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Cumbe to Host Reopening Block Party With Free Dance Classes and a Party for All

The “In These Streets” block party will feature free all day dance classes and performances by DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry, Julio Jean, Batalá New York and more

This weekend, the Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance is calling Brooklyn residents to the streets to join in a two-day block party that will feature music, performances, classes and more.

"We're celebrating the summer. We're celebrating our lives. We're celebrating legacies. We're celebrating culture and vibrance. And we're celebrating our RE-OPENING!" Cumbe said of the party that will be held on Ashland Pl. between Fulton St. & Lafayette Ave. on Friday August 27, and Saturday August 28.

Vado Diomande. Photo: Supplied.

Cumbe will be re-opening its studios in September, and is giving everyone a taste of what's to come with the event packed with live music, performances, dancing and more.

The lineup includes:

Friday, August 27

  • 4:00 - 8:00pm — All Night Music with DJ Hard Hittin' Harry
  • 5:00 - 6:00pm — Compas (aka Kompa) Beginners Dance Class with Julio Jean
  • 6:30 - 7:45pm — Steppin' In These Streets, a Performance & Class with NY Chicago Style Steppers

Saturday, August 28

  • 11:00 - 11:50am — Reggaeton y Flow with Shari Chéverez
  • 12:15 - 12:20pm — Afrobeats Performance with Afro'Dance Kids NYC
  • 12:30 - 1:20pm — Afro'Dance with Angel Kaba
  • 1:30 - 2:20pm — West African Dance Class with live drumming
  • 2:30 - 3:20pm — Experimental Sabar with live drumming with Babacar Top
  • 3:30 - 4:20pm — Afrobeats with Tamara Jones
  • 4:30 - 5:20pm — Afro-Haitian Dance with live drumming with Julio Jean
  • 5:30 - 5:45pm — Drumming In These Streets, A Performance with Batalá New York
  • 5:45 - 8:00pm — Dancing In These Streets, A Community Dance Party Music by DJ Taela Naomi

All classes and performances are free, but the organization is welcoming donations.

Since its launch in 2012, Cumbe has set out to house the varied traditions and dances of the African Diaspora — priming itself to offer adult classes in West African, Afro-Cuban, Afro—Brazilian, Afro—Haitian, Caribbean, Modern, Dancehall, dance fitness, Chicago Style Steppin, Samba and Congolese dance among others, as well as creative movement classes for ages 1 to 4.

Through dance and music classes, shows, parties, and social events, Cumbe offers the community the opportunity to gather and experience the breadth and power of the music and dances that stem from Africa.

For more information about Cumbe and the block party, click here.




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