Discover the Best African Dance Classes in Los Angeles
African dance embodies a broad range of vibrant and dynamic dance rituals from across the African continent. It’s a form of dance that’s deeply rooted in tribal and cultural practices and is as diverse as the many countries and regions from which it originated. Blending movement, music, and theater, African dance features complex music that is polyrhythmic and heavily reliant on drums.
Dancers and drummers collaborate in these dances to tell a story, prepare for war, encourage a bountiful harvest, honor the dead, or even celebrate someone’s coming of age. African dance is split into two main categories: utilitarian and local, as it was before colonialism, or artistic and expressive like the culturally-diffused dance that developed during and after colonialism.
The African diaspora has widely influenced all modern art, music, and dance on an international scale. Taking an African dance class lets you honor that influence and the places and people that were its creators. Commonly used to uphold social structures and express one’s role within the community, taking an African dance class helps you explore new cultures and gain a better understanding of a holistic worldview, one that acknowledges that all things are inherently connected.
Why You Should Learn African Dance in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large and diverse city made up of many different ethnic communities. It is these communities that add to the vibrancy of the city, helping to create distinction between different neighborhoods, and adding their own touches to the food, art, language, and day-to-day life of the city. Los Angeles is a great place to explore new cultures, like those from the various regions of Africa. Whether you’re looking to have some fun or want to learn more about the histories and social structures of African communities, an African dance class in LA can be a great way to do so.
Commonly known as an outlet for emotional expression, dancing is a different way to communicate your feelings when spoken language fails you. Dancing also releases endorphins, known as the happy hormones, and is an excellent form of exercise. You can burn calories and alleviate your stress all at once thanks to this convenient combo of both physical and emotional release.
African dancing is a social activity, requiring a collaboration between the dancers, musicians, and the audience. Moving your body joyously with others allows you to form friendships rooted in deeply meaningful cultural practices. Dance, much like joy, is contagious, so you’ll soon find others wanting to take part in this hobby with you.
Because of the various countries and tribes involved, learning African dance can be a way to connect to your roots or develop a deeper understanding of cultures different from your own. You can learn more about the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe through the ritual dance called Mbira or practice the Zulu tribe’s tradition of ceremonial wedding dancing called Indlamu. Some dances, like Zaouli from Ivory Coast, incorporate art as well, with dancers wearing handmade masks that honor the feminine.
Studying these cultures through dance can provide an understanding of the origins of modern music, dance, and art. Acknowledging these influences creates a greater sense of respect for these cultures, encouraging a more connected and humanistic perspective of the world.
In-Person African Dance Classes in Los Angeles
Known for its connections to the entertainment industry, Los Angeles is called home by many creatives. It’s this creative energy, combined with the diverse local communities, that make LA an ideal city to learn the art of African dance.
Your Neighborhood Studio offers several African dance classes throughout Los Angeles.
Their West African dance class is meant for beginners and promises a full body workout while you learn dances from Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Led by Wilfried Souly, this dynamic and high-energy class is taught in your bare feet, to remain authentic to the craft.
Your Neighborhood Studio also offers Afro Hop, a class that combines the movements of West African dance, the “swag” of hip-hop, and the sensuality of Dancehall. Designer for both beginner and intermediate students, this energetic class is sure to get your heart pumping.
Afro-Brazilian is another option. Located in Culver City, this class is a fusion of samba reggae from Bahia’s Carnaval and the traditional Orixas dances from the African Diaspora. Students will dance to live drums and experience the highly energetic and unique creations that “dance afro” inspires.
Sure to be an energetic workout, Afro Funk Dance combines African, Caribbean, hip hop & funk dance movements into one dynamic fitness routine that will keep you moving, burn those calories, and make you feel good. This class is located in downtown LA and is suitable for all levels.
The Choreography House in North Hollywood offers a spicier take on the typical African dance class. Afro-Sexy is an all-level class that combines traditional West African dancing with sensual movements. Located across the street from the North Hollywood Metro Station, students can find ample street parking near the studio as well as commercial parking for an hourly fee.
Virtual African Dance Classes
You can also opt for an online African dance class. You can attend online classes from anywhere, allowing you to work from the comfort of your home (or any place you choose). There’s no need to sit in LA traffic or pay for parking and, often, there are more class options available virtually.
While there currently aren’t any online African dance classes available, there are other courses that can help you explore the rich cultures of Africa. This class on Yoruba traditions is an in-depth study of the spiritual practices of the Yoruba people. You’ll learn all the ways those traditions have survived and transformed as they’ve moved throughout the Americas through lectures, readings, films, sacred dances, and interactions.
You can also explore the connection between modern and African dance in a virtual beginner's hip-hop dance class. Designed for beginners, you’ll learn the fundamentals of street and commercial dance forms to boost your confidence and enhance your technical skills. Hip-hop is a crucial part of the modern African diaspora and can be a great way to begin your exploration of African dance.
Private Group African Dance Classes in Los Angeles
Do you love to create one-of-a-kind events for your work or organization? Coursehorse offers African dance classes for private groups that can be tailored to fit your exact needs. There currently aren’t any African dance classes available, but you can reach out to Coursehorse through the contact form on the site to learn about more options.
Simple and stress-free, you’ll receive confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. There are zero booking fees, so there’s no need to worry about upfront costs. You can even adjust the size of your group after booking within seven days of your event and last-minute changes to your event details (like what specific African dance you’ll be learning) can be made if given at least a 72-hour notice, in most cases.
It’s also possible to request to have the event at your office or home. While these requests do typically come at an additional cost, they allow you to create your ideal private class for your group. If you’d prefer your private group class to be virtual, Coursehorse also conveniently utilizes Zoom and multiple other supported platforms, for your convenience.
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