Morning Chi Gung *Taj
We all need to relax and move. Many among us can feel overwhelmed by lifes demands upon our creativity, sense of commitment, and our personal resources.
For many years now, it has been documented that the regular practice of mind centering/focusing exercises that couple gentle bodywork activities to conscious breathing can extend to us the ability to sharpen and refine focus upon our tasks; providing a resource to help us maintain our center and our sense of purpose. This enables us to relax and savor lifes abundance even within the face of adversity.
Sifu Taj is a certified martial arts instructor, tournament judge, international gold medalist, nationally ranked martial artist and healer. Sifu Taj received formal permission to first teach Taoist meditation and Qigong from Dr. Lee Guo-Tin and Dr. Nianzu Li. Currently a 19th generation member of the Wudang Dragon Gate under Master Xiao Ling Liu, Taj continues his studies of Wudang Healing and Martial Arts with Liuhebafa (Water Boxing), Baguazhang (8 Diagram Palm), Xingyichuan (Mind-Intent Boxing), Taijiquan and Qigong. This work parallels and enhances his personal family traditions of healing breath and body movements received through his maternal Grandparents.
Hand Dance * Billy Parker & Rickie Owens
Chicago has Stepping, NY has the Hustle... DC is all about Hand Dance!
Hand Dance is the official dance of Washington, DC by mayoral proclamation. Classic Hand Dance can be high energy or slow and smooth, and is primarily associated with the music of the Motown era (fondly referred to as “The Oldies”). However, Hand Dancing may be done to ANY style of music; Oldies, Jazz, R&B, Rock, Hip Hop – even Country/Western. You do need leather-soled shoes or shoes that allow sliding motions. Want to relieve stress and get a great workout while looking smooth and twirling like a pro? Join us on the dance floor!
North African Drum & Rhythm * Vernon
Vernon is a multi-instrumentalist whose background includes performing jazz, classical, rock, Latin, African, & folk music for over 30 years, & drum circle facilitator for 6 years of Village Mandala in Claremont, CA.
Middle Eastern Hand Drum & Rhythm is for beginners and intermediate drummers/dancers. No prior experience necessary. Basic patterns will be explained from the standpoint of the drummer, as well as for helping dancers understand what is being provided from the performing drummer. Technique, dynamics, and accents will be covered, and handouts provided. A drum of your own is preferred, but not required, as some drums will be available if you need one.
Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance Charisse Williams
Exploring the Feminine through Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance. Sensuality, motherhood and a raging tempest are all different aspects of powerful female energy. In this workshop we will dance the dances of three female Orisha that personify these different aspects of feminine power. We will begin with Yemaya, the mother, as deep and mysterious as the ocean. We will also dance Oya, the wind, the tornado, who in the midst of her terrible storms, plants the seeds for profound change and transformation. We will end with Oshun, the goddess of all that is sweet: honey, sunflowers, and sweet waters. We explore all of these dances through movement, expression and gestures.
Charisse Williams has over ten years of experience studying and performing jazz, modern, West African and Caribbean dance. She began her dance career in her hometown, Chicago, with renowned Senegalese dancer, teacher and choreographer Abdoulaye Camara. She then went on to perform West African, Caribbean and jazz dance with Sundance Performing Arts Company. As an undergraduate student at Cornell University, Ms. Williams co-directed Uhuru Kuumba Dance Ensemble for which she danced, set choreography, designed costumes and produced annual concerts. Charisse has recently performed and taught at various venues and festivals including Dance Africa, Baltimore Museum of Art, Oberlin College, Dance Place, Hirshorn Museum, Smithsonian Folklife Festival and Queens in the Spirit Dance Festival in Baltimore. She has also choreographed pieces for the play Gutta Beautiful and AfriDansa Dance Company. Before founding Diaspora Dance Theater Project, she performed Afro-Cuban dance with Maryland-based Ashe Moyubba Folkloric Ensemble. Charisse currently teaches Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance at Mamasita Cultural Center in Washington, DC.