York workshop to share information on West African dance and instruments

The Dwennimmen African Dance Community provides a taste of culture and a chance to dance on Feb. 27
African American woman wearing West African clothing as she dances

In honor of Black History Month, an African Dance and Drum Workshop is being presented by the Dwennimmen African Dance Community at Penn State York. Participants will have the opportunity to learn dance techniques and discover the drums and instruments of the culture. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Credit: Courtesy of the Dwennimmen African Dance Community

YORK, Pa. — In celebration of Black History Month, the Dwennimmen African Dance Community is set to share their talents with an African Dance and Drum Workshop beginning at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Precision Custom Components (PCC) Community Room in the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center at Penn State York. The program, sponsored by the Penn State York University Programming Board and the Global Engagement Office, is free and open to the public.

The Dwennimmen African Dance Community, based in Harrisburg, was born eight years ago out of the love that Lark Daniel has for African dance and her desire to share it with the community. Her students dedicate their time, energy and love to the art of African dance. The beauty of the group is that it includes the community and gives them an opportunity to highlight their love for African dance. Dwennimmen is the Adinkra symbol that means humility and strength.

Participants in the African Dance and Drum Workshop will meet the dance teacher and drummers, as well as learn history specific to the traditional dance and drums being taught. Information will be shared about how the instruments are made and the materials used to make them. In addition, those attending will learn a traditional song that goes with the dance movements being taught.

The Dwennimmen African Dance Community has performed at many events, including local Multi-Cultural First Friday events, the Imani Festival in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; the Multi-Cultural State Black History Program; the It Takes a Village annual fundraiser event; the Messiah University African Student Union Annual Karibu event; and Penn State Harrisburg’s African Student Union’s Night in Africa.

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