ADDLIFE! STUDIO

Inviting you to visit the new Addlife!

2015-10-05T18:42:00.002-07:00

Hellooo Addlifers!

As the season changes from summer to fall, Addlife! is rapidly growing and transforming... This blog -- Addlife! Studio -- has long been the online home, where I publish announcements for Addlife!'s numerous events, concerts, and programs.

Now, I'd like to introduce you to the parent company -- Addlife! World -- a global African entertainment company.

The site is still undergoing updates, but I wanted you to be the first to check it out!

Since 2011, Addlife! Studio has been dedicated to teaching and training dancers, musicians, and leaders by the thousands. The studio is the teaching wing of my great operation... Addlife! World is the booking and touring hub.

Addlife! World is the go-to firm, connecting theaters, universities, and companies with the world's most exciting and entertaining African dance & music talent. A booking and performing agency, Addlife! World aims to enliven every city, every community with exceptional artistry and daring performances! I'm currently working with a top-tier fleet of artists from the U.S. to Africa, who give unmatched performances, and are innovators and extraordinary masters of movement and music.

I'm also in the lab, preparing Addlife!'s next series of concerts, researching and writing, and planning an epic 2016!

I want to thank you for being a part of this journey, of bravely and passionately Adding life, through our shared love of dance, and through your support of this important movement!

xo xo xo xo
Malena

Photo by: Igweh

On tour with Cirque Zuma Zuma, adding life for 100,000 show-goers in Silver Dollar City

2015-07-16T11:19:00.001-07:00

Hark!

As the demand for African entertainment surges worldwide, I'm inspired to work with great teams to create and be a part of bold endeavors to enliven people's lives, to add life to venues, events, conferences, and stages everywhere.

This past April & May, I had the ultimate pleasure of performing and co-choreographing for the Vegas-based Cirque Zuma, a prolific, top-touring African Circus, and for its debut run at the elite Silver Dollar City Theme Park's World Fest. In five weeks, we bedazzled more than 100,000 show-goers, performing three shows a day, five days a week, all to sold-out audiences. Many patrons were thirsty for more, and came to see our show two, three, and four times.

My parents alone couldn't get enough, and saw the show three times in a row! Now I want to share with you some of the super exciting dances we launched on stage in Branson, in hopes to wet your appetite even more for African dance, and African arts entertainment!! Take a look & get ready for the next big show!!

Keep adding life! --Malena

June 6 -- Every walk of life lit up @my first MEGA class in New York @ DSPAC!

2015-06-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all walks of life, hot-stepping babies, pro dance titans, big mammas, and firecracker teens came who out to my FIRST MEGA class in New York this past Saturday -- at the groundbreaking Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center in Brooklyn [DSPAC]!

Take a look! The babies alone will just make your heart do a happy dance!!

New York & east coast, join me for the revival of every dream >>> it's happening! >> our first free Saturdays are a thing now at the newly minted Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, so the only way now is on and upward! Take a look!
****

I'm happy to share this video with you from my very first MEGA Addlife! African dance class in New York City -- now taking place every Saturday @ 5:30pm at the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center in Brooklyn, Bed Stuy!
Sign up now: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=176099

I've teamed up with the visionary and Alvin Ailey dance titan Dwana Smallwood to provide you a fleet of action-packed African dance classes, programs, and training initiatives in her new, state-of-the art Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center in heart of Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy! Join as we enrich lives and mold elite dancers at this glorious institution, through top-of-the-line African, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Intensive programs, open classes, performances, and stunning rental space!!

June 6, we danced the great harvest dance of Kassa, from the Malinke people of Guinea! More than 40 people learned Kassa! African dance is for all, and this is your perfect opportunity to be reawakened by all the exciting classes and resources we have in store for you!

Don't hesitate to take your craft to the next level. Join me, founder of Addlife! Studio, 5-days a week and on Saturdays, teaching an epic set of classes, from West African, Afro-Fusion, Afro-Caribbean, Gumboot & Rhythmic Stretch!

Don't stop until you get enough! Add life with every step of your life!
Visit our center's site right now for a list of all my classes!
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=176099

Love in life & dance!
Malena

Engaging the dancer, the thinker, the brilliant human.... FREE WEST AFRICAN MEGA CLASS This Saturday in Brooklyn!

2015-06-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

For the last few weeks, I’ve been kicking into an even higher gear, working with the international firecracker and dancer Dwana A. Smallwood, at her new performing arts center in Brooklyn, fiercely propelling dancers in New York and worldwide. We’ve opened the doors of the new center, welcoming old friends and making new ones!

As the hard work continues, we are ready to kick our shoes off and African dance like nobody’s business!!

This Saturday, June 6 @ 5:30PM, I’m thrilled to invite you to our special FREE mega class offer of West African Dance with yours truly – ME !! FREE to celebrate the center’s opening and introduce the Malena dance experience to as many people as possible.

It’s going to be a real OMG experience, with me sharing some new choreographies that will set you off for the summer!! The Addlife! African dance experience engages the dancer, the thinker, and the brilliant human being, so get ready for a powerful experience, and a great great dance time!

WEST AFRICAN WITH MALENA!

CALLING ALL DANCERS

JUNE 6 @ 5:30PM

LOCATION: 857 Lexington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11221 / 2nd Floor

Join us this Saturday, conjure up your dance power, and check out our truly marvelous dance center!!

Love,

Malena

(314) 458 – 4282

www.AddlifeStudio.com

For more info on the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center: http://dwanasmallwoodpac.org/

Photo by Shaye Smith, Malena leading 100 Dancers Unite Mega Class in St. Louis, 2013.

A long time coming... adding life in New York!

2015-06-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Friends!

This is a long time coming!!

I've accepted a full-time position with the groundbreaking Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, [DSPAC] Inc., a new, state-of-the-art Brooklyn-based center developing elite leaders through dance and performing arts!

Talk about dreams coming true. I’ll be helping manage the office, strategically grow the business, and most exciting, choreographing & teaching African dance every day!

Now, I want to personally invite you to my action-packed super classes and into our marvelous center, bringing you an unparalleled universe of dance and artistic elevation!

Also, if you’re in need of unmatched rental space, lets chat. Please check out our hot-to-trot website, offerings, and programs. Dwana, the former Alvin Ailey star dancer, and team are as ready as ever! I would say we’ll blow your socks off, but it’s bare feet in my class!

So I’ll just say, we’ll rock your heels from here to outer-space! It is my deepest honor to serve you and the world through dance... #LetsJourneyTogether #HigherCalling

Adding life!
Malena

Photo by Dwana Smallwood, Malena teaching the Youth Dance Ensemble @ the DSPAC, Afro-Caribbean dance.

Birthing the next level of the dream... Africa United & Djembe X!1

2015-05-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I received the divine call and embarked on the effort to kick-start Africa United Ballet International -- an unprecedented and unparalleled music and dance entertainment venture. My business partner, grandmaster drummer and performer Bolokada Conde, from Guinea, and I set out to raise oodles of money and fuel the forward motion of a company which has brought together Africa's top talent, and aims to produce the best performances & workshops on the planet!! Our task at hand was immediately arduous, and continues to be one of the great mountains to climb. But with an insane level of faith, belief, hard work, and incredible fervor from supporters nationally and globally, we have stepped into the next stage of the dream.

Right now, I am happy to share with you our first big production, the Grandmaster Djembe Xplosion Mega Conference, taking place in the heart of my hometown, St. Louis, Missouri. This event is a watershed moment in music and dance... Between the auspicious days of May 21 - 24, participants from across the world will pour into St. Louis and study the djembe drum with the world's most sought-after percussionists from Guinea, Mali, Senegal & the Ivory Coast. A total of 7 master djembe players including Bolokada Conde, Moussa Traore from Mali, and Khadyjah Harper of Nimbaya!, will light up the conference, teaching 25 mega workshops-- making it the biggest West African drum conference in the world. Never has such an event, dedicated solely to Africa's most important instrument, brought together so many djembe masters to teach. A brilliant partnership with BlackDance USA, the historical national festival of African, Caribbean, & African-American dance in St. Louis, will offer every Djembe X participant free master classes with top dancers including Guinea's legendary Moustapha Bangoura and Cuba's fire bolts Michelito Herrara and Kati Hernandez. Together, we will embark on a new level of learning and span a universe of extraordinary artistry and possibilities.

The dream that Bolokada and I embarked on a few months ago is rapidly coming to life. With less than 10 days to this epic program, it's nothing short of a miracle that we are birthing the next stage of the dream. A miracle produced by the divine spirit calling into being the very light, the very art that we need to breath power into our lives, and energy into our vision. As we count down the days to Djembe X, we look to the future with excitement and belief. The more we try, the more the world bares the fruit of our greatest hopes.

-- Malena

Touring with Cirque Zuma Zuma & the Age of African Dance!

2015-03-14T21:45:00.001-07:00

This February, I had the incredible honor of touring with Cirque Zuma Zuma, one of the most exciting African acrobatic, music, & dance companies on the planet. For the first time, I worked with the world’s top mind-boggling acrobats, I’m talking epic pole-climbers, super jugglers, head-standers, limboers, and flippers, hailing from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania! Throughout our wild and gut-wrenching showcase, I provided the circus’ break-neck West African dancing, which I realized was quite the acrobatic achievement on its own. I joined a mighty troupe of dancers to also perform the South African gumboot dance & the high-kicking throbbing Zulu dance.

VIDEO: Demo lesson backstage of Zuma Zuma

Because I was in the company of acrobats, I had to amplify my movement like never before! Because I was with a circus, I pushed myself to dance with more velocity & precision than ever, to ensure each step was a miracle of superior human expression and entertainment. The entire experience required a whole new level of artistry, but not only that, showmanship, creativity, and sheer energy.

The West African dance we performed was Soli, a rites of passage dance for young men and their mothers, from Guinea, West Africa. Having learned the steps from my teacher Grandmaster Moustapha Bangoura and friend Rayshunda Childs, I choreographed the Soli, not letting up a single breath, blasting through the limits of speed and strength. Performing day after day, show after show, our feet dared not touch the ground as we whisked through the Soli and blistering solos that yanked clouds from the sky and fire from the core of the earth. My cohorts Nafi Diabate, master dancer from Guinea, and Falosha Martin, star dancer from New York, gave ample performances, shocking all with stunning footwork, grace, and intricacy.

Besides the unbelievable performances, what impressed me the most was the sheer volume of patrons we had the privilege of entertaining. In just 1 month, our first leg of the tour, we performed for no less than 20 main theaters in 10 states from Texas to Wisconsin, New Mexico to Arkansas, bedazzling thousands and thousands of circus-goers. My first national tour, Zuma Zuma is sheer proof of the relentless demand for African music and dance entertainment. The estatic patrons that stormed the stage after each Zuma Zuma who is proof that we have truly entered the Age of African Dance! And in this age, we will see African dance go places and do things which will simply inspire millions!

One woman after our show in Alabama had to hug me. She, like many patrons, said they hadn’t seen anything like Soli, like the Zulu dance, like the flying and jumping acrobats. So moved, the woman pulled off her bracelet, a clunky multi-colored bangle with “Love” written all over it, and placed it right in my hand. “Here, keep this. I love you!” The patrons hugged the performers and I, took picture after picture, laughed, talked and celebrated our performance with a zeal that could warm any heart.

At least once a week, a very shy girl or boy would come up to me, mouth sealed but eyes twinkling so bright. Before Zuma Zuma, I was absolutely proud to be an African dancer. Now after the first leg of the tour, I’m over the moon proud, and ready to spread the African dance fever even wider, seeing to it that every city, every state, every child and every dreamer has a chance to African dance! Has a chance to Add Life!

-- Malena

Celebrating No Limits / Dreams Realized in 2015! Happy NYS! @@dLife!

2015-01-08T15:14:00.001-08:00

You + me + 2015 = no limits!

Jan 4, we had an all-out celebration dance class experience in St. Louis! 4 fireball instructors! Andrea Peoples, Rayshunda Childs, Tiffany Pool, and your very own, Malenaaaa!

I’m sooooo proud of our daring students, who braved the arctic cold and 3 hours of non-stop Sinte, Guinea Fare, and Soli!! The very palpable brilliance and excellence of each instructor and our participants are definitely a sign of powerful ideas, stunning moves, and inspiring dreams to be birthed this year!

I’m particularly excited by the young people that joined us; the talented Janala, who insisted she teach part of class, and the tenacious boys who drummed along with our fierce master drummers!

Encouraging artistry, vision, and leaders is my job -- 2015 will see even more incredible teaching, fearless learning, and creative works that defy all limits!

These times call for fierce artists!! * A thank you to donors*

2014-11-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

It’s been 3 weeks since we performed my Ferguson musical United We Dance to youth detained at the St. Louis City & County Detention Centers. I want to thank each and every donor for supporting me and this musical, as we dancers work to accelerate our nation’s great awakening.

Photo: The cast and I after our show.

The non-indictment of Darren Wilson only deepens the need for unapologetic artists. We can no longer hide behind the docks of frothy intellectualism and abstract ideals. Our work has got to have immediate impact and make a difference. To rebuild our world, we need an absurd level of creativity and self-confidence, that type of zeal to realize something you only find in the obsessed minds of artists.

Your support has helped me be ever so fierce, and go where African dance has rarely gone before, straight into the hearts of written-off, rejected, and detained young people.

Entering the city detention center, I was surprised to find the young people in head-to-toe prison garb. The 95% African American youth were split between red and green uniforms, with the red kids segregated from the green kids. The girls, who wore yellow, were segregated from the mostly male inmates. “Wait, is that an 8 year old?!” Sadly, we spotted a kid no way over grade 3.

I was fretful that the musical’s plot of defeating oppressive authority would totally get us kicked out. Seconds before performing, a very concerned superintendent insisted I alter the closing act in which infuriated protesters battle racist police, and defeat them. He didn’t want me to totally remove the skit but add a politically correct speech at the end, highlighting the importance of non-violence. Agreeing to this, the show went on.

As we chanted, danced, drummed, and got the young people answering questions about our constitutional rights, I saw their spirits light up. Hunched shoulders grew tall. Frowns curled into smiles, and inertia, wrought on by their containment, turned to a palpable sense of movement. As we challenged mind, body, and spirit, the musical’s interpretation of our first 10 amendments was key. “Amendment 10 says the power is always vested in the people,” I shouted. “You know what that means?” A girl piped up, “Yeah! We gotta stand up!”

My pride beaming, I turned over part of the show to drummer Andrew, who revealed to me shortly before that he was a former detainee. I implored him to tell his story during the show. “I was once in your shoes,” he said, staring into the eyes of the boys and girls. “This is not the end of the road for you. You will get out of here. But take control of your life. No one will love you as much as you.”

Finally, at the end of our performances, a detained girl stood up and asked me if she could audition for my company. I was overjoyed. “Of course you can! In fact, you don’t have to audition, just get out of here and get dancing.” Her personal revelation of her potential was a clear act of defiance. That she is looking to African dance to accelerate the reinvention of her life is incredible!

You, yes you made this a reality! My relentless quest to rip off the limits of my work, and your brave belief made this happen. I’m very much encouraged, and I can’t wait to do more. Thank you!

-- Malena

Great news!! Performing 'United We Dance' Oct 31 in STL

2014-10-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Unleashing 'United We Dance' to tackle social challenges

This October 31, I'm presenting 'United We Dance,' an African dance musical tribute to the Ferguson freedom movement, in St. Louis, at the St. Louis City & County Juvenile Detention center.

The opportunity to engage detained youth with this production is a rare and powerful blessing!! This is the absolute dream for my work, to wildly entertain, inspire, while master-minding innovative solutions to problems in our society, economy, and culture.

Through electrifying choreography, music, and drama, we daringly re-enact the bravery and resilience of the Ferguson protesters, thereby activating the bravery and vision of every participant.

We'll follow the blowout performance with a discussion, asking the detained youth to examine how they can wield the creative, artistic process to manifest their own dreams and ambitions.

This is truly a special moment for African dance, for St. Louis, and for the many people who will be incredibly touched by this musical!

--Malena

NEWS COVERAGE

Amusa presents 'United We Dance' in honor of Ferguson, 9/3

Photo/Graphic by Kevin Bryant.

UNITED WE DANCE CONCERT: An African Dance & Music Tribute to the new Movement

2014-08-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Malena Amusa & Co. invites you to the boldest African dance concert right now!

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 7 @ 5pm - 7pm
WHERE: REGIONAL ARTS COMMISSIONI (RAC), 6218 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63112 in the Loop, across from the Pageant!!

UNITED WE DANCE is a high-spirited and artistically daring tribute to the new Civil Rights Movement & our U.S. Constitutional rights. RSVP today!

Our super talented cast will rivet and inspire you! You won't want to miss this groundbreaking & theatrical showcase -- celebrating the freedom movement in St. Louis & globally.

FB RSVP today: https://www.facebook.com/events/1545980608957372/

Or text or call RSVP: (314) 458 - 4282. Bring yourself, your friends & the entire family!
-- Malena www.AddlifeStudio.com

Honoring the life of #Michael Brown

2014-08-13T09:47:00.002-07:00

Sometimes, artists have to take their work to the streets, join the people, and fight for justice!!

Addlife! intends to do just that this Friday & Saturday at the BFL Culture Center in St. Louis.

Join me + Drummers Caph, Andrew, Shabazz & more, for a powerful dance class experience to build our strength and inspire our efforts to seek justice in the tragic shooting death of Michael Brown in St. Louis last Saturday.

Friday: 9PM
Saturday: 11AM
*Feature warm-up with DeBorah & her new "Happy" line dance

Let's unite & fight!

To RSVP, please text (314) 458 - 4282

Location: 5415 Page Blvd. Cost: $10/class

Bolokada Conde, Addlife! invites you to Guinea this December & January! There’s nothing like it!!

2014-08-02T18:02:00.003-07:00

Bolokada Conde and Addlife! are beyond excited to invite you on Bolokada's very special Drum & Dance learning intensive in Guinea!

As you know, Bolokada is an incredible guide, master instructor, and folklorist!! He is the foremost Malinke drummer and living treasure chest of traditional Malinke music and culture!

He’s offering two powerful trips:

December 7 - 28, 2014

& January 11 - 30, 2015

See video itinerary now!

On each trip -- Bolokada takes us on a deep and non-stop tour of Malinke music, culture, dance, and language!

DRUM: Bolokada teaches the richest gems of Malinke rhythms, his unbelievable musical arrangements, and his powerful technique, which whips people into a frenzy!

DANCE: We study dance with Ibrahima Soumah --the award-winning director of Conakry’s Ballet Soleil – and dive into a dance repertoire so dynamic, you will be inspired for life!

CULTURE: We traverse three villages, staying in Bolokada’s beautiful homes in Kissidougou, Morowaya, and Faranah! In Faranah, we stay in the compound of the late great Fadouba Oulare – the Djembe godfather and Bolokada’s close friend. We take advanced Djembe classes from Oulare’s son Sekouba and advanced dance classes with Oulare’s powerhouse village dancers.

We take volumes of notes, and ask questions. We learn the complexities and intricacies of traditional and Ballet Repertoire music and dance. We participate in village ceremonies as they take place! We trek into the woods to see the Linke wood tree. We take a rare and historical class with the pioneering Koungbana Conde! We dance on the earth, & drum on freshly-built djembes! We tap the force of the dunun orchestra & practice rhythms into the night.

We sing, laugh, and love!

Consider joining Bolokada! There’s nothing like it! Bask in this effervescent journey that is studying with Bolokada, family, and friends. There are a lot of Guinea trips out there – so consider taking the voyage this year.

To learn more, call Bolokada today (831) 345 – 4126 or Malena Amusa (314) 458 - 4282!

Or visit http://www.trip2guinea.com/for full registration details.

We have a great group forming so far!

Love,

Malena Amusa

When Guinea calls, we answer. And we are forever inspired!

This is what the dream looks like...

2014-07-24T17:29:00.002-07:00

Ivorian dance Godfather, Vado, urges us, "Don't stop dancing!"

2014-07-23T18:12:00.001-07:00

This week, I was luckly to work with Vado, teaching the youth of New York traditional Ivorian dance with a high dose of Djembe and Dunun power!

It was in class, while playing the Dunun drums, I felt a force of strength that sent me right over the moon! Our students felt it instantly and began screaming, "I am aliiiive! I am soooo alive!" With the passion as palpable as ever, I was overcome with joy that God has called me to dance, that the universe has laid the bounty of African dance at my feet! Now, as we embark on this journey, "Don't stop dancing!" Vado urges. For through dance, "You get older, but you look young!" Yes! --Malena

Why I'm going to Guinea with Bolokada.... again! & Why you should go with us!

2014-07-18T10:43:00.001-07:00

Bolokada's Drum & Dance intensive in Guinea this December & January is coming straight from his heart to yours! If you are considering traveling with Bolokada and I, please check out the video itinerary below, & get gooood & ready!

Studying music and dance in Guinea with Bolokada is like getting a tour of the White House from president Obama himself!

Bolokada is Guinea’s Godfather of Malinke music and folklore! In Guinea, people greeted him like the grand King that he is. In every village, Bolokada put people into a frenzy wherever we traveled! The sheer love and respect that he commands is extended by the oodles to all of his guests.

This December, I’ll be taking my second trip to Guinea with Bolokada!! He invites Djembefolas, Drummers, Performers, Educators, Dancers, Students and Professionals to train live in the Malinke Djembe music that bedazzles our lives. He invites us to learn in the lap of the people who have preserved Guinea’s epic culture and folklore.

Bolokada has organized two trips, in December 2014 and January 2015! We will join his company, family, and friends for the learning intensive that will enthrall you for years and years! We will be studying non-stop with Bolokada – and his electrifying dance partner – Ibrahima Soumah, director for Ballet Soleil D’Afrique! We will be immersing ourselves in the city and village culture; the sounds, senses, activities and conversations of Guinea!

This trip has reached deep into my heart, giving me eternal inspiration.

Some people may ask, ‘well why travel alllll the way to Africa to learn?’… The importance of actually being in Guinea can not be overstated.

Here’s what I loved most about training and touring in Guinea with Bolokada:

Bolokada’s workshops: We learn right inside Bolokada’s house, which makes each class a very personal and intense experience; As we train with Bolokada, we get to interact with his friends and family, and a number of his special visitors from Koungbana to his star Djembefola brother Fakoli

Working with Bolokada’s company: His band of musicians are just the most brilliant perfectionist and adventure buddies. Between Bolokada and his company, we learn so much about traditional Malinke rhythms and arrangements… They won’t let you slack either; Surrounded by musical excellence, you grow by kicks and strides

Bolokada’s villages: Traveling to Bolokada’s home village was simply beautiful -- the natural landscape, the clean and spacious huts, and the village people and escapades are forever in my heart

Live Djembefola ceremonies: Because Bolokada is still a leading Djembefola in the villages of Guinea, we got to participate in real cultural ceremonies, weddings and parties, and partake in the culture as artists and participants, not tourists

Faranah: We stayed in the compound of the late great Fadouba Oulare and his family in Faranah; His sons watched over us with love and affection; and Fadouba’s son Sekouba taught perhaps some of the greatest Djembe classes of all time. This slice of living history gave me happy chills

Bolokada’s wife’s cooking. One word: ‘deeeeelicious!’ No, two words: ‘More, please!’

Dancing with Ibrahima: I see why Ibrahima’s company Ballet Soleil has won many awards! Ibrahima is one of the world’s top dancers; his passion and skills are immediately transferred as he shares Guinea dance with sheer grace, strength, articulation, and power!

There are many more reasons why I'm going to Guinea again, and with Bolokada! As we unite on this journey together, I am happy to share this experience with you!

To learn more about Bolokada's Guinea trip, please reach me or visit www.Trip2Guinea.com

Special thanks to organizers of Camp Fareta!

2014-07-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was my first time at Camp Fareta!!

It’s a 6-day drum and dance boot camp in California, led by the world’s greatest spartans of West African dance & music and our dear friends, including Youssouf Koumbassa, Aziz Faye, Bolokada Conde, Mbembe Bangoura, Moustapha Bangoura, Mabiba Baegne, Abdoulaye Sylla, Djeneba Sako, Wadaba Kourouma, Mangue Sylla, Sista Jewel, and several others.

Me, giving it aaaall to the dance floor and more, during an electric Soko, taught by Moustapha Bangoura of Guinea.

The organizers Youssouf Koumbassa, Christina Tuccillo, and Sarah Lee Parker Mansare, and team, are simply angles to me and the oodles of people they inspire through this event. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This was a priceless experience!! The dance fireworks I learned were simply the greatest. Right when I think I’ve witnessed the pinnacle of African Dance & Music, events like this reveal the astronomical depth of this art and the love the people bring.

The Grandmaster teachers of Camp Fareta!

I am forever transformed, and determined to push my work to uncharted levels of creativity, power, and expressiveness. In addition to the dance and drum, people and possibilities is what I love about Camp Fareta!!

The camp gathers together such a diverse and fierce force of professionals-- dancers, doctors, lawyers, and drummers, you get an education on many levels and a network of friends who are so eager to seize the great opportunity that is life itself. I also loved the camp grounds, located in the mountains an hour outside Fresno California. The shared cabins were delightful; the showers piping hot; the terrain, hilly and serene; and the crisp air, beautiful trees and lake -- an antidote to fatigue.

I only spent two days at Camp Fareta and I am a fan forever. I will go to Camp Fareta forever!! I want to thank every single person, adult and child, Grand master and student, organizer and supporter. This is what the world needs, and this is a dancer’s dream come true.

-- Malena

Pinch yourself!! Bolokada Conde workshops in St. Louis this Saturday!

2014-05-29T04:24:00.001-07:00

Hi dear friends!

I am so excited to announce that Bolokada Conde, our cherished friend and international Grandmaster Djembefola from Guinea, will be visiting St. Louis this Saturday, and teaching two pheeeenomenal workshops this Saturday, May 31.

He is so happy to be back to St. Louis and share his rich musical gems!!

So join him, join us! Learn new, spectacular Malinke rhythms, songs, history, and have a ball!

To RSVP, text or call Malena @ (314) 458 - 4282

Also visit the FB event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1423802411225112/?source=1

Born in the hills of Morowaya, Guinea, West Africa, Conde is a master among masters and one of the richest treasures of Malinke music and folklore on earth. As one of Guinea’s most premier and prolific Malinke Djembefolas, Conde has taught the spellbinding Malinke music and folklore across the world and at the highest level. After gaining widespread acclaim as one of Guinea's most sought after village Djembefolas, Conde immigrated to America, yet he continues to perform bedazzling traditional Malinke ceremonies in villages across Guinea. A Grandmaster, Conde takes pride in sharing the Malinke rhythms, songs, and culture with sheer passion, patience, and remarkable zeal.

--Malena

*Photo: Bolokada in Guinea, by Carla.

Why I love working with young people!

2014-05-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

A room full of smiles after teaching a sultry and super fun lesson in Guinea's flirtation dance of Yankady -- at Riverside City College in California.

My recent master class at Riverside City College in California has me well convinced that the next generation is on its way to creating some of the greatest thinkers and creators of all time. My students exuded an unprecedented sense of confidence, initiative, and leadership as they dove into my advanced lesson for the day.

Reflecting a tremendous array of nationalities and backgrounds, my students found common ground in the African rhythms. And as we ripped into Yankady, the full-moon, flirtation dance of the Sousou people of Guinea, my students revealed personalities and dance moves both fearless and utterly focused!

And this is why I love working with young people, and helping build their dreams. There is a light in their eyes and a believability in their bodies that vaporizes limits, and inspires creativity.

More and more, I see how African Dance is so important to the development of young people. African Dance choreography activates the human spirit, compelling people to push beyond the average or the mundane. The complexity and rigour of the dance demands a "no guts, no glory" life philosophy, which builds strength. Through improvisational exercises, African dance helps kids break the habit of seeking approval before making a move. Best of all, African music teaches us how to stay connected to the pulse of life, but also, how to generate the very pulse of life!

I am forever thankful for the opportunity to be in a room of young people -- myself included. For once class is over, I have every confidence we are going to remake this world using the best of what we've got!

-- Malena

Happy 2014! * I'm back from Africa* Trip to Guinea re-cap!!

2014-01-15T01:39:00.000-08:00

2014 is already on the move! And AddLife! is working hard, creating the dance action that will push us to new heights this year and after.

In celebration of 2014, I want to share a bit about my trip to Guinea this past December. Particularly, I want to talk about the people who inspired me, and what I learned. It is my hope that my Guinea experience encourages you to keep mastering your craft, chasing your life calling, and studying African Dance!

[Photo: The phenomenal group of dancers and musicians who led our dance classes in Guinea]

THE TRIP

For three weeks in December, I studied drum and dance intensely with Malinke Grandmaster Djembefola -- Bolokada Conde -- who hails from the Sankaran region of Guinea, and Ibrahima Soumah, director of Guinea's Ballet Soleil D'Afrique.

[Photo: Me with Bolokada (right) and Paul, a Djembe student from Australia]

The non-stop Guinea tour deepened by passion for African Dance tremendously, and developed my skills and creative vision!

THE DRUMMING

After 10 years of studying African Dance, I took my first big bite into Malinke Djembe drumming! And good God, the experience was great!

Bolokada expertly guided the group of students and I through Guinea’s most ancient Malinke drum rhythms and songs such as Solafo, Koloni, Fakoli Djembe, Malo, Lamban, and Kassa. With the exception of Kassa and Lamban, these rhythms are never played in classrooms and concerts across America. In fact, they are so rare and embedded in village tradition, it takes an expert Grandmaster like Bolokada to bring these ancient songs to the world. Realizing this, I am forever grateful to have traveled to Guinea with Bolokada. Bolokada spent a significant span of his adulthood living and working as a drummer in the villages, so he is a living library of some of the most obscure yet magnificent Malinke rhythms, songs, and traditions. It wasn't until well into his adulthood that Bolokada joined Les Percussions de Guinée, toured the world, and came to America in 2004, where he has enriched thousands of students with his foremost expertise.

This is why I’m so happy to be studying with Bolokada. He is the world's foremost harbinger of Malinke village rhythms and folklore, and he is dedicated to perpetuating these hidden village gems, and pushing his students to accurately learn these ancient rhythms.

[Photo: Bolokada, with the group of students and Guinea drummers I traveled with]

The Malinke rhythms Bolokada taught us are so intricate and beautiful, they would just lift us off the ground as we practiced their layered Djembe accompaniments and Dundun orchestra arrangements. Now, I can’t stress this enough. Bolokada is such an incredible instructor and trip leader. His teachings are brilliantly detailed, organized, and generous -- while his guidance pops with eye-opening historical context and folkloric stories. Learning with him re-awakened me to the genius that is African dance and music! While I’m a beginner Djembe player, it was awesome to see Bolokada push the advanced drum student Paul, with some of the most lavish solo phrases I’ve ever heard. Sometimes Paul would get totally overwhelmed by the rapture of these solo phrases, but Bolokada would patiently pull Paul through, repeating the drum phrases beat by beat, until Paul caught it! These drum sessions were simply the fire of life! And I can’t wait to continue my drum practice with Bolokada.

LIFE IN THE VILLAGE

What I loved the most about my trip was the tour. Bolokada took us to a total of four Guinea villages: Kissidougou, Morowaya – Bolokada’s hometown -- Manfran, and Faranah – home of the late great Djembe Legend, Fadouba Oulare. Bolokada has family and deep roots in each village, so when we arrived, we were greeted like royalty, with hundreds of children, village elders, women, men, and families gathering to celebrate us. We were surrounded by love, attentive helpers, and beautiful people all day. At night, we joined Bolokada and his drum band as they put on the most spectacular Doundounba parties I’ve ever experienced. Bolokada commanded each Doundounba -- first with a blast of exquisite music selections, then with phenomenal drum solo performances, and with live song in which Bolokada led the entire village in a harmonic vocal celebration. All the while, we’d dance – take turns lunging into the massive solo circle.

THE DANCING

It was during these Doundounbas that I absolutely fell in love with the dancers of Guinea. My favorite dancers in Guinea were Ibrahima Soumah, and Konko and Yanle. Ibrahima Soumah is the director of Guinea’s Ballet Soleil D’Afrique. He also provided the daily dance instruction for the trip. Konko and Yanle are two gorgeous dancers who hail from the rolling hills of Faranah and are kinfolk of Fadouba Oulare.

[Photo by Carla Promprowitz: Bolokada performing at a Doundounba in Morowaya]

When these master dancers stepped into the circle, time collapsed and nothing else mattered except the happiness they created in every step. Ibrahima in particular, had a funky, mesmerizing style. A classical Guinea ballet dancer by day-- at night, Ibrahima would remix his Doundounba steps into a shot of crisp spins, peacocking steps, and arms dripping with attitude! Let me tell you, he is the love child of James Brown and Yousouff Koumbassa, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. Meanwhile, Konko and Yanle are perhaps Guinea’s most amazing traditional village dancers. They move like Goddesses. At just 20 and 19, the two girls are close friends, and when they danced in the solo circle, they moved like dragons over a mountain. Konko and Yanle would jump 5 feet in the air, twirl around in non-stop circles, tap and kick their feet in the most complex patterns, then charge Bolokada as he drummed and marked their steps. Confident and aggressive, Konko and Yanle would conduct an entire conversation of technical movement with the drummers. They’d get right up in the drummer’s face and start talking with those dance steps, drawing lines of power with their bodies that flowed like a tidal wave of motion. Every time they danced, all anybody could do was watch and cheer.

Interestingly, many of the village dancers were teenage girls who’d perform a new dance that showed off their hips and behind in this slow grinding movement that mimicked a sensual lap dance! Other times, an old man would tip-toe into the circle and blow everyone’s mind with a few pelvic thrusts and foot cuts that defied his old age. Then there were the Doundounba men, who would bombard the musical ceremony, some slinging axes. Their dancing was pure might, as they muscled through the traditional Doundounba foot patterns with the effervesce of well-trained dancers.

As we danced and partied together, I learned so much from Ibrahima, Konko, and Yanle. When we weren’t dancing, we were talking about dance, and improvising steps at random -- while walking to the water well, sitting over a camp fire, or hanging laundry. As dancers, we always had a song on our lips, and spoke in drum rhythms. And at every turn, we challenged each other to a dance solo, where we tried to make the other person laugh or fall over with delight. It was interactions like these that really improved my dance style. In Africa, you don’t dance, you are the dance. And as you move through life, you learn to use dance to communicate messages of love, camaraderie, and desire.

GROWING IN GUINEA

As we traveled from village to village, my drumming and dancing grew by leaps and bounds; my knowledge of traditional Guinea culture, as its expressed in art and life, was so much enlightened.

By the end of the trip, I was able to hang with a complex drum solo taught by Sekouba, Fadouba Oulare’s kinfolk in Faranah. By the end of the trip, I had mastered a ton of marvelous choreography Ibrahima Souma taught we dancers. By the end of the trip, I was a better artist and an even better dreamer. For I had been touched in my soul so deeply, and touched many souls in the process.

Now, I am even more convinced that African Dance is unlimited in its depth and power.

Now, I am even more certain that it's the courageous people behind this dance that make this practice so truly special and rewarding.

-- Malena Amusa

AddLife! is happy to introduce VITALITY SPA in Florissant Missouri

2013-11-22T12:26:00.001-08:00

This Saturday, November 23 -- 10am- 2pm -- everyone in St. Louis, Missouri passionate about health, fitness, and innovative dance will benefit from going to the Grand Opening Fitness Extravaganza at the new Vitality Holistic Spa in Florissant!

Launched by the spunky fitness firecracker Sharita Davis, Vitality is here to help the whole family get fit by providing highly-inspiring and creative fitness classes, wellness programs, yoga and massage. [Vitality in the St. Louis American Newspaper]

African dance fitness specialist Diadie Bathily will feature his new Timbuk African Dance Fitness Workout at the event, in addition to other elite fleet experts in Zumba, Cardio Jam, Butts & Guts, Line and Step dancing.

A kids fitness demonstration, 2pm - 3pm, will teach Hip-Hop, Creative Crunk, and Cheer dance fitness!

Bring the entire family, for non-stop fitness, good music, raffles, and vitality!

Facebook RSVP today!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1388673914706915/?ref=br_tf

Your partner in dance and life!
Malena

A Trip to Guinea you’ve been dreaming of ::: Calling international Djembe Dancers and Drum stars!

2013-06-03T20:05:00.004-07:00

Can you just feel the excitement in my writing – I mean, can you really feel it?!

A truly rare moment is upon us, all of us.

This year, AddLife! Studio is partnering with the superb Grandmaster Malinke Djembefola – international legend and all-star instructor – BOLOKADA CONDE – to launch a special trip to Guinea like never before.

This December, 2013 and January, 2014 – you can pick from 2 spectacular trips to Guinea – 21 days of non-stop intensive drum and dance instruction, led by the incredible Bolokada Conde and director of Ballet Soleil D’Afrique, Ibrahim Sory Camara.

Tour the lively city of Conakry and study in-depth in three villages: Faranah, Kissidigou and Moroway, Bolokada’s home village.

Advance your Djembe orchestra skills, dive into gravity-defying dancing, and learn the most ancient and powerful stories of the Malinke people, music, and history.

Simply put: It’s time to go!

So-- don’t hesitate, visit the trip’s info site now at: www.Trip2Guinea.com

If you have a question at all – please reach me today at malenanow [at] gmail [dot] com or addlifeworldmain [at] gmail [dot] com.

I'll be here every step of the way making sure you get everything you ever hoped from this amazing trip and opportunity.

--Malena Amusa

Founder of AddLife! Studio

African dance starts in the soul

2013-06-03T19:47:00.003-07:00

Perhaps no other dance generates life in such great proportion that it demands.

In my 11 years of study, I see that African dance is an enthralling life course, no different than a master path followed by a spiritual guru. The more a dancer studies the art, the more the dance adapts to the needs of the dancer and her community, helping her stir and awaken her powerful soul and helping others do the same.

I first started African dance as an experiment, to prove to my athletic 17-year-old self that no physicality was above my ability. A championship volleyball player and track star at the time, African dance was simply another sport to add to my docket of achievements. That was until I first learned the West African dance of Mendiani, a dance taught to me by the ephemeral Diadie Bathily, the Ivory Coast-born director of Afriky Lolo in St. Louis, Missouri.

Within days, I not only excelled at Mendiani but I deeply loved the the rites of passage dance on a soulful level. The dance absolutely called out my artistry, added bold dimension to my firecracker energy, and invited my soul to transcend school and dive into world of discovery.

Now as a choreographer, teacher, and researcher I see how so many people try to learn African dance starting with the feet, or from the head.

But beyond the body, African dance starts in the soul, with a whimsical, mischievous desire determined to break to a higher level of expression. Through African dance, that very desire, that very soul has the power to communicate with the epic wisdom of the ancients, stir the masses, and set a vision for the future.

That very soul is the reason we dance African dance. Because it’s an art which ripples from the core of you, and it’s an art whose work is never done.

So, next time you plant a step in motion, start there, start from the soul. With many souls thrillingly propelled in the dance, we can energize lives, cities, and the world!

Malena Amusa

One of the best shows on earth is here!

2013-04-19T13:57:00.001-07:00

After hours of creative planning, rehearsal, traveling, and dreaming big -- one of the best African dance shows on earth is here!!

MAY 18, Afriky Lolo Dance Company in St. Louis will present its uber gigantor live concert called LIFE!

A tribute to Afriky Lolo's 10th anniversary and children everywhere -- LIFE is a non-stop story of African dance splendor and daring tales to tickle your wit, your passion, and heart!

Produced by Diadie Bathily, founder of Afriky Lolo, this ambitious African masterpiece will include a special African Japanese fusion piece, plus an all-star fleet of alumni dancers from Afriky Lolo's incredible 10 year history in St. Louis.

More than 50 dancers, musicians, costume designers, and choreographers from St. Louis, Africa, Chicago, Memphis, and across the region will partake in this truly auspicious occasion.

AddLife! is happy to celebrate this concert and multiply the force of positivity, talent, community, and artistic excellence.

--Malena

This March 9, @ 6pm: A mega spring AddLife! Dance Workshop/ w Malena & Co.

2013-03-05T10:35:00.001-08:00

AddLife! is here to energize your artistry, blast our skills, our dancing, our dreams into the stratosphere.

This Saturday, we are hosting a so very special workshop of African dance, led by Malena Amusa, especially to capture the magic of spring, and the passion of change and growth. This workshop is also dedicated to techniques that bring about a strong body, strong mind, and strong dancing! The future awaits us and demands our excellence. I can't wait!!

LOCATION:
2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center (2nd Floor)
2720 Cherokee St. -- STL -- 63118
(On Cherokee St., off Jefferson)

$10 for adults, $5 for kids.

RSVP TODAY!
Leave a note, email malenanow (at) gmail (dot) com.

ADDLIFE! STUDIO

Inviting you to visit the new Addlife!

On tour with Cirque Zuma Zuma, adding life for 100,000 show-goers in Silver Dollar City

June 6 -- Every walk of life lit up @my first MEGA class in New York @ DSPAC!

Engaging the dancer, the thinker, the brilliant human.... FREE WEST AFRICAN MEGA CLASS This Saturday in Brooklyn!

A long time coming... adding life in New York!

Birthing the next level of the dream... Africa United & Djembe X!1

Touring with Cirque Zuma Zuma & the Age of African Dance!

Celebrating No Limits / Dreams Realized in 2015! Happy NYS! @@dLife!

These times call for fierce artists!! *** A thank you to donors***

Great news!! Performing 'United We Dance' Oct 31 in STL

UNITED WE DANCE CONCERT: An African Dance & Music Tribute to the new Movement

Honoring the life of #Michael Brown

Bolokada Conde, Addlife! invites you to Guinea this December & January! There’s nothing like it!!

This is what the dream looks like...

Ivorian dance Godfather, Vado, urges us, "Don't stop dancing!"

Why I'm going to Guinea with Bolokada.... again! & Why you should go with us!

Special thanks to organizers of Camp Fareta!

Pinch yourself!! Bolokada Conde workshops in St. Louis this Saturday!

Why I love working with young people!

Happy 2014! *** I'm back from Africa*** Trip to Guinea re-cap!!

AddLife! is happy to introduce VITALITY SPA in Florissant Missouri

A Trip to Guinea you’ve been dreaming of ::: Calling international Djembe Dancers and Drum stars!

African dance starts in the soul

One of the best shows on earth is here!

This March 9, @ 6pm: A mega spring AddLife! Dance Workshop/ w Malena & Co.

These times call for fierce artists!! * A thank you to donors*

Happy 2014! * I'm back from Africa* Trip to Guinea re-cap!!