https://conta.cc/3YJKyt3One of the sirens’ calls that first got me into teaching dance was the notion that I could make my own mixes with all this new to my ears music that was coming my way. From the continent of Africa especially. This excitement along with needing to structure a mix along an aerobic hear rate curve was very compelling.
I spent a lot of time counting the beats per minute of pieces and hours and hours getting a set just so in the cassette form.
Then came the CD format. Faster but still needing to have all the physical materials on hand to make something happen. Once it was burned, it was done.
Now I can make and rearrange mixes as fast as I can think of or explore a new song.
I’ve had many different goals with the musical choices I’ve made over the years but exposing folks to some of the vast richness of cultures and expressions from the African diaspora has always been one of the essential keys.
When we were first slowly coming out of Covid lock downs, working with so many restrictions, including dancing in separate taped off squares, masked and 98% virtually, many of the 100+ compilations didn’t feel right. Some sounded too big, some had too many layers of memories for me of big groups and unencumbered spaces, some I thought wouldn’t sound good on whatever home set up people were using to dance on Zoom. I didn’t try to present as if it was the same class as ever with some inconveniences thrown in. And I felt we needed music that was encouraging, nurturing and inspiring to move with in small spaces.
I now have a whole series of those that start with the letter Z (for Zoom).
This winter one of our long time dancers, Nan, who now has dementia, started joining us on Tuesdays. When I know she’s coming, I’ve gone for my most gentle mixes thinking too much stimulation might be harder. Having her there is teaching me many things. One is the kinds of music she most seems to respond to (it varies but definitely pieces with a touch of Latin flavor). And for however small it appears, how deep from within her those movements are. It feels very pure. One of the things I appreciate about her responses too, is how when she gets overstimulated she simply stops and slowly folds herself into a ball on the floor. Or makes her way to the door where her amazing husband helps her sit out for a while until she’s ready for more.
Lately as more people are able to return in person and we can use the whole room again, my curiousity, creativity and musical palette are opening up too.
Last week Ismaila Toure of the great Senegalese band Toure Kunda died. Hearing this reminded me of how their song “Salaly Muhamed” was one of THOSE songs that got me excited to start teaching with my own musical choices. I set out to re-explore some if their work and other songs from that era. That resulted in a mix I made with Nan in mind that also includes Samite, Remmy Ongala, Dorothy Masuka, Thomas Mapfumo, Angelique Kidjo…
The next one brought in more from Toure Kunda, some older some newer, a nod to De La Soul’s catalogue being remastered and released with most of their original samples (and RIP Trougoy/Dave), a posthumous piece from Ali Farka Toure, new Baaba Maal and a Janelle Monae/Seun Kuti collaboration, Kokoko!,Angelique Kidjo and a few more. I wasn’t sure this one was going to fly but it held together in a fresh way. I can’t wait to dance with it more.
Happy Anniversary Balance Studio!
Click to read.
We have begun! Here’s the link to check out our first tastes of what goes on in our daily classes. Enjoy! And, I’d love to hear from you: lara@wassadance.com
Happy Spring!
This month will have an unusual schedule for online classes.
We are on our regular Tuesday & Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30 am through April 15.
Check back on our class page for details on the rest of the month and also May offerings as things unfold.
As with so many things during this time of striving to turn the tide of the Covid pandemic, Wassa Dance and Village Volunteers annual Thanks-Giving Dance by Donation fundraiser will not be happening this year. I am very sad about this as it has been one of the great highlights of my year both personally and professionally, and a joyful way to celebrate community and a global consciousness for the past 16 years.
I am so grateful to everyone who has participated in, helped out with and donated to these projects, especially the musicians who have donated their talents and fueled our inspiration to move together so beautifully year after year.
The idea for these events all started for me in 2003 through a conversation I had with my friend and teacher, the late great Lummi healer Beaverchief. He was talking about the emotional challenges every November brought to him and many indigenous people with the illusions around the origins of a holiday he called “Thanks For Nothing”. That made me want to do something different to mark a traditional day of gathering and enjoying bounty. The rest came so easily. One of the dancers in my classes, Shana Greene had started a nonprofit called Village Volunteers and was developing beneficial projects with local folks in different parts of Africa. I already had a studio I rented time from that I could donate, a wonderful group of musicians who I collaborated with every Sunday willing to donate their talents and plenty of good hearted students. Setting the event up so that every dollar raised went straight to the project was easy too. And so we began. I don’t know if any of us realized this would become such a beloved annual tradition gathering between 30-85 multigenerational participants (several years one of our beloved families brought four generations!) every year for the next 16 years raising over $30,000 for mostly micro-loan based projects. So many treasured moments, such loving connections, so much goodness. I remain amazed.
Thank you all and thank you again!
Here is a letter from Shana Greene and an opportunity to donate to Village Volunteers this year if you are able and so inclined.
Thanksgiving mornings have held a special place in my heart for the last 16 years. As the founder and ED of Village Volunteers, I looked forward to Thanksgiving morning as a soul lifting tradition to gather with people to dance, give thanks, and raise funds for specific projects enhancing self- sufficiency in rural African villages.
Lara McIntosh, the Director of Wassa Dance, led attendees in Afro-infused movement accompanied by a talented group of percussionists who raised the level of joy as we danced.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we will not gather at the dance school gymnasium and hug and profusely thank the musicians who show up every year and rock the house. The love is always palpable.
The impact of the donations over the years has been significant in generating income activities that support families and communities’ immediate needs and help invest in the wellbeing of their futures.
The projects that Wassa Dance’s Thanks-Giving Dance by Donation events have raised funds for over the years are still thriving and continue to cycle resources and funds into the communities we’ve donated to. Here are some ofthe projects we have supported over these 16 years:
- A Bee Cooperative
- A Goat Project
- A Chicken Project
- Supplying bicycles for couriers in a remote Maasai community
- Two Textile Cooperatives in Ghana – one making children’s clothes and the other,
providing sewing machines and equipment for batiking. - A goat dairy run by a girl’s school in Kenya
- Seed saving cooperatives and seed banks
- The Moringa Tree Project that set up tree nurseries for the “miracle” moringa, a tree that has more protein in the leaves than soybean meal.
- Vulnerable women making sanitary pads from water hyacinth (an invasive species) – won a UN Woman Award for empowering women through business
- Two Posho (corn) milling cooperatives, and many microcredit loans for women who prosper as seamstresses, farmers, and more.
Although we cannot be together in person this year, we invite those who have the means to continue our tradition of Thanks-Giving donations.
This year we have chosen to enhance a Women’s Table Banking group. Table banking is a proven method for women to spearhead their finances and experience economic benefits. Each table banking group meets once a week where they place on a table their savings and loan repayments with a small amount of interest. In Kenya, table banking is an organized and calculated means for women to have control over their finances by pooling their money. This savings program is a way for entrepreneurs who work individually to support one another and multiply the fund to include additional women entrepreneurs and second loans.
To donate, click here to access the dropdown menus/programs and choose Initiatives Micro and Social Enterprises development. On the special instructions field, write table banking/Wassa Dance. If anyone would like more information, you can call contact me at shana@villagevolunteers.org.
Take care and have a safe and warm Thanks-Giving,
Shana Greene
Executive Director
Top rated 2019 Nonprofit – Great NonProfits
Village Volunteers
5100 S. Dawson St. Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98118
206-577-0515
Website Village Volunteers
This year's event was a wonderful success! 51 dancers, 7 wonderful musicians and close to $3,000 in that hour and more is coming in!
It's not too late to donate:
We are thrilled to be offering this beloved community event again this year. Come celebrate with us!
Thursday, November 28, 2019
9:00 -10:15 a.m.
9250 14th Ave. NW Seattle WA 98117 (Ballard)
You are invited to our 16th Annual Thanks-Giving Dance by Donation. This gathering has become a beloved event for many local people who enjoy providing an opportunity for economic freedom for women as part of their holiday traditions.
On Thanksgiving morning, join us as we are led in Afro-Fusion movement with Lara McIntosh of Wassa Dance and accompanied by some of the best percussionists in Seattle to raise funds for Mucharange Village Women to provide start up funding to form micro-lending groups in Kiminini-Trans Nzoia County.
All donations are tax deductible and eligible for company matching funds. If you can't attend donate online at https://villagevolunteers.org/donate/.
You can also still send a check to Village Volunteers with Wassa Dance on the memo line to
Village Volunteers
5100 South Dawson St. Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98118
Contact Lara for event questions: lara@wassadance.com
Wassa Dance: www.wassadance.com
Contact Shana at Village Volunteers: shana@villagesolunteers.org
www.villagevolunteers.org
http://www.villagevolunteers.org
We have a wonderful line up of percussion musicians coming to inspire this month's special Sunday session. Join us!
One way and another we've been doing these live cross-cultural percussion and movement events for 25 years. So happy the next series is back for the 2019 September- December season!
Come move in the heart of September rhythms with our live music session Sunday 9/8/19.
This beautiful Gita came back from Mali with me from the first trip there. It's a beautiful instrument. For me, its all about the parts as well. Calabash, pyromancy, cowries, being hand made, acoustic... These alchemical things are among my current autumn muses.
Madrona MindBody Institute
Port Townsend, WA
October 11-13, 2019
Come move in the heart of autumn rhythms for a delicious weekend of Wassa Dance
with Lara McIntosh.
This workshop is designed for folks who love to move in a nourishing, structured environment with some of the best music the world has to offer.
Fee for the full weekend – $260
Friday 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.- Noon & 3:00-6:00 p.m.*
Sunday: 10:00-Noon*
& 1:00-3:00 p.m. *
* schedule subject to change.
Can’t make the weekend? Come for a session or a day!
Single drop-in sessions $35.
Contact lara@wassadance.com for details.
Participants arrange their own transportation, lodging and meals.
Contact Lara for registration and information.
Wassa Dance – March Rhythms
Madrona MindBody Institute
Port Townsend, WA
March 1-3, 2019
Come as you are and let the rhythms take you deeper.
You are invited for a special weekend of dance and movement meditation as we tune into the transition from late Winter into early Spring with some of the best music the world has to offer.
$250 for the weekend.
Day and single session rates available by request.**
To sign up or for more information:
Lara McIntosh – lara@wassadance.com
Wassa Dance – www.wassadance.com
This workshop is designed for people who love to move in a nourishing, structured environment.
We will meet
Friday 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-Noon & 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00-11:30 a.m. & 1:00-3:00 p.m.*
* Sunday schedule subject to change
**Drop-ins are especially welcome at our Saturday afternoon 3-6 pm session. $25+written feedback on your experience or $35 and done. Cash & checks only.
Participants arrange their own transportation, lodging and meals.
Several participants are looking into sharing a group lodging arrangement at Fort Worden, I am happy to put you in touch with them.
Contact Lara for registration and information.
This annual residency at MMI is a favorite of mine. This year, I am especially excited to include Marie Chong’s offering in the mix. Her insight and expertise will be a beautiful component of this year’s creative exploration and inspiration.
Wassa’s Savory Autumn Intensive
Madrona MindBody Institute
Port Townsend, WA
October 5 – 7, 2018
You are invited to join us for a delicious weekend of Wasssa Dance with Lara McIntosh and a very special Sunday morning session of
GYROKINESIS® with Marie Chong.
This workshop is designed for people who love to move in a nourishing, structured environment with some of the best music the world has to offer.
Fee for the full weekend – $275*
Friday 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. with Lara
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-Noon & 3:00-6:00 p.m.
with Lara
Sunday: 10:00-11:30 a.m. with Marie
& 1:00-3:00 p.m. with Lara
*Can’t make the weekend? Come for a session or a day! Contact lara@wassadance.com for details.
Participants arrange their own transportation, lodging and meals.
Contact Lara for registration and information.
(GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used
with their permission)
Wassa Dance & Village Volunteers’ 14th Annual Thanks-Giving Dance by Donation is happening and you are invited!
Thursday November 23, 2017
9-10:15 a.m.
Crown Hill Community Building Gym
9250 14th Ave. NW
Seattle WA 98117
This gathering has become a beloved event for many who enjoy community, fun and good works as part of their holiday traditions. As always, the event features some of Seattle’s finest percussionists donating their time for the project.
This year we will dance to raise money for the Wassa Inua Mama (Uplift Women) Fund from Common Ground for Africa.
The money we raise will provide seed funding for training for 100 young Kenyan women with no business experience about how to work with money. They will learn about bookkeeping, marketing, and personal savings to prepare them for sustaining and managing their own small businesses which are micro-loaned funds through the group. Part of the project includes building a banda (hut) for meetings, sharing ideas, selling seeds and vegetables.
All donations are tax-deductible and eligible for company matching funds. If you can’t attend, you can donate online at https://villagevolunteers.org/donate/.
Or send a check to Village Volunteers with Wassa Dance on the memo line to Village Volunteers 5100 South Dawson St. Suite 202 Seattle, WA 98118.
WASSA DANCES WITH ALOHA
February 11-18, 2018
Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center
Big Island, Hawaii
Join us for a very special week of inspiration, ease and joyful vitality.
Come as you are, let the rhythms dance you deeper.
This sweet 7 night island style intensive features daily sessions of movement meditations and personal tuning leading into spirited dance segments in Wassa’s unique ways. Most afternoons and evenings are purposefully left open for participants to enjoy their own experience of the many delights and resources of Kalani and the island
Delicious daily buffet style meals, accommodations and use of Kalaniʼs grounds, pool and spa are included.
* Spontaneous offerings for group or individual sessions TBA.
We will be
– cultivating fresh vibrancy in our physical wit and wisdom.
– immersing ourselves in afro-infused dance inspired by some of the best music the world has to offer.
– engaging our senses in the complex natural and cultural beauty that the Big Island offers. Ocean meets lava, mongoose, wild pigs, tree frogs, bird song, hula, solar power, compost, and not so far away strip malls all co-existing while Pele makes the newest earth in the world.
Only a few spots remain.
Lodging options and rates*
Hale 4
– private room/shared bath – $1,620
– double occupancy/shared bath – $1,368
Mauka Cottage
– single/private bath – $2,705
– double – $1,970
*all prices subject to change without notice for non-registered options
For reservations and information, contact Lara:
lara@wassadance.com
Wassa Cancellation Policy: Until November 10, 2017, deposits are refundable minus a $50 administrative fee. After November 10, 2017, there are no refunds on deposits unless I can replace your reservation, $50 administration fee applies.
Here’s our residency listing on Kalani’s site
Kalani Honua Retreat Center: Kalani means Harmony of Heaven and Earth and is located on 19 coastal acres of tropical beauty on the SE coast of Hawaii. Dramatic lava cliffs provide a haven for sunbathers, stargazers, whale watchers and those seeking a deep connection with the earth and sea. Other offerings at Kalani at additional cost include: Hawaiian and Thai massage, Yoga, Bodywork, Watsu (water-based bodywork) and Hawaiiana/Hula Classes.
For more info on Kalani: www.kalani.com
To book airport shuttles, please call Kalani’s Guest Services at 800-800-6886 at least a week prior to
I’m so pleased to invite you my favorite event of the Wassa year:
WASSA DANCE AND VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS’
13TH ANNUAL
THANKS-GIVING DANCE BY DONATION
Featuring some of Seattle’s finest percussionists.
COME DANCE WITH US,
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Thursday, November 24th, 2016
9:00 -10:15 a.m.
Crown Hill Gym
9250 14th Ave. NW
Seattle WA 98117 (Ballard)
This year we will raise funds for Farmers’ Own Flour Mill installed in Khalwenge Village in Kenya and operated by the 27 members of the Tasamana Women’s Group.
The flour mill will provide women with an income to be able to support their families and send their children to school. One third of the profits of the mill are saved in a fund to provide the members with no-interest loans.
Village Volunteers is a 501 C3 nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible and eligible for company matching funds. If you can’t attend, you can still send a check to Village Volunteers* with Wassa Dance on the memo line. All proceeds raised at this event go directly to the micro-lending project.
Event questions: lara@wassadance.com
Wassa Dance: www.wassadance.com
Project Information, contact Shana at Village Volunteers: shana@villagesolunteers.org
www.villagevolunteers.org
*Village Volunteers
5100 South Dawson St.
Suite 202
Seattle, WA 98118