Level: Advanced Beginner

Format: Studio-based class with live and recorded musical accompaniment

Recommended for: Students exploring Afro-diasporic dance forms and cultural rhythms

Course Description: Afro Fusion is an intensive, professional-level course designed to challenge dancers with the depth, complexity, and cultural richness of traditional and contemporary African dance forms. Rooted in the diverse movement vocabularies of multiple regions across the African continent, this course emphasizes the embodiment of polyrhythmic structures, intricate footwork, and dynamic full-body engagement. Dancers will refine their ability to connect deeply with the rhythm, mastering movement that is both grounded and explosive, while developing an acute awareness of musical phrasing, timing, and spatial intention.

Students will engage in highly technical and physically demanding sequences that require precision, endurance, and expressive storytelling. Through rigorous training in both traditional and evolving African dance techniques, dancers will enhance their stamina and control, executing complex patterns with clarity and power. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to transition seamlessly between weighted and suspended movements, exploring the interplay between strength and fluidity. Additionally, dancers will deepen their understanding of the cultural and historical significance behind each movement style, recognizing the role of dance as a form of communal expression, ritual, and artistic innovation.

By the conclusion of Afro Fusion, dancers will demonstrate heightened technical proficiency, rhythmic dexterity, and the ability to perform extended choreography with energy, precision, and depth of interpretation. Their ability to embody the musicality and spirit of the movement will allow for a more authentic and powerful performance presence. This course not only refines the dancer’s technical and artistic skills but also cultivates a deep respect for African dance traditions, preparing them for professional performance opportunities and a lifelong engagement with the evolving landscape of African and Afro-diasporic dance forms.

Course Expectations: Students should actively engage with rhythm, follow choreography, and explore expressive movement.

Assessment Methods: Observation of rhythm, technical execution, and participation in group exercises.

Attendance Requirement: Consistent attendance is important to maintain continuity in learning rhythms and sequences.

Course Attire: NB T-Shirt, Black Leggings/Shorts, and Lappa

Notes:Provides a foundation for Afro Fusion II and advanced cultural dance training.