Programs - Caribbean Dance

(Future Program- September 2009)

This is a new program aimed at High school and Elementary Students which will be launched in September of 2009 with the cooperation of the Albany and Schenectady school districts.

The Capital District Caribbean Cultural Alliance is a non-profit educational –charitable corporation. One of our endeavors is to build bridges among individuals and groups of different cultures using music, dance and food. Over the last few years we have seen a decrease in funding for arts and education programs within the public schools and have designed this curriculum in an effort to increase awareness of dances within the Caribbean Diaspora.

Currently CARAMA offers the Annual Caribbean Carnival which offers music and dance demonstrations, food and much more to educate the community about the Caribbean.

CARIBBEAN GENRE

The dances from countries located in the Caribbean Sea are a spiritual and dynamic experience. They are a mix of African and Spanish elements. Calypso combines the influence of music and body motions elements and includes three basic foot patterns, nine ways to execute them and circular figures. There is progression from the Beginners to Intermediate level focusing on the linear steps, circular turns and communication patterns that now form the main curriculum of this modern dance. This genre is danced by natives throughout the Caribbean basin and beyond. Each geographical region has a particular valid variation in their style that reviews at the advance level.
                 
The Meringue combines a simple one step timing with the hip motion also know as the Cuban Motion  into a brisk side-way-stepping 2 step which sharpens your coordination of body motions and timing to interpret this sensual musical rhythm. This genre seems to be simpler to learn as a building block for other Caribbean forms of dancing.
The newest musical expression and dance form coming from the Caribbean region is the Bachata. This style of dancing is known by various names in the dancehall world.

Duration of Lesson:  This lesson takes two 45 minute classes.