Thursday, May 21, 6:15-7:30pm 
Sunset Park Recreation Center
43rd Street and 7th Avenue, Brooklyn 
FREE

Jose Figueroa will teach the movement and rhythms of traditional dances of Haiti and Dominican Republic, such as the processional dance of gaga (rara) and the traditional drums and rhythms of Dominican palos. Jose will be accompanied by the live percussion and horns of fellow Kalunga members for Circle 'Round workshops, jam and demonstrations.


ABOUT THE PERFORMER

Born in New York City, Jose Figueroa was introduced to the Voudoun religion and gaga (rara in Haitian Creole) celebrations during his childhood in Barahona province of Dominican Republic. Later, in New York, he became a b-boy with Rock Steady Crew, trained in and played Brazilian Capoeira, and has performed with various rasin (roots) Haitian and Afro-Dominican groups such as Asadife, Dja Rara, and Palo Monte. Jose is a founding member of Kalunga Neg Mawon, a cultural society which aims to educate the public about the richness of African and Afro-Diasporic culture though performances, multi-media documentaries, recordings, and workshops teaching the history, music, dances, and songs of Congolese descent. Jose now is based in Sunset-Park. www.myspace.comgrupokalunga

ABOUT CIRCLE 'ROUND BROOKLYN 2009
Circle 'Round's 2009 theme is dances that drum/drums that dance. The dances featured are all integrally related to percussion. In some cases the body makes the percussive sound through hand clapping, foot stomping, or maneuvering props such as bamboo sticks. In others, drummer and dancer communicate with each other through rhythmic exchanges of question and answer, or the dancer drums while dancing- blurring the distinction between musician and mover. The dancers/ drum teachers of Circle 'Round and audiences have opportunities to learn about each others traditions and to jam together at the Dance and Drum Jam.

This workshop is part of Circle 'Round Brooklyn, Traditional Dance Workshops and Performances.