An African dance class in Dakar is an hour of dancing with a teacher, to choose from about a dozen styles: traditional, sabar, djembe, assiko, contemporary, hip-hop, afro dancehall. All levels, beginners welcome, priced per person.

Twelve options, from sabar to hip-hop

Several dance worlds are brought together, each in a one-hour class:

• Traditional dance, with its Wolof rhythms;
• Sabar dance, the dance of popular celebrations, played on the drums of the same name;
• Djembe dance, as an adult class or a children’s class;
• Assiko dance;
• Contemporary dance;
• Afro and dancehall, more urban and more rhythmic;
• Hip-hop;
• and private lessons in Afro Dance and hip-hop, to work one-to-one.

You choose according to your mood: traditional movements and their Wolof rhythms, a contemporary style, or a more urban dance such as hip-hop and afro dancehall.

The classes are open to all levels: no prerequisites, beginners are welcome. The teachers are described as passionate, and the atmosphere as friendly and rhythmic, with a moment of sharing around dance, music and African culture. Bring loose clothing and a bottle of water.

A class lasts about an hour and is priced per person: a simple choice for a passing visitor and for a resident who wants to build a regular practice. A children’s option exists for djembe dance.

In Dakar, dance is lived as much as watched

Dakar is a city of contrasts, from the colonial Plateau to the lively Médina, from the skyscrapers of the Corniche to the pirogues of Soumbedioune, and dance is lived here as much as it is watched. The Dakar region provides the frame for the whole urban area, from the Pointe des Almadies to the suburbs.

Around the dance classes

The rhythm carries on with percussion workshops and singing and music classes. To stay active, sports coaching and fitness go well with a dance class. For sightseeing, the African Renaissance Monument, Gorée Island and Ngor Island are the classic outings from the capital.