We have an ever evolving roster of cultural dance artists.
Here is what we are currently offering:
SOUTH ASIAN
Bollywood
Bollywood dance originates from the vibrant films of India. It often fuses elements of Indian classical dance, Bhangra, and Hip Hop, bringing eastern and western dance styles together. The dance style is an explosion of energy and character and uses the iconic music from Bollywood’s top films. The movement and music is contagious!
Kathak
Kathak is an Indian classical dance from North India. Historically, it was performed by travelling storytellers who would perform the great tales of Hindu mythology at temples! Then, the dance style moved to the royal courts of the Mughal empire, where it flourished into a dance of elegance and showmanship. Dazzling spins, intricate footwork, and subtle expressions are some of the unique qualities of Kathak.
Bharatan-atyam
Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest forms of Indian classical dance originating from South India. Using different hand gestures, facial expressions, and foot patterns, students will explore ways of storytelling with just their bodies. With such an emphasis on theatrics, it’s a great way to explore elements of both dance and drama.
AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN
Soca
Learn about West Indies culture in this high-energy dance style that blends African and Caribbean body movements. The style is based on traditional Soca movements that focus on body and waist isolations to the rhythms of Soca music. These movements are usually performed in Caribbean social settings such as carnivals and fetes.
Afrobeats is a style by Fela Kuti originating in the 1970s. The music is a fusion of Jazz, Funk, West African highlife, Rap and Rnb. The dance mixes different tribal dances from all over the continent and uses high energy body movements. Every country has its own unique movement that intersects through the connection of the music.
Afrobeats
This dance style originates from the regions of Guinea and Burkina Fasso. In African culture, most of the dances are related with phases of earth and life. Dances are percussive and interpret the rhythmic nature of the music through movement. Rhythms like Djole, Guina Fare, and Mane are present in festivities. Soko, Sinte and Soli are ritual dances. And Kassa, Konkoba, Kuku are danced in agriculture activities.
West African
Dancehall
Dancehall originated from the streets of Kington, Jamaica. It is derived from Reggae music but it is much more upbeat. It is a freestyle dance performed in street parties known as Passa Passa dances! The moves in Dancehall are more than just steps, they are a lifestyle representing a culture and way of life.
CHINESE
Chinese Folk encompasses dance styles of over 50 minority groups in and around China. Common styles include Han, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Korean, Dai, and Miao. Each of them are distinct in hand positions, overall movement quality, costumes, and music. The technical foundation required is similar to traditional ballet technique. Each dance is theatrical and emotive as it tells a story about the culture and history of the dance style.
Chinese Folk
South America
Colombian Folk dance has traces of African, Indigenous and Spanish influence. The most significant influence, the Cumbia and Bullerengue, express their African heritage, using drums, hip movements, and clapping. There are also couple dances from the Bambuco in the Andes and Joropo from the Eastern plain. The structure is similer to European waltz, using a lot of turns, and foot movements.