UW-Green Bay to host free African drum and dance workshop Nov. 8

A Chicago-based African drum dance group will offer a free workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Phoenix Room of the University Union at UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive.

Ayodele Drum and Dance will present the workshop thanks to sponsorship from UW-Green Bay’s Nia African and African-American Drummers and Dancers Group. It is open to both campus and the Green Bay community.

Ayodele Drum and Dance was formed in 2007 in Chicago when seven African dancers, led by Tosha ‘Ayo’ Alston, met to learn the art of drumming in order to improve and enhance their dancing. The group now includes 30 women and two men who use their art to educate and motivate young women and children.

The group splits its time between producing and performing concerts, teaching children, teaching classes within the community and studying with female samba masters in Brazil and master djembe and dununfolas of West Africa. More information about Ayodele Drum and Dance can be found at www.ayodeledrumanddance.com.

Those interested in registering for the workshop should call the Institute for Learning Partnership at (920) 465-5555 or email Juliet Cole at colej@uwgb.edu.

The Nia African and African-American Drummers and Dancers, founded in 2002 by Juliet Cole, consists of both UW-Green Bay and community members. The group hopes that through its African-style dancing and drumming, it can promote an appreciation for diversity within the campus and Green Bay community. Anyone can join the group at any time. More information can be found at www.uwgb.edu/learnpart/programs/nia/.

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