Thursdays

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. EST

In-person at BCC

4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4

Four Sessions 

Limit: 20

Welcome to African Rooted Dance! It is an honor to have you with us. The purpose of this course is to teach the introduction of African rooted dance techniques, from the African Diaspora using steps that are easy to follow. This course will help you understand the fundamental movements and the communication between Drummer and Dancer. This course is designed for people of all skill levels. If you are ready to start a new and exciting chapter and cultural experience in 2023 and beyond, I can't wait to start our journey together as we explore the beauty and rich heritage of African Dance together. Peace, Sis.Noel

Please wear comfortable clothing to move and dance.

Noel Staples Freeman is a resident of Pittsfield, Ma. and was raised in Dorchester, Ma. She is a 1987 graduate of Emerson College holding a B.S. in Children’s Theatre/Performing Arts and dance. Sis.Noel has been teaching and performing in the community and abroad for the past 40 years. Sis.Noel’s formal training started at age 11 at The Billie Pope School of Dance in Roxbury followed by The Boston Conservatory of Music, The Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, The Art of Black Dance and Music and Koumpo West African Dance Company. Some highlighted moments of her artistic journey are performing during the 1990 Nelson Mandela visit to Boston, performing at Brooklyn Academy of Music at Dance Africa, Performing at Jacob’s Pillow in the early 90’s, receiving the 1995 Commonwealth Award of Massachusetts as a member of the Art of Black Dance and Music directed by Dr. DeAma Battle; Performing in Senegal West Africa at the Sorano Theatre for the President of Senegal as a member of Koumpo West African Dance Company directed by Ibrahima Camara; receiving the Commonwealth Award in 2016 for her support and contributions to Aashka Dance School in Hyde Park Ma. Sis.Noel has taught in the Boston and Lowell Public School systems as an arts educator and dance instructor. She also served as an advocate and liaison for students and parents in alternative middle school settings in Dorchester Mass.in the 90’s. Sis. Noel is the Founder and Director of Uprising Dance Theatre formed in 1983. Uprising Dance Theatre is an intergenerational group performing and teaching traditional and contemporary dance, music and theatre from the African Diaspora. UDT has provided community classes, lecture demonstrations and Kwanzaa celebrations for all ages in Boston and Everett, Ma. Sis.Noel recently served as a community panelist for the webinar "From Racism to Covid-19: Black Women in Community & Ongoing Public Health Crises" at Harvard Medical School.

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