Category Archives: African Dance Workshops
Mamady Keita Weekend 2012 Confirmed: Tanante to perform with Iya Sako.
Despite the slow sales of ticket at first, in the early New Year things have picked up and the Mamady Keita Weekend Workshop 2012 and evening performance at Bristol’s DMAC (Dance, Music, Arts Collective) is now confirmed! For those that don’t know, Madady Keita is the world’s most famous djembe player and teacher and we are lucky enough to have him visit the UK for a weekend of workshops this February. Furthermore, to celebrate the occasion, there will be a full evening of entertainment showcasing some of the best African drumming and dance acts in the country, including including Tolo Ko Tolo, Hamana, and our very own Tanante with Iya Sako.
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Drumroots Djembe Class is Back for 2012.
After a well deserved Christmas break the drumroots team are back with Manchester’s longest running West African drumming class. These mixed ability workshops are suitable for total beginners right through to advanced djembe players. The year will start with a run of workshops focusing on Malinke rhythms from the North East of Guinea specifically Kouroussa and Sanbaralla, home of Famoudou Konate one of the worlds most renowned djembe masters. For 2012 we will see more classes focused on the dun duns and with even more support from the members of the performance group Tanante.
African dance classes with Sens Sagna are back too. Learn choreography, solo dance and traditional Senegalese songs in this fun and friendly environment. Again with support from Tanante. A great way to learn African culture and keep fit!
Wednesday 26th October 2011: MOSAIC Workshop (Video)
This was a one off workshop for young people aged 25 and under who attend MOSAIC, a centre who’s aim it is to provide drug and alcohol treatment as well as support for those young people whose parents misuse substances. The small group who attend MOSAIC voluntarily were very interested and attentive to the extent that when our time was up they didn’t want to stop and having played a little longer and giving them a chance to fit in some ‘free style’ soloing, we stayed to chat more about the West African music and culture. Some of the students seemed particularly interested in the dance which accompanies the drumming in a traditional village or on stage for performance; here are a couple of African Dance videos for any of you guys who might be interested. Remember we run weekly dance classes in Manchester or can be booked to come along with one of our professional African dancing band mates and guest freelancer to deliver African dance sessions! (more…)
Africa Day Drumming and Dance at Loughborough High School for Girls.
Returning for the Fifth Year running we were invited back to one of our favourite schools to work at; Loughborough High School for Girls. Having been to this school for years and taught about West African history, music and culture, and then leading drumming workshops, this time we had something extra special in store for the pupils; traditional West African Dance lead by our friend and professional dancer Diene Sagna. (more…)
Drumroots Workshop at Ansel Group Mental Health Clinic
For the second time we travelled across to Nottingham to deliver workshops at an Ansel Group clinic; a clinic for men with personality disorders who may have additional complex needs and have challenged other service provision. (more…)
Diene Sagna’s Wednesday Classes Break for Summer
Our Senegalese dancing friend Diene Sagna‘s regular Wednesday evening dance classes have now stopped for summer. While playing alongside Sidiki Dembele, we’ve really enjoyed supporting these classes. Diene makes them fun and energetic for both dancers and drummer alike…
Tanante confirmed for Drum Camp 2011
Tanante are returning to the excellent world music and percussion festival Drum Camp 2011. Not only will we be supporting Iya Sako’s workshops but we will be performing on the Saturday night at midnight with Iya Sako and Sens Sagna.
Tanante to perform at Beat-Herder 2011
As always Tanante will be performing at our favourite party festival; Beat-Herder. Its a friendly festival of good vibes and a huge range of music and fun to be had. Tanante will be performing on Saturday night with our friends the Drum Music collective… (more…)
Diene Sagna’s African dance class re-commences on Wednesday nights(video)
Diene Sagna is a hugely energetic and inspirational dance teacher. His classes are suitable for dancers of all levels, from complete beginners to professionals and are a great way to keep fit, destress and express yourself… (more…)
