Take a two-step back in time this week with Goucher College's historical dance ensemble, Choregraphie Antique. Performing dances from the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries in full period costume, the co-ed group has showcased all over the country. Recently, they had the opportunity to perfom overseas in London and Herefordshire, England, and at the University of Llmerick in Ireland. The performances are mainly dancing set to live music, with dialogue discussing dance as a cultural metaphor of the 15th, 18th, and 19th centuries interspersed throughout. The group is the brainchild of, and is under the direction of, Chrystelle Bond and is accompanied by the Towson University Early Music Ensemble.

 

Lotus Niraja teaches beginning through advanced Belly Dance and has been performing for more than 7 years locally and regionally. Lotus is also the artistic director, choreographer, and costume designer of The Niraja Dance Company. Her performances have included gala shows, corporate and government events, social functions, competitions, and festivals. Her dance specialty is Lebanese Cabaret/Fusion with Egyptian influences.

Lotus' love and passion for dancing began as a child, when she often accompanied her mother (who was a dancer) to rehearsals and performances. "I remember as a child being in awe as I sat backstage and watched the dancers transform from ordinary people to beautiful characters of dance. I never thought I would be one of them some day." When a child, Lotus was captivated by the ethnic rhythms of India, Africa, and the Middle East. As she grew older, she performed Puerto Rican folkloric, ballet, modern, and even Polynesian/Hula dances, but she heard the call of Middle Eastern Dance and never looked back.

Through her Latin and African roots, Lotus eventually developed her own unique style of bellydance, fused with African, Latin, and Lebanese styles. Lotus loves expression and fun in her dance; her dance style is highly energetic and is infused with glamour and style.

Troubled by the misconceptions of the dance form, Lotus works to present Belly Dance in the most positive light. She diligently studies and researches the physical movements and the historical and expressive purpose of each dance. One of her main goals is to help unwrap the minds of individuals who view Belly Dance as a sexual and promiscuous dance and encourage them to enjoy the beauty, grace, and celebratory feelings of Belly Dance. She also hopes to bring out more wonderful options in Belly Dance and wants to see more ethnic diversity in dance groups, troupes, and in the spotlight.

El Mishaal School of Belly Dance

Yes, it's as much fun as it looks. And no, it's easier than you think. Every Wednesday night, Club One opens its doors to seasoned salsa pros and terrified newbies alike who all share one thing—a desire to dance salsa. Don't worry—this isn't a meat market or a see-and-be-seen watering hole for show-offs. 5 bucks gets you a lesson with a whole crowd of beginners just as excited as you. Who knows what kinds of friends, partners—or significant others!—you might meet while you're cutting a rug.

Club One is located at 300 East Saratoga Street in Baltimore. Salsa lessons are held Wednesdays only from 7:30 - 9 pm. Dancing goes on until 12:30 pm. $5 cover charge before 7:45 p.m., $7 After 7:45 pm. For more information, call 410.230.0049.

Salsa at Club One
What is Salsa?

Maria Broom and Jali D join us again today to share their unique take on dance and drums.

Maria Broom, a native Baltimorean known to many nationally from her roles in HBO’s “The Corner” and “The Wire”, is an actor/dancer/director and storyteller. She recently received the prestigious 2004 Governor’s Arts Award and is now in final competition for an 2004 Open Society Institute Community Fellowship for her beloved project ‘Dance Girls of Baltimore’. A Fulbright Scholar in dance, Maria has trained, taught and performed extensively throughout the Maryland/DC area; in Los Angeles; Nashville; Hawaii; Germany and Uganda. She was a celebrated news reporter in the 1970’s, having worked at the ABC affiliates WPLG in Miami and WJZ in Baltimore. Currently, she is on the faculty of the Baltimore School for the Arts where she teaches storytelling in the theatre department and she is entering her fourteenth year as a performing artist for Young Audiences of Maryland, Inc., touring schools and libraries and festivals throughout the state. She is also a charter member of the increasingly important Dance Baltimore, an organization that supports and showcases dance companies and artists in the Baltimore metropolitan area. As a former recipient of the Eubie Blake Award and the Sarah’s Circle Award for her artistry and her spiritually inspired creativity, Maria feels blessed to be considered one of Baltimore’s favorite daughters…much loved and much in demand.

Jali D combines his knowledge of African percussion (specifically, djembe and its accompanying ensemble of doundoun, sangban, and kenkeni) and poetic spoken word into positive raps for young people. He joins us on Artworks to share some of his music and talk about his process.

Capoeira is a bewitching martial art from Brazil. Slaves, wishing to hide the fact that they were practicing combat, disguised their movements as a dance, accompanied by drums and singing. In Baltimore, Treinel Skher Brown sums it up on his organization's website "Capoeira falls under the umbrella of ‘Martial Arts’, but one who plays Capoeira is more than just a ‘fighter’. A Capoeirista, or more specifically an Angoleiro, is also an artist, musician, singer, and philosopher of sorts. Furthermore, if you ask an Angoleiro “How do you fight”, their first response is going to be, “I don’t fight, I PLAY Capoeira". Treinel Skher Brown has been involved in Capoeira Angola for over 11 years, beginning with Grupo Capoeira Angola Pelourinho and later in the International Capoeira Angola Foundation under the guidance of Mestre Cobra Mansa, which brought Capoeira Angola to Washington, D.C. Skher operates his own web-based business, The Capoeira Store, which is the largest online store for Capoeira products. Skher is the head of the ICAF-Baltimore Study group, and teaches the classes, leading the students in movements, music, and sharing the history and philosophy of Capoeira Angola that he has learned. He also teaches Capoeira at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.

Join Treinel Brown's class in Baltimore
International Capoeira Angola Foundation