In Africa, dance is much more than physical movement – it is a direct way to celebrate life and create healing. African Healing Dance is a step-by-step course on the healing tradition and expressive movements that are unique to Africa’s dance heritage. From the movements of nature and everyday life, the tribal people of Africa developed specific dances to summon the energy of the world around them into their bodies for connection and healing. Through dancing, they became the bird and the wind, the fire and the serpent. Wyoma, the lead dancer and director of the Damballa dance troupe,...

Have you ever seen a sista, whether in person or in a photo, and think to yourself, “Yeah, she’s definitely going places”? That was my initial thought when I came across Gwen Rakotovao’s (pronounced RA-KOU-TOU-VOW) Facebook fan page. I was completely blown away by not only the French-born Malagasy’s head-turning natural beauty, but her talents as a dancer and model as well. She has also dedicated her time and efforts as an ambassador to the Eco-Sys Action Organization (www.ecosysaction.org),  a patron of the French-based Mimoza Mada Sport, and as a choreographer. Her face has graced...

The idea was a vision of Kirei Na’s; a dancer’s movements through nature. Expressions of grace & poise, physical creativity & celebration were to be captured. The very concept humbled me and I feared I would not do it justice. I guess that happens sometimes; someone comes to you with a vision they want to make happen and they are trusting you bring it to life and you are afraid you might let them down. But there I was with nature and Kirei Na before me; beauty and Beautiful. I forgot, for a moment, that I wasn’t making this alone. It happens sometimes. ...

by Vincent So there I was. Out in the crowd of folks waiting to get into the Royal Peacock. I’d missed its grand reopening a couple of weeks before and was really looking forward to checking it out. An Atlantic Records recording artist out of New York, Ricky Blaze, was headlining and I was very curious about the vibe, crowd and the music. The crowd with anticipation and for good reason. The music, a strong reggae mix with hip hop flavor sprinkled in, got the crowd on the floor and brought the club alive. This was a Saturday night and the crowd was younger than the crowd had, typically, been...

They wanted an early Sunday morning workout. Just the two of them so that they would not be bothered. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to practice their dance and not be distracted by onlookers and I thought it was the perfect chance to get the two of them together for the shoot we’d talked about doing. They had never danced or shot together before and we were all a little unsure about what we would create. But, you know, that is the exploration…that is the adventure. They stepped into the dance studio. Stretched and loosened up. Connected. And proceeded to create. Both of these beautiful...