2025 South Hadley Cultural Council Grant Recipient. West African Dance and Drumming from 11:00 am-noon presented by Tara Murphy of the Rooted Essence Dance Studio. Tara Murphy of the Rooted Essence Dance Studio will present a beginning West African Dance and Drumming program that will help people to learn about the basic style of West African dances from Mali, Guinea and Senegal, West Africa. The class emphasizes community, self-expression and the joy of movement. Drumming is an activity that stimulates the magic and fun within people. Not only is it a proven team builder, but many studies show how it reduces stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, drumming together sparks creativity and vision -- the rhythms are a powerful way for people to tap into their receptivity to new ideas. Drumming naturally uplifts people's hearts and brings people together in beautiful ways, in a feeling of unity.
