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About Déja
Déja Mitchell has a Bachelor's degree in Modern Dance from Utah State University. She has studied African dance and drumming for 14 years with numerous renowned teachers. She teaches African-based movement in an invigorating atmosphere with polyrhythms, which are the basis of African dance. She helps her students explore the depth and cultural significance of the dances, while making the movement accessible to beginners. She also teaches traditional African drumming rhythms and Djembe techniques as well as other tribal styles in a facilitated drum circle envrionment.
About African Dance
African dance embodies athleticism and graceful beauty flowing with rhythm. Traditional dance in Africa occurs collectively, expressing the life of the community. African dance utilizes the concepts of polyrhythms and total body articulation. The traditional dances are a means of marking the experiences of life, encouraging abundant crops, and healing. It is also done for pure enjoyment and building community.
About Djembe Drumming
The Djembe is the drum of the Mandinka people, and its origins dates back to the great Mali Empire of the 12th century. According to the Bamana people in Mali, the name of the Djembe comes directly from the saying "Anke dje, anke be" which literally translates to "everyone gather together." Another suggestion for the origin of the name is that 'Djem' refers to the tree used to make the body of the instrument. The Djembe has a great cultural heritage in Africa. It may have the widest range of tones of all hand drums. Its healing power is complimented by it's power to make people dance. Both it's healing and dancing powers are admired and practiced by drummers from Africa and around the globe.
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