MOVE. SING. DRUM. DANCE!
Spring Classes for Children Ages 1-11
Get 33% Off on siblings & multiple classes!
To register, click the “Child and Teen Classes” tab to the left.
Calendar
Pay What You Wish Week = April 1-7
First Week of Classes = Week of April 8-14
Last Week of Classes = Week of June 10-17
No Classes on Memorial Day. June 17 will be the last day for Monday classes.
Ages 1-5
Monday, 9:30 – 10:30am (new time)
Preschool Rock! with Chanon Judson (2½ – 5 years)
Preschool Rockers enjoy a diverse experience that incorporates craft-making, creative movement, modern dance, and a celebration of the African Diaspora. Chanon Judson, a former Urban Bush Woman and FELA! cast member, creates a healthy balance of challenge and sheer joy.
Monday, 4:30 – 5:15pm
DrumPlay with Ayahna Nubian (6 months – 2 years)
An hour of guided play, including storytelling and drum time, for babies old enough to enjoy tummy time and toddlers. Parents are invited to participate.
Monday, 4:30 – 5:15pm
DrumMove with Aja-Nicole Hope (3-5 years)
In this high energy class, young movers will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of music, drumming, imaginative play and storytelling. We will play with drums, hula hoops, parachutes, scarves, sticks, and more.
Note: DrumPlay and DrumMove families may come early for 30 minutes of Open Play from 4:00 to 4:30. Open Play gives children aged 1 to 5 time to play while parents get to socialize. Cumbe will provide music, fun props and books for the children. Please note: this activity is not facilitated; parents are responsible for watching their children.
Wednesday, 9:45-10:30am
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 2 years)
With live drumming! In UHURU (the kiSwahili word for “freedom”), older toddlers will explore creative movement, music and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song and interactive stories. While still giving toddlers free movement time, this class will introduce children to longer dance and drum sequences. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance and sing – your children learn best when you are involved!
Wednesday, 11:00-11:45am
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 3 years)
With live drumming! In UHURU (the kiSwahili word for “freedom”), older toddlers will explore creative movement, music and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song and interactive stories. While still giving toddlers free movement time, this class will introduce children to longer dance and drum sequences. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance and sing – your children learn best when you are involved!
Friday, 9:45-10:30am
Ubuntu with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Early Walkers, 12-18 months)
UBUNTU derives from the Bantu languages of southern Africa. Ubuntu speaks to the idea that “I am what I am because of you – we are.” Almost/early walkers who are just developing balance and coordination will explore creative movement, music, and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song, and interactive stories. This class will include free movement time. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance, and sing – your children learn best when you are involved!
Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm
DrumDance with Funmilayo (2-4 years)
In this spirited class, which draws from many cultures, children will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of singing, music, drumming, and storytelling. We will play with drums, ropes, balls, cowbells, scarves, sticks, and more. A master dance instructor for 20 years and experienced children’s teacher, Funmilayo is the Artistic Director of Fusha Dance Company.
Price for Uhuru, Ubuntu, DrumPlay, DrumMove & DrumDance: $130 for 10-week session ($17 to drop in) (33% Discount on Siblings & multiple classes)
Sunday, 10:30-11:30am
Drumming4Toddlers! with Brother Kojo (Ages 2-5)
A unique African percussion class designed to get children excited about and familiar with the Djembe drum and is rhythms. Parents are encouraged but not required to participate. This class is led by master drummer Kojo C. Johnson, founder of The HAND Arts & Edutainment/THE HAND ENTERPRIZES, INC. Bring a drum if you have one – if not, come empty-handed and we will fill yours with drums & rhythm!
Price for Drumming4Toddlers: $200 for 10-week session ($25 to drop in) (33% Discount on Siblings & multiple classes)
*We also have a PLAYSPACE with Aja-Nicole Hope on Fridays from 11:00am-2:00pm for Ages 1-5 ($10 per family).
Ages 5-7
Tuesday, 4:30-5:30pm
Roots Pop Hip Hop with Karisma Jay
In this variation on our popular Good Boogie class, children will have a blast exploring movement and dancing to Hip Hop and other ‘gotta dance’ popular music while mixing in moves and rhythms from African, Caribbean and other diaspora styles!
Saturday, 10:00am-11:00am
Good Boogie with Lisa Green
Children will have a blast exploring movement and dancing to r&b, hip hop and other ‘gotta-dance’ popular music! Lisa-Hazina Green is a gifted dance educator with a passion for working with kids.
Ages 6-9
Friday, 4:00-5:30pm
Sawubona: African Fusion with Jamie Philbert
In Sawubona (a South African greeting meaning “I see you”), students will create their own dances using creative movement, performance techniques and visual arts. Jamie Philbert, founder of Echoes Dance Company, will guide the group in developing and presenting their ideas.
Saturday, 11:00am-12:00pm
Haitian Dance with Lionel St. Surin
Get to know the lwa (deities) of Haiti and learn each of their dances and rhythms. Children will explore their power as they dance the Nago warrior dance for the oguns, discover their beauty and grace in the Congo dance for Erzili, and find their flow in the subtle and fluid dance of Yanvalou for Papa Danbala.
Ages 8-11
Monday 4:30-5:30pm & Wednesday 4:00-5:00pm
Afrikan Acrobatics with Kiebpoli (“Cape-a-lee”)
Jumps, flips and tumbling are an exciting party of many African and diaspora dances. In this class, students will practice tumbling, handstands, pyramids, and other acrobatic fundamentals using Acro-yoga – an approach that cultivates playfulness, trust and community. Once they gain confidence and agility with the fundamental moves, they will integrate them with movements from Africa and its diaspora. Kiebpoli, a professional acrobat and aerialist, loves sharing these skills with children.
Mixed-Age Class (Ages 5-11)
Wednesday, 4:00-5:00pm
Hip Hop/Street Jazz with J Lyn Thomas
Dance to your favorite pop, R&B, and hip hop songs while learning the latest moves. This class focuses on isolations, musicality, and personal expression, and you’ll learn routines that will make you feel like you’re starring in your own music video. This is a mixed-age class, and each child will be able to participate at their own level while benefitting from being with others of different ages.
Prices for All Classes Ages 5-18:
Spring Semester (10 weeks): $200
Drop-in Rate: $25
Also get 33% off for sibling & multiple class registrations.