The Sambassadors of Groove dance group is led by Dawn Stephenson.
Dawn trained originally in 'Contemporary Theatre Dance' at Laban Centre in London and has a PGCE specialising in Dance and Movement Education. She became interested in Afro Brazillian Dance after being involved with the Leamington Samba School for the last 10 years and during this time has followed the 'Roots of Brazil' course with Dudu Tucci. This greatly increased Dawn's awareness of Afro Brazillian music, its rhythms and culture, it particularly giving her a greater insight into the Orixas and how the musical motifs and dance relate to each other.
Dawn trained originally in 'Contemporary Theatre Dance' at Laban Centre in London and has a PGCE specialising in Dance and Movement Education. She became interested in Afro Brazillian Dance after being involved with the Leamington Samba School for the last 10 years and during this time has followed the 'Roots of Brazil' course with Dudu Tucci. This greatly increased Dawn's awareness of Afro Brazillian music, its rhythms and culture, it particularly giving her a greater insight into the Orixas and how the musical motifs and dance relate to each other.
The group's dance repertoire includes choreography created by the teachings of Marcia Magliari, who works inconjunction with Raz Jayasuria from One Voice Music. Further choreography has been created from Dawn's own research into this dance style and by attending dance sessions led by other specialists in 'Afro Brazillian' dance.
Some of the dances performed are lively and energetic, others are more sedate and flowing. This style of dance attracts women who would like to have a go at dance but don't feel able to join other more traditional styles such as ballet, jazz or tap and many of the group's regular attendees joined just for fun and exercise. There is no pressure to perform with the band at gigs, but the opportunity is there once the repertoire has been learnt and you feel confident and happy to do so.
Some of the dances performed are lively and energetic, others are more sedate and flowing. This style of dance attracts women who would like to have a go at dance but don't feel able to join other more traditional styles such as ballet, jazz or tap and many of the group's regular attendees joined just for fun and exercise. There is no pressure to perform with the band at gigs, but the opportunity is there once the repertoire has been learnt and you feel confident and happy to do so.
The dance group rehearse every Sunday at The Band Factory, Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa from 10.30am to 12.30pm. They also rehearse with the band at their Thursday night practice session from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.
For information about the Sambassadors of Groove dance group, please contact Dawn Stephenson on 07952 548534 or email dawn@sambassadorsofgroove.org.uk
For information about the Sambassadors of Groove dance group, please contact Dawn Stephenson on 07952 548534 or email dawn@sambassadorsofgroove.org.uk
