Local dance teacher, performer and choreographer Lara McIntosh brings Afro-infused Wassa Dance to Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood
The community is invited to attend Lara McIntosh’s poly-rhythmic, Afro-infused Wassa Dance classes held at FICA Studio in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
A long-time member of Seattle’s drum-and-dance community and a lifelong dance performer and choreographer, Lara McIntosh has been evolving and teaching Wassa Dance in Seattle since 1997. Lara’s Afro-infused dance style is inspired by her travels to Brazil and Mali, West Africa. Lara received the Bambara name “Wassa” during one of her visits to Mali, meaning “one who acts for joy and fulfillment.”
Lara describes Wassa Dance as a come-as-you-are, guided dance class that incorporates the deepest common threads of traditional dance forms from many different cultures. “Wassa Dance is more about self-discovery than about learning a specific dance step or pattern. My hope is that students come away with a full-bodied connection to themselves and to the deeply rhythmic music and joyful people that make up the Wassa Dance experience,” adds McIntosh.
Wassa Dance is designed around basic root movements and simple choreography. The intent is for a group of people to move together as well as enjoy their own experience of the evocative movement and music. There is also an element of movement craft and technique involved as students find depth and richness in elemental movement and rhythms.
Christina, a long time Wassa Dance student who has attended Lara’s classes faithfully for almost ten years adds, “Lara’s classes are addicting. She’s teaching us how to dance safely for the rest of our lives. The sense of community and the deep connection I have to the other dancers is most supportive—we all look out for each other. I actually plan my travel schedule around Lara’s classes because every time you dance with Lara, there’s something new to learn. The music talks to you and you’ve just got to dance!”
Wassa Dance is offered at the FICA Studio at 954 E. Union St. in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Classes are also offered at ARC School of Ballet in North Ballard on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am. More information can be found at www.wassadance.com.
