Learn International Dance Styles & Rhythms At Ailey Extension's World Dance Celebration

Dance lovers of all experience levels are invited to learn traditional dance styles and rhythms from around the globe at Ailey's annual World Dance Celebration. This popular eight-week workshop series -beginning on Saturday, April 21 and culminating with on stage performances - combines folkloric dance styles and live accompaniment native to Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East into a "life-affirming celebration" (W42Stmagazine).

Taught by Ailey Extension's internationally renowned instructors, World Dance Celebration allows participants to share the rich heritage of indigenous cultures, learning their unique expressions through dynamic costumes, acoustic instruments, and folkloric movements. The workshop culminates with three performances for family and friends at theAiley Citigroup Theater on Saturday, June 23 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, June 24 at 2pm. Performance tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 1.

After in-depth rehearsals and performing center stage, New Yorkers will gain a new perspective on world dance and, according to W42St, "the rewards are life-changing." Workshops are offered in the following nine styles:

Sabar with Babacar M'Baye (Saturdays, April 21 - June 16, 8-10pm): A traditional dance performed to the Sabar drum from Senegal, West Africa that combines arm swinging, knee lifting, and hip twisting.

West African with Maguette Camara (Fridays, April 27 - June 15, 8-10pm): An energetic union of music, dance, and oral tradition of West African people with live djembe and dundun drumming.

Samba/Afro-Brazilian with Quenia Ribeiro (Sundays, April 29 - June 17, 2-4pm): One of Brazil's most popular cultural expressions, samba incorporates the country's Afro-Brazilian dance roots with live drumming and rhythms.

West African with Vado Diomande (Sundays, April 29 - June 17, 5-7pm): With live drumming, this workshop teaches students the fundamentals of West African dance.

Afro-Latin Fusion with Sekou McMiller (Tuesdays, May 1 - June 19, 7:30-9:30pm): Experience Latin rhythms and techniques deeply rooted in the Caribbean, while blending urban dance, modern jazz, and contemporary styles.

Salsa with Baila Society (Tuesdays, May 1 - June 19, 7:30-9:30pm): Learn the fundamentals of salsa footwork and partnerwork, while moving to Latin rhythms.

Afro-Cuban with Noibis Licea (Wednesdays, May 2 - June 20, 8:30-10:30pm): Learn traditional Afro-Cuban movements that represent African deities brought to Cuba (called Orishas), and their cultural context, while being energized by live drums.

Groovefit Belly Dance with Jannelle Cortes (Sundays, May 6 - June 17, 12-2pm): Native to North Africa, Middle East, and the Mediterranean, students will explore this ancient, mystical dance that consists of isolations, dynamic hip movements, and exotic choreography.

NY Style Mambo with Katherine Jimenez (Wednesdays, May 9 - June 20, 7:30-9:30pm): Participants will learn NY Style Mambo, a flirtatious partner dance with humble beginnings at the infamous Palladium Ballroom that features points, kicks, exaggerated hip movements, and sharp quick steps.

Beyond these exciting workshops, Ailey Extension offers 100 classes per week in over 25 diverse dance and fitness techniques. Traditional dance styles like hip-hop, Horton, ballet, jazz, and tap are offered as weekly classes, in addition to most of the world dance styles listed above. Recently featured in The New York Times, Afro Flow Yoga workshops occur bi-weekly on Sunday afternoons, exercising "peaceful and high-energy, meditative and pulsating, spiritual and earthy" dichotomies simultaneously.

To view the complete class schedule or to register, visit www.aileyextension.com.

Photo: World Dance Celebration's Sabar Workshop at Ailey Extension. Photo by Christian Miles.

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