Sylvia Soumah, Founder and Artistic Director of Coyaba Dance Theatre in D.C. led a West African dance class at Kent Island High School in Stevensville on the morning of March 14.
Amber Wright the Director of Dance at KIHS greeted Sylvia and her team. Before class her three professional drummers worked for 30 minutes with 5 percussion/band students who were welcomed to sit in and accompany the professional drummers during class. Sylvia and the drummers were fantastic with the student percussionists and incredibly encouraging. The dance class was accompanied by energetic 8 person drumming team. Sylvia guided the students through various West African dance steps. The dancers quickly learned a number of different styles of traditional movements, displaying confidence and enthusiasm for the vibrant and fun West African steps.
After a very successful class at KIHS, Sylvia and the drummers drove to Queen Anne’s County High School in Centreville. Sylvia and the drummers were greeted by Kristin Tyler Director of Dance at QACHS and Band Director Eric Wright who help arranged for 14 student percussionists to join in a jam session for half an hour with Sylvia’s drummers.
After another successful session with the drummers, the students joined in with the professionals and the dancers/students were thrilled to hear and see 17 drummers all playing at the same time.
With over 30 students and drummers participating, Sylvia’s class was moved to the theater stage to provide enough space for everyone. Sylvia was equally as enthusiastic with this large group of dance and athletic movement students as she was with the morning group at KIHS.
It was a super exciting and highly energetic class with a lively group of many students who had never participated in dance movement class. CCF Associate Teaching Artist Gabby Pfeiffer who took previous classes with Sylvia also participated in both classes and helped guide some of the first time students by demonstrating Sylvia’s phrases.
There was an abundance enthusiasm from many of students to bring Sylvia back to QACHS and have her create and choreograph a new dance on dancers/students for QACHS Dance Company. CCF is currently in conversations with Michael Bell, the Supervisor for Curriculum for QACPS and QACHS Director of Dance, Kristen Tyler about sponsoring Sylvia as Guest Artist in Residence this fall.
