IRIEAdults Dance Project

 
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Sheba Monsterrat
A new IRIEAdults program starts on Tuesday 20 April and ends on 29 June.  There is no session on 01 June - half-term.  Sessions run from 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Moonshot Centre and Sheba Monsterrat will again be leading the sessions.

The pilot IRIEAdults was attended by just women but we'd really like to encourage men to join in as well.  So come on guys, please don't be shy.

The IRIEAdults program is more than just about learning dance styles based on a fusion of African, Caribbean and contemporary dance.  It provides a chance for you to develop your creative and performing skills, improve your communication skills, build your self-confidence, enhance your self-esteem and generally improve your well-being.

It's just £25.00 for the full 10-week program or £3.50 if you're paying per session. 

You can pay for the sessions online via PayPal - a secure payment system that allows you to pay by debit or credit card.  You can also pay using your PayPal account if you have one.

So if you haven't already registered simply click one of the links below to do so:

Book Full 10-week Program

Book Per Session

IRIE! Admin
 
 
Well, we had our last performance today. I am really pleased and proud of everyone who took part.

I have always wanted to take part in a dance performance like this and I am happy that I got to experience my first performance with a special group of ladies or if you like "Urban Goddesses".

"Urban Goddesses" was the name we went with and as part of our performance we recited my poem titled "What it Means to Be an Urban Goddess".

I would just like to thank everyone who gave me positive feedback and encouragement with regards to my poem.

And for those wished to see it published on the net, ENJOY:

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN URBAN GODDESS

To be an urban goddess you must hold certain powers
Not the average capabilities of all
But something special which is over and above the norm

Today's society runs like a machine
Everyday day comes with the same routine
Back and forth, Here and there
Always on the go with no time to spare

However, an urban goddess amongst the hustle and bustle
Recognises there is more to life
It need not be the continuous strife

For an urban goddess knows
how to maintain her spiritual well-being
Whilst all the while always seeing
That there is beauty in the old and new
And that forgotten traditions can serve us too

So what is an urban goddess
She is adaptable, flexible, loving and powerful
Feminine and strong, her life mirrors a beautiful song
Always striving for the best for herself and others
All the while still maintaining her smile

Showing us all how to remain serene in this manufactured urban machine.

© Liza Mills 2010
 
Poetry in Motion 10/03/2010
 
I have not been to the class for the past two weeks. It was great to see the other ladies. Beverley had recorded them performing part of the dance last week and it looked fantastic.

After the warm up, we ran through a section of the dance before coming together and sitting on the floor.  There was rapt attention as we listened as some of us read out  our poems.

The poems that were read out were all great and we are working them into the dance.  I am getting very excited as the performance is in two weeks.

Lisa Nkrumah-Mweu
 
 
Last Tuesday I did a bit of teaching in the class. I was supposed to teach the week before but was unable to come to class.  So last week I ended up teaching a part of the class with two of the other ladies. We focussed on the shoulders, torso, and hip isolations.

It was a great experience.  I was a little nervous but with such a friendly group of women, the nerves soon disappeared.  I learned so much from taking part in the warm up, about myself and learning new ways to dance.  I would like to do it again.

We learnt to do the "Electric Slide" or the "Hustle" as it was originally known.  It was so much fun and hope that we do it in our final dance performance.

Lisa Nkrumah-Mweu  
 
 
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The class has a great relaxing and supportive atmosphere. Our teacher, Sheba, is so enthusiastic and encouraging that learning Caribbean dance is really fun to do. We did isolations, travelling across the floor all to excellent soca and reggae tracks.

My favourite part was the dance routine and I really enjoyed dancing together as a group. It is nice to come to class after work and just let all the stresses of the day melt away, leaving you energised for the rest of the week.

Next Tuesday I am taking part of the warm-up class and I am a bit nervous and excited at the same time!

Lisa Nkrumah-Mweu