International Folk Dance Association   of University City presents . . .
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Dances of West Africa

a workshop taught by

DeBorah Ahmed

Sunday, May 7, 2006; 3 - 6 p.m.
University United Methodist Church
6901 Washington Ave.
University City (St. Louis), Missouri
Admission:  $2.00

No previous experience required!
No partners needed!

DeBorah Ahmed specializes in culture, dance and music of the former empire of Mali.  She has had a long and illustrious career as a dancer and choreographer.  She has taught at the Katherine Dunham Performing Arts Training Center, and taught West African dance at Washington University for 10 years.  She founded the Rhythms in Anoa Dance Theatre.  She has danced with and choreographed for numerous other companies, including the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, Afriky Lolo, the St. Louis Black Repertory's Dance Company, and the St. Louis Cossan African Dance Company.

Anyone who has seen these exuberant dances won't want to miss this special opportunity for recreational folk dancers.  This workshop precedes DeBorah's BLACK DANCE USA: A CELEBRATION IN MOVEMENT, an annual 7-day national dance festival that celebrates Afrocentric dance and music forms.

Dress:  Wear comfortable clothing.  Women should bring enough fabric to wrap 1¹/₂  to 2 times around the waist, with enough left to tie a knot between the opposite corners.  Cotton is preferred for comfort.

Shoes:  These dances are done barefoot.  However, if you need to wear shoes, it is suggested that you wear the softest, most flexible shoe that you can find (something resembling a jazz shoe or ballet slipper).

University United Methodist Church is on the northwest corner of Washington and Trinity south of the Lion Gates on Delmar -- see Google Map.  (Note:  Forest Park Pky. / Millbrook Blvd. is currently closed due to MetroLink construction.)  Parking is available in the church lot and on Trinity, but please do not park on the residential part of Washington.  Walk by the playground in front of the church, and enter by the door at the inner corner of the L-shaped building.

For Other Information:  Please contact Rex or Nancy Couture (phone 314-275-8228, E-mail ).