love African dance to connect, share ideas and suggestions. “The drumming is contagious and the dancing is addictive,” Bec says. “With the drummers we share the traditional aspects of drumming and dancing. It’s a wonderful night and we feel physically and emotionally empowered afterwards.”
Accompanied by the intoxicating blend of drums, bells and regular calls from Nathaniel Combs, Rhythm Culture’s lead drummer and teacher, the energy in the room is fantastic. His band of drumming students learns a new West-African rhythm every five weeks and the dancers learn the dance to accompany it. Drummers who stay on after the class are those who especially enjoy the traditional aspect of drumming for dancers and they are usually the drummers you see perform at local community events and festivals. You can watch them as they follow the dancers’ feet to ensure what they play matches physical movement. A lot of practice and planning from both Bec and Nathaniel’s sides go into matching so many movements and beats!
Co-op founder Bec Mount has experience in various styles of African dance learning from renowned dancers like Lamine Sonko, who introduced her to West-African dance. During the hour, Bec and the Co-op dancers, shake, stomp, dance and clap their way around the floor, following Nathaniel’s calls. Beginner dancers soon catch on to what’s expected of them and the more experienced dancers are helpful and friendly. There is a wonderful vibe in the hall and by the end, everyone has enjoyed learning a great rhythm from West Africa and they’ve had a decent aerobic workout!
For fitness or fun, some dancers of The African Dance Co-op performs regularly at festivals and community events. “It’s a no-pressure class with great community vibe where you can fit in and have a laugh,” Bec said
COME ALONG! Join the dancers from 7.20pm for 7.30pm start at Palmwoods Memorial Hall every Tuesday night. Cost is $7 per class. For more info, click here or phone Bec on 0434 585 992.