Experience the joy of Rhythm

West African Dance Workshops For Schools

Step into a world of pulsating beats and vibrant movements with our West African Dance Workshops for Schools. We offer entertaining and enriching experiences that not only get everyone moving but also provide a cultural journey through the diverse styles of West African dance.

For primary school dance workshops, African Activities offers vibrant and engaging sessions designed to introduce young learners to the rich and diverse world of African dance. Dance workshops for Primary schools offer interactive activities, children explore rhythmic movements, traditional dance steps, and cultural expressions, fostering both physical coordination and cultural awareness in an inclusive and lively environment.

In secondary and sixth form workshops, African Activities provides dynamic dance sessions that delve deeper into the cultural nuances and historical significance of African dance forms. Tailored for older students, these workshops focus on refining technique, understanding the cultural context, and encouraging self-expression.

African dancers

Our skilled and highly experienced team of West African dancers will immerse your students in the tapestry of West African dance, featuring energetic and celebratory dances from Sene-Gambia, Guinea, or Ghana.

From high-energy introductions to authentic and dynamic sessions, our workshops cater to all ages and skill levels. The perfect way to get fit while having so much fun you don’t notice!

Explore the lively rhythms, intricate footwork, and spirited expressions that make West African dance an unforgettable experience.

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Our services

Dance works best when mixed with a live drummer to support the action but it can work as a stand alone activity…

With Dance it is possible for us to work with much larger groups at one time, making it a cost effective option for larger schools. Let us know what you would like and we will work hard to achieve it.

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Adowa

A dance style in which every movement tells a story – used to both venerate and destroy kings

The dance is taught on a clock system and is accessible to much younger children.

GCSE/A-level masterclass

Professional dancers to take your students out of their comfort zone and into a whole new genre.

Teaching not just dance moves, but the context and history behind these dance moves and working with students to choreograph their own piece.

Mixed activity day

Dance works best with drumming but can be combined with any of our activities. As we can work with large groups you could try it as an assembly or mix with adinkra art, textiles, recycling, song, drum, storytelling and more. Why not let us know your learning objectives and we will help design a day to reach them?

Djembe/Sabar

This dance style uses large and balletic movements which are easy to follow and a real work out!

It works well with a drummer to support as the movement changes in response to the drum. However your dancer can replicate this with voice calls if necessary.

Story dance

Using dance to help narrate the story following the story as it twists and turns through a jungle long ago.

Recreate animals and daily movements from washing to collecting water from the river.

Sport Dance

Dance is an excellent way to engage with students who may be hard to reach through competitive sports. It is a fun, non competitive activity. If you are worried boys don’t dance please check out are videos – we think you might be pleasantly surprised!

Everyone can dance

We like to ensure that all of our activities are fully accessible. we are happy to work with students with limited mobility and can adapt the dance to suit your needs. Also if anyone still thinks ‘boys won’t dance’ we are always delighted to prove them wrong.

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Why choose A West African Dance Workshop?

We are dedicated African Arts specialists, passionate about the transformative power of education. Get your no hassle quote here.

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Cultural Enrichment:

Our highly experienced team of African instructors brings authenticity to every session, providing insights into the rich cultural traditions of Africa through dance.

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Fitness and Fun:

Get fit while having so much fun that you won’t even notice! West African dance workshops offer a high-energy introduction that combines physical activity with the joyous spirit of the dance.

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Inclusivity:

West African dance welcomes participants of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in a non-competitive and inclusive activity. Foster a sense of community and teamwork and share a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Dance workshops the details

How do we timetable?

Our team will work with you to get the best outcome to reach your objectives.

With dance we can work with 8 separate classes a day or we can work intensively with one class.

How many students?

As standard we work with a class at a time, if you have space we are happy to work with much larger groups and have worked with year groups of 300. Of course this demands a suitable space and staff support on hand.

How long is a class?

With dance we often work on shorter sessions which with larger class sizes can make it a great solution for big schools. We will schedule breaks and ask that water is on hand.

Can we mix activities?

Depending on the practitioner available you may mix in as many activities as you have time for. There is no additional charge for this so why not follow an arty morning with a musical afternoon?

What do you need?

Very Little! We will bring all of the materials with us for your workshop. The exception to this is recycling. We can bring materials but we feel the collection is a valuable part of the process for the children

How much is it?

Options run from £2 – £16 per student. Please fill out our quick quote form and we will get right back to you with a proposal.

All our school workshops aim to introduce positive views of Africa and challenge stereotypes. Activities are unifying, adapting to the differing abilities of those within the group.

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We are deeply proud of the service we provide

“The Year 6’s at our school had a brilliant day with Kwame! They took part in art, drumming and dance sessions. Every child went home beaming and excited to tell their parents about the activities they did.“

The Disraeli School

“The children were inspired by his knowledge and energy. The activities were engaging and the children enjoyed each one with the diversity and fun that they offered, they did not stop smiling!

“Keep it up – as a teacher I have never gone home feeling so inspired and thankful.”

Colwall Primary School

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