Author: Jenna O'Flaherty

Dive into the culture of the Caribbean and West Africa and take spiritual, musical journey. These dances are full of joy and rhythm, and are sure to energize your week!

Our West African and Caribbean classes are taught by Masani St. Rose-Toth, a captivating and authentic instructor with infectious enthusiasm.

Masani is a native Calgarian who started dancing at the tender age of 3, specializing in West African and Caribbean dance. Upon the introduction to dance, Masani found passion for the West African culture and style. It was through training under Michèle Moss-Johnston at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, she was able to build her foundation. Still working very closely with Michèle Moss-Johnston and various other artists from Guinea, West Africa, she finds every opportunity to take master classes from artists from various regions of Africa including, Congo, Uganda, Ghana, Mali, Guinea and Zimbabwe. Throughout the years, Masani has worked with various studios and professional groups across Canada. It is her mission to keep the art and culture alive from soul to sole!

Sugar Swing and Nova Blues partner up to bring you traditional blues dance classes! These partnered classes focus on dancing to slow music. The beauty in dancing blues is that dancers have lots of time to relax, improvise, and have fun without worrying about complicated footwork.

We will be offering two classes that cover pulse, musicality, improvisation, connection, body awareness, and partner awareness. Blues 1 is an introductory class perfect for novice dancers and complete newbies. Experienced blues dancers are welcome to revisit the basics as well. Blues 2 presents more advanced techniques and complex ideas, and is recommended for more experienced blues dancers.

Classes will be held at Sugar Swing’s downtown location, in the Dance Code Studio at 10575-115 Street. For more information and to register, head over here.

To stay in the loop about Nova Blues’ dance events, join their Facebook group.