24207: Wilcken (announce) TROUPE OFFERS CLASSES WITH HAITIAN MASTER DANCER -- Brooklyn, NY

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Lois E Wilcken <makandal-ny@juno.com>

BLACK HISTORY MONTH/CARNIVAL SPECIAL:  TROUPE OFFERS CLASSES WITH HAITIAN
MASTER DANCER

La Troupe Makandal, New York's Center for Haitian Drum and Dance,
announces a limited series of master classes in Afro-Haitian dance with
Pierre Desrameaux on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Charles Moore
Studios in Downtown Brooklyn.

Master Dancer Desrameaux is a veteran dancer, instructor, and
choreographer.  Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he worked with such
notables as Lina Blanchet, Jean Léon Destiné, and Vivian Gautier, and for
such companies as La Troupe Folklorique Nationale.  He now divides his
time between New York City and Port-au-Prince.  The distinctiveness of
Desrameaux's dance repertory lies in its authenticity.  Beside the
Afro-Haitian dances commonly seen on today's stages, he offers mazòn,
batonis, maskawon, chay o pye, kita, boumba, koy, wangòl, and others that
have been fast disappearing.  His patient attention to detail in movement
is unmatched.  Participants in this special series will enlarge their
repertory of Afro-Caribbean dances.

La Troupe Makandal represents the traditional music and dance of Haiti in
theatrical and educational contexts.  The company channels the sacred
beat and movement of Vodou to re-educate audiences about the spirituality
and history of the world's first enduring black republic.  Makandal has
appeared at the Town Hall, Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street Y, and many
other distinguished venues.  It conducts workshops at Hunter College and
in community centers in Brooklyn.  Award-winning Master Drummer Frisner
Augustin directs the Troupe.

The company will hold three classes on February 8, February 15, and
February 22, and tentatively plans to extend the series into March.
Classes run from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Charles Moore Studios, 397 Bridge
Street (between Fulton and Willoughby) in Downtown Brooklyn.  The
location may be reached from the 2 or 3 subways to Hoyt Street; the N or
R to Metro/Lawrence Street; the B, N, Q, or R to Dekalb Avenue; the A, C,
or F to Jay Street/Boro Hall; and the B25 or B26 buses to Dekalb Avenue.
Live drumming accompanies the classes.  Fee: $12.

Further information: 718-953-6638 or makandal-ny@juno.com (La Troupe
Makandal); 718-254-0670 (Charles Moore Studios)