Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance
558 Fulton Street, 2nd Floor
*To pre-register for Pay What You Wish week, click the “Child & Teen Classes” tab. Register online with your child’s name and then pay what you wish when you arrive at the studio.
DrumPlay with Ayahna Nubian plus Open Play (6 months – 2 years)
An hour of guided play, including storytelling and drum time, for babies old enough to enjoy tummy time and toddlers. Parents are invited to participate.
DrumMove with Aja-Nicole Hope plus Open Play (3-5 years)
In this high energy class, young movers will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of music, drumming, imaginative play and storytelling. We will play with drums, hula hoops, parachutes, scarves, sticks, and more.
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 2 years)
With live drumming! In UHURU (the kiSwahili word for “freedom”), older toddlers will explore creative movement, music and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song and interactive stories. While still giving toddlers free movement time, this class will introduce children to longer dance and drum sequences. A drummer will provide live music. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance and sing – your children learn best when you are involved!
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 3 years)
This “Cumbe in Dumbo” class is held in the Playroom at EGG in Dumbo (72 Jay Street, Brooklyn). Uhuru means “freedom” in kiSwahili. In this class, parents/guardians and their almost and early walker children will explore movement and rhythm through drumming, song, and games with Jamie Philbert, founder of the Echoes Dance Company. Classes are $230 for the 10-week series. The Winter series runs from January 9 – March 20, and the Spring Series runs from April 10 – June 12. When signing up online, choose “Cumbe in Dumbo” class.
Ubuntu with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Early Walkers, 12-18 months)
UBUNTU derives from the Bantu languages of southern Africa, and speaks to the idea that, “I am what I am because of you – we are.” Almost/early walkers who are just developing balance and coordination will explore creative movement, music, and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song, and interactive stories. This class will include free movement time. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance, and sing – your children learn best when you are involved! If at least 10 families enroll, a drummer will provide live music.
Afro-Yoga with Christina Cowen (3-5 years)
This class introduces youngsters to basic yoga, the beauty of African culture & countries, and delightful music. Each week, students will “travel” with each other to a different country in Africa, all the while growing through social interaction and having fun. Parents are welcome to join. Harambee! Let’s go!
DrumDance with Funmilayo (2-4 years)
In this spirited class which draws from many cultures, children will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of singing, music, drumming, and storytelling. We will play with drums, ropes, balls, cowbells, scarves, sticks, and more. A master dance instructor for 20 years and experienced children’s teacher, Funmilayo is the Artistic Director of Fusha Dance Company. If 10 people register for the class, we’ll provide a live drummer!
Drumming4Toddlers! with Brother Kojo (Ages 2-5)
A unique African percussion class designed to get children excited about and familiar with the Djembe drum and is rhythms. Parents are encouraged but not required to participate. This class is led by master drummer Kojo C. Johnson, founder of The HAND Arts & Edutainment/THE HAND ENTERPRIZES, INC. Bring a drum if you have one – if not, come empty-handed and we will fill yours with drums & rhythm!
Hip Hop & Street Jazz with J Lyn Thomas (for Ages 5-11)
Dance to your favorite pop, R&B, and hip hop songs while learning the latest moves. This class focuses on isolations, musicality, and personal expression, and you’ll learn routines that will make you feel like you’re starring in your own music video. This is a mixed-age class, and each child will be able to participate at their own level while benefitting from being with others of different ages.
Good Boogie with Lisa Green
Children will have a blast exploring movement and dancing to r&b, hip hop and other ‘gotta-dance’ popular music! Lisa-Hazina Green is a gifted dance educator with a passion for working with kids.
African Dance, Drum, and Song with Rujeko Dumbutshena
Dance, rhythm, and song often go hand in hand in Africa. In this class, children will learn the dances and music from Western and Southern Africa.
Haitian Dance with Lionel St. Surin
Get to know the lwa (deities) of Haiti and each of their dances and rhythms. Children will explore their power as they dance the Nago warrior dance for the oguns, discover their beauty and grace in the Congo dance for Erzili, and find their flow in the subtle and fluid dance of Yanvalou for Papa Danbala.
Sawubona: African Fusion with Jamie Philbert
In Sawubona (a South African greeting meaning “I see you”), students will create their own dances using creative movement, performance techniques and visual arts. Jamie Philbert, founder of Echoes Dance Company, will guide the group in developing and presenting their ideas.
Afrikan Acrobatics with Keibpoli (Cape-a-lee)
Jumps, flips and tumbling are an exciting part of many African and diaspora dances. In this class, students will practice tumbling, handstands, pyramids, and other acrobatic fundamentals using Acro-yoga – an approach that cultivates playfulness, trust, and community. Once they gain confidence and agility with basic moves, they will integrate them with movements from Africa and its diaspora. Keibpoli is a professional acrobat and aerialist, and loves sharing these skills with children.
Hip Hop with Roger GBust a move with a pro from the street. Roger G., who danced in Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video, will break down different hip hop styles like popping and locking, breaking, and street jazz.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 935 – 9700
Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins St., B, Q, R to DeKalb Ave., 2, 3, 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, D to Atlantic Ave./Barclays, C to Lafayette Ave., G to Fulton St.
Try out any class at Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance during “Pay What You Wish” Week, Jan. 7-13, 2013
(718) 935 – 9700
Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins St., B, Q, R to DeKalb Ave., 2, 3, 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, D to Atlantic Ave./Barclays, C to Lafayette Ave., G to Fulton St.
Try out any class at Cumbe Center for African and Diaspora Dance during “Pay What You Wish” Week, Jan. 7-13, 2013
*To pre-register for Pay What You Wish week, click the “Child & Teen Classes” tab. Register online with your child’s name and then pay what you wish when you arrive at the studio.
DrumPlay with Ayahna Nubian plus Open Play (6 months – 2 years)
An hour of guided play, including storytelling and drum time, for babies old enough to enjoy tummy time and toddlers. Parents are invited to participate.
DrumMove with Aja-Nicole Hope plus Open Play (3-5 years)
In this high energy class, young movers will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of music, drumming, imaginative play and storytelling. We will play with drums, hula hoops, parachutes, scarves, sticks, and more.
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 2 years)
With live drumming! In UHURU (the kiSwahili word for “freedom”), older toddlers will explore creative movement, music and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song and interactive stories. While still giving toddlers free movement time, this class will introduce children to longer dance and drum sequences. A drummer will provide live music. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance and sing – your children learn best when you are involved!
Uhuru with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Toddlers, 18 months – 3 years)
This “Cumbe in Dumbo” class is held in the Playroom at EGG in Dumbo (72 Jay Street, Brooklyn). Uhuru means “freedom” in kiSwahili. In this class, parents/guardians and their almost and early walker children will explore movement and rhythm through drumming, song, and games with Jamie Philbert, founder of the Echoes Dance Company. Classes are $230 for the 10-week series. The Winter series runs from January 9 – March 20, and the Spring Series runs from April 10 – June 12. When signing up online, choose “Cumbe in Dumbo” class.
Ubuntu with Jamie Philbert (Free and Creative Movement for Early Walkers, 12-18 months)
UBUNTU derives from the Bantu languages of southern Africa, and speaks to the idea that, “I am what I am because of you – we are.” Almost/early walkers who are just developing balance and coordination will explore creative movement, music, and rhythm through movement games, drumming, song, and interactive stories. This class will include free movement time. Parents and caregivers: come prepared to drum, dance, and sing – your children learn best when you are involved! If at least 10 families enroll, a drummer will provide live music.
Afro-Yoga with Christina Cowen (3-5 years)
This class introduces youngsters to basic yoga, the beauty of African culture & countries, and delightful music. Each week, students will “travel” with each other to a different country in Africa, all the while growing through social interaction and having fun. Parents are welcome to join. Harambee! Let’s go!
DrumDance with Funmilayo (2-4 years)
In this spirited class which draws from many cultures, children will explore dance and creative movement through a combination of singing, music, drumming, and storytelling. We will play with drums, ropes, balls, cowbells, scarves, sticks, and more. A master dance instructor for 20 years and experienced children’s teacher, Funmilayo is the Artistic Director of Fusha Dance Company. If 10 people register for the class, we’ll provide a live drummer!
Drumming4Toddlers! with Brother Kojo (Ages 2-5)
A unique African percussion class designed to get children excited about and familiar with the Djembe drum and is rhythms. Parents are encouraged but not required to participate. This class is led by master drummer Kojo C. Johnson, founder of The HAND Arts & Edutainment/THE HAND ENTERPRIZES, INC. Bring a drum if you have one – if not, come empty-handed and we will fill yours with drums & rhythm!
Hip Hop & Street Jazz with J Lyn Thomas (for Ages 5-11)
Dance to your favorite pop, R&B, and hip hop songs while learning the latest moves. This class focuses on isolations, musicality, and personal expression, and you’ll learn routines that will make you feel like you’re starring in your own music video. This is a mixed-age class, and each child will be able to participate at their own level while benefitting from being with others of different ages.
Good Boogie with Lisa Green
Children will have a blast exploring movement and dancing to r&b, hip hop and other ‘gotta-dance’ popular music! Lisa-Hazina Green is a gifted dance educator with a passion for working with kids.
African Dance, Drum, and Song with Rujeko Dumbutshena
Dance, rhythm, and song often go hand in hand in Africa. In this class, children will learn the dances and music from Western and Southern Africa.
Haitian Dance with Lionel St. Surin
Get to know the lwa (deities) of Haiti and each of their dances and rhythms. Children will explore their power as they dance the Nago warrior dance for the oguns, discover their beauty and grace in the Congo dance for Erzili, and find their flow in the subtle and fluid dance of Yanvalou for Papa Danbala.
Sawubona: African Fusion with Jamie Philbert
In Sawubona (a South African greeting meaning “I see you”), students will create their own dances using creative movement, performance techniques and visual arts. Jamie Philbert, founder of Echoes Dance Company, will guide the group in developing and presenting their ideas.
Afrikan Acrobatics with Keibpoli (Cape-a-lee)
Jumps, flips and tumbling are an exciting part of many African and diaspora dances. In this class, students will practice tumbling, handstands, pyramids, and other acrobatic fundamentals using Acro-yoga – an approach that cultivates playfulness, trust, and community. Once they gain confidence and agility with basic moves, they will integrate them with movements from Africa and its diaspora. Keibpoli is a professional acrobat and aerialist, and loves sharing these skills with children.
Hip Hop with Roger GBust a move with a pro from the street. Roger G., who danced in Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video, will break down different hip hop styles like popping and locking, breaking, and street jazz.
Go to website for class schedules and more info.
