One World Dance & Drum

For residents across Washington, especially those in the Seattle area, seeking a unique and profoundly enriching cultural experience, One World Dance & Drum stands as a vibrant local gem. This exceptional organization is dedicated to being passionate ambassadors for the beautiful, rich, and powerful music, dance, and culture of Guinea, West Africa. Founded by Sarah Lee Parker and Baba Kauna Mujamal, One World Dance & Drum offers more than just classes; it provides an immersive journey into a captivating cultural heritage, fostering joy, fulfillment, and personal transformation for all who participate.

At its heart, One World Dance & Drum's mission is to share their deep love and knowledge of West African dancing and culture. This commitment is underpinned by core values that emphasize integrity, responsibility, community, contribution, and transformation. These values translate into a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to learn, grow, and celebrate life through the shared language of rhythm and movement. The experiences offered, whether in classes, workshops, or even cultural trips to Africa, are consistently described by participants as leading to profound life learning and personal growth.

What truly sets One World Dance & Drum apart is the authentic and passionate instruction provided by its founders, Sarah Lee Parker and Baba Kauna Mujamal. They bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of traditional dances and rhythms from Guinea, West Africa. Their teaching style is known for being friendly and engaging, helping students of all levels to develop strength, fitness, and coordination while expressing themselves through these amazing and joyous African dances. Participants consistently report leaving classes with smiles on their faces, feeling invigorated and connected to a vibrant community right here in Seattle. It's an opportunity to not just learn dance steps but to truly feel the beat throughout your entire body and become part of a contagious energy.

One World Dance & Drum is located at 8408 Duncan Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA. This address places it within the vibrant community of Seattle, making it accessible for residents from various neighborhoods across the city and surrounding King County. Situated in a residential area, the studio offers a welcoming and local feel, easily integrated into the lives of Seattleites.

For those traveling by car, the location on Duncan Avenue South benefits from Seattle's well-established road networks, allowing for relatively smooth transit from different parts of the city. While specific parking details aren't provided, street parking is often available in residential areas, making it convenient for attendees. The area is generally easy to navigate, ensuring that getting to and from classes is a hassle-free experience.

Seattle's comprehensive public transportation system, primarily King County Metro buses, also serves the area around Duncan Avenue South. This provides a practical option for individuals who prefer not to drive, offering connections from various transit hubs and neighborhoods. The accessibility of One World Dance & Drum, whether by personal vehicle or public transport, underscores its commitment to being a welcoming and convenient cultural resource for the entire Seattle community. Its embeddedness within a local neighborhood further enhances its appeal, allowing residents to easily tap into the rich cultural offerings without venturing far from home.

Services Offered:

• Weekly West African Dance Classes: Regularly scheduled classes for various levels (Beginning, All Level) incorporating recorded music and live drumming.
• Introductory Classes: "Every Other" Sunday morning free introductory classes to provide a foundation for new students.
• West African Drumming Classes: Instruction in rhythms and drumming techniques from Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
• Workshops: Special workshops designed to deepen understanding and skill in West African dance and drumming.
• Cultural Trips to Africa: Organized immersive experiences to Guinea, West Africa, providing profound life learning and personal transformation.
• Custom Programs for Educators: Sharing ancient and contemporary African culture in schools through tailored programs.
• Performances and Special Events: Available for performances at weddings, benefits, and other special occasions.
• Community Building: Fostering authentic connection among participants through music and dance.
• Physical Fitness and Coordination: Classes designed to develop strength, fitness, and coordination through joyous movements.

Features / Highlights:

• Passionate ambassadors of Guinea, West Africa's music, dance, and culture.
• Instruction led by experienced founders Sarah Lee Parker and Baba Kauna Mujamal.
• "Show and go" teaching style that is friendly, easy to follow, and effective for all levels.
• Emphasis on developing strength, fitness, and coordination through enjoyable movements.
• Focus on learning movement vocabulary and rhythms unique to West African dance.
• Creates an environment for meeting like-minded people and building community.
• Offers the unique experience of live drumming in many dance classes.
• Provides opportunities for profound life learning and personal transformation through cultural immersion.
• Dedicated to empowering and giving back to Guineans through their sister non-profit organization, Guinea Exchange.
• Highly praised by participants for its warmth, infectious joy, encouragement, and wisdom.
• Classes described as delightful, deep, powerful, intoxicating, and constantly smile-inducing.
• Students consistently report feeling part of the drums and swept up in the contagious energy.

Contact Information:

Address: 8408 Duncan Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA

Phone: (206) 229-6998

One World Dance & Drum is an exceptional choice for locals in the Washington region, particularly for those in Seattle, seeking an enriching and authentic cultural experience. Its unique focus on the vibrant music and dance of Guinea, West Africa, offers a cultural immersion that is both joyful and deeply transformative. Participants consistently rave about finding "fulfillment, joy and profound life learning" through their engagement with the classes and workshops. This speaks to the profound impact the founders, Sarah Lee Parker and Baba Kauna Mujamal, have on their students, extending beyond mere dance steps to fostering personal growth and a broader understanding of global culture.

The accessibility of their classes, which are often "drop-in" and open to "all levels," makes it incredibly easy for new individuals to join and experience the magic without prior registration or extensive commitment. The offer of "FREE Introductory Classes" is an excellent invitation for Seattle residents to explore West African dance in a welcoming, low-pressure environment, allowing them to build a foundation and confidence before committing to more regular participation. The presence of live drumming in classes is a significant highlight, creating an immersive and authentic experience that truly distinguishes One World Dance & Drum from other local dance offerings.

Furthermore, the studio is not just about dance; it's about building a strong, like-minded community where people connect through shared rhythms and movements. The testimonials speak volumes, describing the experience as "rejuvenating and refreshing," with participants unable to "keep a smile off of my face." For any Seattle resident looking for an engaging workout, a unique cultural experience, or simply a way to connect with joyous energy and build community, One World Dance & Drum offers an unparalleled opportunity right in their backyard.

One World Dance & Drum

8408 Duncan Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA