Posted on July 1st, 2024

Imagine stepping into a room where the infectious, exhilarating beats of Afrobeat reverberate, filling the space with an energy that's hard to resist.

Afrobeat dance is so much more than a series of steps or a workout routine—it's a celebration of movement, a way to express stories and emotions through dance.

When you join an Afrobeat dance class, you're diving into a rich, vibrant culture that has its roots in the powerful musical legacy of West Africa.

Whether it's your first-time hearing Afrobeat music or you're familiar with its energetic beats, the process of learning Afrobeat dance offers a joyful exploration into a world of rhythm and movement. Each class is an opportunity to feel the music deeply, moving in ways that are both instinctive and liberating.

You'll find that Afrobeat dance is as much about community and connection as it is about individual expression. The communal energy you’ll experience in any Afrobeat dance class is infectious. Dancers encourage and feed off one another's energy, making every session a shared, immersive experience. Over the past 25 years of teaching dance, it's been endlessly rewarding to see students discover their own groove in Afrobeat, creating personal expressions that never fail to uplift the entire class.

The allure of Afrobeat dance extends beyond its steps. The music behind it is just as essential, often dictating the very movements you perform. It's a genre enriched with layers of brass instruments, electric guitars, and African percussion, creating an intricate, captivating rhythm that compels you to dance. This potent combination of music and movement is what makes Afrobeat dance universally appealing.

What Is The Afrobeat Dance

Understanding Afrobeat Dance is a joyous journey into a vibrant and eclectic world of movement that reflects the soulful rhythms and energetic beats of Afrobeat music.

This dynamic dance style pulls from the rich musical traditions of West Africa, influenced heavily by the genre pioneered by Fela Kuti in the 1970s. When you participate in Afrobeat dance, you can expect an amalgamation of diverse elements, including traditional African dances, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and contemporary styles. The essence of Afrobeat dance lies in its expressive, free-form movements that communicate stories and emotions while maintaining a rhythmic connection to the music.

The music behind Afrobeat dance is just as important as the movements, if not more so. The genre is a fusion of West African musical styles with American jazz and funk influences, creating a sound that is both complex and captivating. Afrobeat music typically features rich tapestries of instrumental layers, including brass instruments, electric guitars, and African percussion. This multi-layered composition creates an infectious rhythm that compels you to move, making afrobeat dance an instinctive response to the music.

One of the reasons why Afrobeat dance has soared in popularity is its adaptability and widespread appeal; it mirrors the global reach of Afrobeat music itself. You'll find that dance floors from Lagos to Queens are buzzing with the pulsating rhythms of this engaging genre. One of my fondest memories is demonstrating Afrobeat dance to newcomers and witnessing their amazement as they tuned into the inherent groove and started moving organically. It's these personal connections and shared experiences that make teaching Afrobeat dance not just a job but an ongoing celebration of life, culture, and music.

So if you're curious about 'what is afrobeat dance', know that you're not just learning steps—you're diving into a rhythmic tapestry that connects you with the heartbeat of a global movement.

Essential Afrobeat Dance Moves

Essential Afrobeat Dance Moves are the building blocks that will help you get started on your journey into Afrobeat dance for beginners. Two of the most popular and fundamental moves you’ll encounter in Afrobeat dance classes are the Zanku Legwork and Shaku Shaku. These moves are not only fun to practice but also provide a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the Afrobeat rhythm.

Let's begin with Zanku Legwork. This move primarily focuses on the legs and requires a blend of quick, repetitive steps paired with knee movements.
 

Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Now, lift your right leg slightly off the ground, keeping your knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Kick your right leg forward in a short, sharp motion while simultaneously hopping on your left foot. Repeat this motion, switching legs each time, and integrate small upper body movements to match the rhythm. It might feel tricky at first, but the key is to keep it light and bouncy—like you're dancing on springs.
 

Another beginner-friendly move is the Shaku Shaku, which brings a relaxed groove to the dance floor. To perform the Shaku Shaku, start in a slight squat position with your feet slightly apart. Imagine you're walking in slow motion; lift your left foot and step sideways, then follow with your right foot. As you step with your left foot, let your arms swing freely and naturally from side to side, maintaining a loose wrist action. The upper body twist is vital here; it helps you stay in sync with the beat. Keep your body relaxed, shoulders down, and let the rhythm guide your movements. When executing both these afrobeat dance moves, try to stay relaxed and don’t overthink it.

Afrobeat dance for beginners should be an enjoyable experience where you let the music move you. Think of yourself as a vessel for the rhythm and let each beat dictate your next step. Remember, no one is expecting perfection. What matters most is that you feel the music and allow yourself to find joy in every movement. These moves will not only get your feet moving but also make you more confident as you explore the diverse world of Afrobeat dance. Feel free to bring your unique flair to these basic steps, making them your own as you gain more comfort and familiarity with the rhythm.
 

Learn Flambouyant Moves At An Afrobeat Dance Class

Joining an afrobeat dance class is an exciting step into a community of rhythmic exploration and energetic movement.
 

When looking for an afrobeat dance class in your area, start by checking local dance studios and community centers, much like our welcoming environment in Queens, NY.
 

Many gyms also offer dance classes, and you can search online for dedicated Afrobeat instructors. Social media platforms are a valuable resource, as many instructors promote their classes there. Once you've identified a few options, look into their reviews and perhaps even contact them directly to inquire about trial classes or beginner-friendly sessions.
 

At your first class, expect a warm-up period to get your muscles loosened. Following the warm-up, the instructor will likely break down core moves, like the Zanku Legwork and Shaku Shaku, in a step-by-step manner.
 

Don't worry; these classes are geared towards making beginners feel comfortable, and experienced instructors understand how to pace the lesson to match the group's skill level. You might find it a bit challenging at first, but remember it's all a part of the learning process. The group dynamic in an afrobeat dance class is incredibly supportive, offering a great way to bond with others who share your interest in this vibrant dance form.
 

Once you’ve joined an afrobeat dance class, you'll quickly notice the benefits of taking lessons in a group setting. You'll feed off the energy and enthusiasm of your peers, which can be highly motivational. Group classes provide a sense of camaraderie and encouragement; everyone is there to learn and improve together.
 

Participating in these classes is also an excellent way to meet new people and potentially form lasting friendships. To make the most out of each session, come prepared by wearing comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
 

Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as the high-energy nature of Afrobeat dance can be quite the workout. Engage fully with the class by actively participating and taking notes mentally if that helps you remember the steps better.

Don't be afraid to ask your instructor questions; they're there to help you succeed. Enjoy the music and let it move you; this will naturally make your steps more fluid and expressive. Remember, the essence of Afrobeat dance is in its freedom and individuality, so feel free to add your unique flair to the moves.

Over time, you'll gain more confidence and skill, and each class will feel more like a joyful celebration rather than a learning curve. This is the magic of Afrobeat dance lessons; they offer not just physical benefits but also an uplifting and culturally enriching experience.

To Conclude

Ready to dive into this vibrant world and put those moves into action?

Join us at Divira's Art of Bellydance where we’re thrilled to offer Afrobeat classes led by the spirited Nigerianjawn. Let’s groove to the infectious rhythms and make each session a joyous celebration of music and movement. Discover the thrill of Afrobeat dance and bring your unique flair to the dance floor. Enroll today and experience the excitement firsthand.

Have questions? Call us at (646) 598-7787 or email [email protected]. Book your spot now—we can't wait to dance with you!