New 5 week session from July 12th- August 9th
Single classes: $15
Class card: $60.00 for 5 weeks.
(no refunds on class cards once purchased)

Class fees:
Cost: $72 for the 6 week series

Contact Info: 781-729-2252, polynesiandancearts@yahoo.com

Students will learn basic hula movements, utilizing them in learning Kahiko (traditional hula) and 'Auana (modern style hula). In keeping with hula's storytelling nature, the meanings of the dances will be explained. Students will also receive english translations of the Hawaiian songs used in class.

Basic Tahitian dance movements will be introduced after about 6-8 weeks of basic hula. Every class will include basic dance warm-up followed by specific exercises designed to develop hula technique.

Class attire: short pareo (sarong-3 yds cotton fabric), tights, leggings, shorts, t-shirt, pa'u (Hawaiian skirt--nice but not necessary). NO long pants, long skirts or baggy outfits.(knees should be seen), barefeet.

Marta Moussa has over 25 years of ethnic dance experience as a performer, teacher and choreographer of ethnic dance. She has had extensive training in ethnic dance with the late ethnic dance great, La Meri. Her training included Bharata Natyam (Classical dance of South India), Spanish, Hawaiian hula, dance composition and La Meri's teaching techique. Subsequently, Marta decided to specialize in Hawaiian hula and Tahitian dance. She studied hula with the late Rose Kapulani Joshua and Keith Awai in Honolulu, Hawaii. Marta studied Tahitian dance with Nona Robinson of Tumata's Polynesian Dance Company, of Papaete, Tahiti and Cathy Teriapaia of Honolulu. She has been performing and teaching hula and Tahitian dance since 1980.

Marta was a guest performer for the Ethnic Dance Arts Festival under the direction of La Meri. She has performed with Anjali Ethnic Dance Co., Ethnic Dance Arts, Royal Hawaiian Dancers, Ehukai Hawaiian Dance Co., and Polynesian Dance Arts.

Upcoming 4 month session:
15 weeks from 5/5 - 8/18 (no class on 6/30)

6:30-8pm (Level 2):
Level 2 is intended for dancers who have mastered the material in my Level 1 class, or who have equivalent experience (typically a year of beginner-level instruction). Contact me if you're not sure which level to choose. Students who are new to my style, or who want extra practice/review may choose to take Level 1 as well. This level will cover advanced beginner technique, as well as introducing performance skills and props. Zils (finger cymbals) will be used, starting in the second week, and are required for all students.

8-9pm (Level 1):
This level is recommended for students with less than a year of belly dance training. This class is a rotating curriculum organized in 4-month sessions. Most students will stay at this level for one year. Everyone learns at a different rate, but regular attendance and practice will help you reach your personal best. Students taking Level 2 may also take this class for extra drilling/review.
The class is limited to 20 students, and has sold out in the past, so advance registration is recommended.

THURSDAY EVENINGS

Most Thursday evening class sessions are for drummers who have previously studied with Marytha Paffrath. For information on future beginner classes and workshops, please email Marytha at drumzatlibana@gmail.com

Pre-registration is required for ALL classes!!!

"Everything in the Universe has rhythm; everything dances" --Maya Angelou

Throughout time and history women have played drums for ceremony, ritual, celebration and the demarcation of seasonal and life passages. Many people believe that women are responsible for the first drums of West Africa. For many centuries, despite women's core contribution to the world of rhythm, drumming was kept from women, eclipsed by static cultural and spiritual beliefs. But in the last two decades women have been returning to the drum, reclaiming the rhythmic birthright to which we are all entitled as vibrating cellular beings.

In this introductory workshop we will learn age-old rhythms of West Africa and the African Diaspora, focusing on technique, the language of the drum, as well as rhythm fun and playing in community. This workshop is geared toward beginners, women who have no drum or musical experience but would like to literally try their hand at it. Teenagers 14 or older are also welcome. Please bring an African style drum, (djembe, ashiko, or conga) and a rhythm-ready heart. (some drums may be available to rent for a small additional fee).

Marytha Paffrath, Libana’s principal percussionist is an innovative teacher, singer, composer and writer who believes deeply in bringing the simplicity of rhythm and song to the complexity of the world. An accomplished percussionist, she tours nationally and internationally with LIBANA and has had the honor of studying with Babatunde Olatunji, Glen Velez, Nurudafina Pili Abena, Layne Redmond, Marco Lienhard, Gordon Gottlieb, and Ubaka Hill. In performance she moves with ease between an array of world drums which includes dumbek, djembe, tapan, naqqara, bombo, riqq, and frame drum.