Beginner Tabla (Drum) Class

Learn the basics for playing the doumbek (including striking technique, timing, hand placement and how to hold the drum) as needed through informal Q&A and guidance. Individual feedback and corrections will be given to each student. Drummers will join the Sahara Dance Sampler class for a portion of the class to practice playing what they have learned.

Beginner Samba

Samba is a musical form that developed out of a combination of rhythms and musical traditions whose origins can be traced back to the early days of Brazil. Each festive and high-energy class begins with a short warm-up of progressive Afro-Brazilian flexibility movements and stretching exercises set to popular Brazilian music.

Students will learn new dance movements each class, building coordination, flexibility, strength, posture, and grace, while emphasizing proper arm, foot, and hip movements. Choreography emphasizing the movements learned during classes will be incorporated at the end of each class.

Some prior dance experience, vocabulary or knowledge is helpful, though not required. Come prepared to sweat and have fun!