Announcing new African Drum and Dance Classes on Pine Island
Master Drummer and African Dance choreographer Ndakhte Ndiaye, a Saint James City resident, is announcing a new schedule of cultural classes and programs on or about Pine Island. Each Wednesday and Friday night Ndiaye offers an exciting African Drum Class, Dinner & Film at her private home studio in Saint James City. Learn ancient, fiery rhythms and drum calls from remote villages on hand-carved drums which are provided. After class, an elaborate gourmet dinner including dessert and beverages is served while African films from Ndiaye’s rare collection are shown.
On Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. the challenging ‘African Dance Workout’ takes place at Matlacha’s Pine Island Dance Studio located next to the Perfect Cup Restaurant. The Sunday night class is a high energy workout of choreographed traditional dance movements, stretching, cardio and live drumming! Ndiaye commented, “Sunday nights is usually ‘couch potato’ nights for most people. Instead, come get a great workout and still make it home in time for the 8 o’clock movie” All classes are $10 and require reservations. Several of Ndiaye’s drum students turn out each week to play drums for the class. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world” says Diana Sunstad, a Saint James City resident and neighbor of Ndiaye, describing her commitment and joy of African drumming. Sunstad, and other drummers who play for the dance class have been studying with Ndiaye for one year.
New classes start this week at the Pine Island Resort in Saint James City. Ndiaye was hired to conduct several introductory African Drum and Dance workshops on the KOA grounds for 100 guests and managers. The workshops were meant to pique the interest of both the residents and visitors to the island. Ongoing dance classes will take place on Monday afternoons. Drum classes will be held on Thursday afternoons, both at 4 p.m. $10 for either class includes dinner and use of a drum. A
An interactive drum activity is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, for the KOA’s annual poolside Luau in which several hundred people are expected to attend. As an incentive to her new students, Ndiaye has promised to include them in a recital at the gala event! Costuming and drums will be provided.
On Sunday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m., Ndiaye returns to the enchanted gardens of Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery on Maria Drive in Saint James City. Outdoors under the gazebo and overlooking the pond, Ndiaye will bring drums and accessories for a mesmerizing afternoon of drumming. This is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. Ndiaye describes the venue as “The kind of place that you never want to leave. A carefully chosen selection of art, hand crafted jewelry, pottery, honey, coffee and Florida native plants.” Reservations are required for the African Drum workshop in which Ndiaye will teach ‘Rhythm of the Forest People’ from Guinea Conakry. $15 includes use of a drum and refreshments including Earth & Spirit’s home made Mango Sorbet specialty!
The next event at Earth & Spirit takes place on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. This will be an educational hands-on African Drum & Dance Workshop but for children ages 7 – 16. Drums, shakers, costumes and a very special gift for each child to take home will be provided. Parents may also take the workshop with their children. $15 includes everything.
On Sunday, Feb. 13, a special ‘Valentines Day African Drum Workshop’ will take place at 2 p.m. at which Ndiaye will teach a 1,000 year-old seduction rhythm from Senegal! This rhythm is typically played during courtship in Africa. $15 includes drum & delicious refreshments.
On Sunday March 27, at 2 p.m. another African Drum workshop takes place at Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery. In this workshop, several rare and ancient drums from West Africa are introduced, including the ‘Padeuk Wood Kryn’ and ‘DounDoumba’, known as the drum of the ‘strong man’.
‘Earth Day’, April 16, is the big event for the environmentally conscious folks at Earth & Spirit. A full day of activities, speakers, prizes and vendors will take place. The event culminates with a ‘Community Drum Circle’ around a giant bonfire lead by Ndakhte Ndiaye beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring drums, shakers and dancing feet to this great event.
Those inspired by the thunderous drumming of ‘Earth Day’, can return the next day, Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m. for the final African Drum Workshop of the season at Earth & Spirit. Students will learn to play a Djembe drum from Africa along with its fascinating history. Says Ndiaye, ‘I’m here to share drumming, dancing, great food and memorable times with fellow Pine Islanders.