Maryland Day introduces its audience to West African dance styles

Deidra Dawkins (yellow skirt) demonstrates West African dance techniques to her class (Hannah Massey/The Black Explosion).

On Saturday, participants gathered for a West African dance workshop during Maryland Day celebrations at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.

The workshop, led by Deidra Dawkins, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Dance Conservatory in Baltimore, attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from UMD students and alumni to local high school students.

West African dance is a term that encompasses various dance styles from the region, each reflecting cultural, social and spiritual practices of its communities.

The workshop began with an extensive warm-up, followed by a series of floor movements and a final dance combination. Throughout the event, Dawkins guided attendees through a series of intricate steps and choreographies, while delving deeply into the cultural significance of each movement and the accompanying traditional songs.

Dawkins' teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline and continuous learning. She hopes her students leave inspired to explore more deeply the art form. 

"I hope this makes them want to study more. I hope this makes them want to find a neighborhood dance class … and find a community that practices West African dance," she said.

Alumna Alexis Aduba praised the workshop's energeticness and cultural inclusivity, saying, "This was quite the workout. I appreciate that Maryland offers something for everyone… it’s another great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of cultures."

Dawkins was introduced to West African dance during her time as an undergraduate student at New York University, where she attended a local dance studio in New York that taught various styles of African dance.

"It was a way to balance my technique and ensure I wasn’t engulfed by one technique over another. I wanted to be a versatile dancer," Dawkins said.

Martinna Sims, a student from Albert Einstein High School, highlighted the joy and unity experienced during the workshop. 

"Just seeing all the people of different ages and heights come together. I absolutely loved it and would definitely do it again."