 Educational & Therapeutic Programs for All Ages & Populations! Workshops, residencies, enrichment, professional development, assembly & conference presentations, and custom programs available. Small group and private students welcome. Marafanyi is comprised of teaching artists who are committed to diversity initiatives, family support, community & team building, professional development and arts education, as well as, bringing their music and facilitation expertise into therapeutic and alternative environments. Contact Roots Heart Pulse Office 877 . 904 . 2362 or email |
|
|
| Using metaphor, breathing, movement and song, Lara and Yael's holistic approach to rhythm and dance is fun, encouraging and accessible - and can enhance any curriculum. Our focus is on joyful exploration, empowerment, communication, and cooperation (community). Our programs are physically and intellectually stimulating, and are based on over 10 years of experience with children of all ages in a variety of environments - from therapeutic & healing to educational and empowering. Connecting mind, body and spirit, students learn to express themselves through a powerful and lyrical vocabulary of rhythm and dance. Different movement and rhythm landscapes and textures are explored, as well as traditional and purposeful dances, songs and rhythms that are hundreds and thousands of years old. We interactively explore in a facilitated and supportive environment, using West Africa as a backdrop. - Please note, the workshops listed below include a combination of rhythm, movement and song, with a variation of focus on each. - We address core curriculum standards in all our educational programs! Earth Meets Our Feet, Hands Meet the DrumTM West African Drum & Dance In this Drum and Dance Combo Workshop, students will learn the exciting connection between drummer and dancer as they are invited to experience both sides of this contagious art form! Hands Meet the DrumTM West African Drum This Hand Drum & Percussion Workshop is a great place for beginners to start, or for intermediate and advanced players to gain a different perspective. Djembe drum technique included. Earth Meets Our FeetTM West African Dance Here the focus is beautiful, archetype dance movements from West Africa as taught be Lara. Connecting mind, body and spirit, students learn to express themselve through a powerful and lyrical vocabulary of steps for traditional dances that are hundreds and thousands of years old. Via this energetic form of exercise students will also learn the shared language of West African drum and dance from our accompanist, Yael.  The Marafanyi ladies often co-teach with dancer, Mimi Stella, pictured above left at the Myhelan Cultural Arts Center, NJ, '03 Roots of Rhythm, Your Heart in the PulseTM In these "rhythm exploration" workshops the focus is not on technique or product, but instead exploration, improvisation, communication and cooperation. Different rhythm landscapes and textures are explored in a facilitated environment through the use of breathing, metaphor, movement and song. "You have a wonderful approach to teaching people. And you have made music, drumming, even more exciting and interesting for me. I am sure you have that effect on many people, and it's wonderful to see that you have that ability. I think people feel a very honest feeling after your class." - K. Patel, participant  |
on in us. Yours are smiling." - J. Crane, presenter and participant  Lara & Yael with workshop participants at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, NJ, 8/03. Photo by Doe Phillips " . . . the drumming work that you are doing is some of the most important work that there is in the world. It changes the soul, it grows the soul." - D. Phillips, presenter and participant  children's workshop, photo by T. Kruger "You are one of the best anti-depressants I've ever encountered." - V. Parnell, presenter and participant  dance workshop, photo by Kathy Henkel "We really loved it and I feel like I learned a lot from you . . . Playing in a group like that just lifted me off the ground." - N. Duggan, participant  Presentation for Ram Dass, 1st Church of Relgious Science, Morristown, NJ, 8/03. Photo by Kathy Henkel |
|
marafanyi . contact . performance . africa . home |
|
Copyright © 2006 Roots Heart Pulse No part of this website may be copied or used without permission All Rights Reserved |