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West African Dance and Culture is a two visit high-energy residency that will bring Senegal's culture and dances to life for your students and faculty.Abdou Sarr, Senegalese dancer, is a m... Read more

West African Dance and Culture is a two visit high-energy residency that will bring Senegal's culture and dances to life for your students and faculty.

Abdou Sarr, Senegalese dancer, is a master teacher of the sabaar and djembe dances from Senegal, West Africa. He brings his experience from many years of professional dancing, his private lessons and his classroom workshops with students of all ages and abilities. Great for all ages and abilities. No prior experience required.

For those classes studying West Africa, the students may submit any questions in advance about topics or Senegalese culture that they or you are curious about.

We provide a Study guide with a Wolof vocabulary of greetings and simple questions that will enable the students to count to ten and greet each other and ask questions, like: What is your name? Also included are links to trusted websites for maps and more information about Senegal, West Africa.

On Day One: Abdou will greet the class, and introduce himself, the drums and some simple Wolof Language. Abdou will explain the importance of dance in his homeland, Senegal. The students will begin to learn the sabaar and/or djembe dances. Interspersed with the dance lessons is a cultural exchange with Abdou talking about his childhood, education and culture. Islam religion may also be discussed. Abdou may also teach some children's songs.

On Day Two: Abdou and the students will continue to refine and elaborate the dance steps and continue their cultural discussions. The students will perform as a group and then demonstrate their dance moves individually.

Grades 6-7: Your students have the opportunity to visit with a young, native Senegalese dancer, who has very good English. They can ask questions about daily life, schools, food, celebrations and clothing. Abdou is a tailor as well as a dancer.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:
Collaboration
Responsibility
Self-Regulation

NATIONAL PE STANDARDS
Standards #1, #2, #3, #4, #5
NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARDS
Standards #2 and #7