Played for my first dance class!

[rachelnguyen]

Finally I got a chance to play dundun for one of our local dance teachers. And wow, what an experience! I had a blast.

For me, drum performances are pretty scary experiences. I have not played out enough to get over my stage fright. It is really tough.

So when I picked up my dundun sticks and started playing for the dance class last night, I was delighted to find that I wasn't nervous. I just played. And played. And played some more. For a solid hour without a break of any kind. We were doing Dansa, which is a piece I know very well. I was playing ballet style, with a dununba and a kenkeni. It was just great fun. I can't wait to do it again next week!

[EvanP]

Very cool, Rachel. I'd really like to play for a dance class--I've heard it's a great way to develop stamina and really get the feel of the rhythm--but I've got quite a ways to go before I'm ready.

[e2c]

Rachel - cool! It's really wonderful to play for classes - wish i was still able to do that.

Evan - see if you can sit in somewhere... you might be surprised. And yes, it's a terrific way to develop stamina and get into the groove. I think that getting to play one-two parts for extended periods of time is hugely helpful in all kinds of ways.

[michi]

So when I picked up my dundun sticks and started playing for the dance class last night, I was delighted to find that I wasn't nervous.

As usual, the djembe (or dunduns, in your case) have many lessons to teach

Now, who would have thought that starting to play djembe might eventually help you overcome stage fright?

Cheers,

Michi.

[rachelnguyen]

The irony, Michi, is that I have no fear at all of public speaking. For my work, I often speak in front of hundreds of people.... and am not nervous at all. But put a drum in my hand and I am wondering if my arm muscles will work properly.

Today I played for two workshops and had a great time again. Not nervous. Just had fun. I am pretty sure that if I keep playing for classes and workshops, etc, I will be less nervous for the performances.

Evan, it has taken me quite awhile to play for class. I have been playing dundun for about 8 or 9 months, but was playing djembe for about 4 years before that. But as e2c says, if you can find one in your area to drop in on, it is a great experience.

[Waraba]

Very cool, Rachel. I'd really like to play for a dance class--I've heard it's a great way to develop stamina and really get the feel of the rhythm--but I've got quite a ways to go before I'm ready.

That's what I used to think, but I've seen all levels of players at dance classes. For example, I was accompanying a pro dance class and sitting there very happy to be the weakest player, when one week another fellow showed up and all he could do was very quietly play slaps, right-left-right-left, keeping the pulse. No matter what the rhythm, l-r-l-r-l-r, slap, slap, slap, slap, for an hour and a half. And the master drummer was very pleased to have him there. He was a drum student from that player's class. So I'd say, just go for it and ask permission to sit in somewhere.

[EvanP]

I still think I need a bit more time (I had never seen a djembe before last September), but your encouragement has made me think about pushing my limits yet again. After 2 1/2 days with Mamady I felt like I had advanced about 3 years, yet I'm realizing that I need to drop back a bit and fill in the basic rythms, playing dunun, etc. to advance to the next level.

Anyway enough about me, I still think it's great that Rachel's taken the plunge!

[e2c]

Evan... my chance at starting out came pretty much as Waraba has described above. I didn't know what I was doing at first, but I learned. When you're immersed in the music in the way that's common for a dance class, it's much easier to pick up the djembe accompaniments and to get a good feel for how the music fits together...

But you'll have to take the plunge. I don't think anyone ever feels ready.

[rachelnguyen]

Waraba,

That is an interesting and encouraging story!

I think taking a dance class is a great thing for a drummer to do now and then, too. I took dance classes when I was in Mali and I know it helped me understand the rhythms better. It is good experience!

[Waraba]

Waraba,

That is an interesting and encouraging story!

I think taking a dance class is a great thing for a drummer to do now and then, too. I took dance classes when I was in Mali and I know it helped me understand the rhythms better. It is good experience!

Mbemba told Michael Markus and Michael Markus told me, "If you really want to learn African drum, you must learn African dance." But I haven't, yet.

[Waraba]

...and by the way, I'm not going to be happy until Evan tries to play for a dance class.

[rachelnguyen]

Well, since posting this thread, I have had the opportunity to play dundun for a couple more workshops. It was VERY interesting.

In the first, the students were all beginners who had never danced. My teacher taught them some very simple rhythms.

In the second, we were with African dance students. In that class, the pace was very fast. They caught on quickly and were able to play much more complicated parts. I was really amazed.

So I would have to agree that if you want to drum well, it wouldn't hurt to to learn some of the steps to the pieces you are playing.

I remember the first time I took a dance class I felt terribly uncoordinated and wasn't able to get the steps right. Finally, I started to think of the floor as a drum head and imagined my feet were my hands. Voila! I was able to make the moves!

[EvanP]

Waraba,
I'll work on making you happy.

Evan

[Waraba]

Waraba,
I'll work on making you happy.

Evan

Somebody should!