256 Boogie on Down: Applying Kinesiology to Umfundalai African Dance Technique

Wednesday, April 24, 2013: 3:15 PM-5:15 PM
Convention Center: Ballroom CD
Panelists: Glendola Yhema Mills-Parker, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA; and Sheila A. Ward, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
This beginner level interactive dance workshop designed to explore key anatomical and biomechanical considerations of basic movements within the Umfundalai African technique will increase participants’ ease of movement and optimize movement efficiency in any African dance class. Highlights include: importance of dance culture knowledge, potential sites of stress and/or injury, importance of proper breathing, placement and alignment, strength training concepts within Umfundalai, and strategies to adapt African dance to a variety of body types.