January 2025 — This blog post has been updated to include the newest information regarding West African drum and dance in Long Beach. Please note new class times, venue and days.

Dance to the beat of the djembe and doundouns on Fridays and Saturdays in Long Beach! West African Drum and Dance classes are held at Homeland Cultural Center and Expo Arts Center in Long Beach, CA in association with the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB). Classes are open to the public and men, women and children of all ages and dance levels are welcome to join. Dance classes are led by dancer and master teacher, Ndella Davis-Diassy. 

Class Structure:

Ndella educates and highlights traditional dances, rhythms, and tribes from various West African countries including Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. Classes yield high energy from low-impact movements to high-impact jumps, kicks, and turns. The barefoot exercise and excitement will keep you coming back weekly! Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is suggested along with plenty of water and a towel. There is a drinking fountain inside at the Homeland location.

Dance classes are always accompanied by live, skilled drummers ranging from beginner to pro. Traditional West African rhythms are played with various drums by a mix of male and female musicians from a variety of backgrounds. The drumming is led by a rotation of long-time drummers including Baba YaYah and his sons Tabari and Omari, brother Paul, brother Qwesi, sister Pat, and a host of guest musicians. Drum students are asked to bring their own drums and shekeres although instruments may be provided for in-class use.

Cost:

Fees for the West African drum and dance classes in Long Beach are donation-based. Donations of any amount to support the drummers, dancers, instructors, and community, are accepted with gratitude. Classes are graciously sponsored by The Port of Long Beach.

Class Schedule:  

Dance classes are held on second and fourth Fridays, and every Saturday as follows:

• 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – West African Dance Class @ Expo
• Sat. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – West African Dance Class @ Homeland 

Drum classes are held every second and fourth Thursday as follows:

• 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Beginning/Intermediate West African Drum Class @ Expo

For those looking to purchase traditional African lapas, clothing, jewelry, or accessories, there is a small marketplace inside of the class.

Locations:

Homeland Cultural Center – Address: 1321 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach, CA 90813

Expo Arts Center – Address: 4321 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807

Both locations are indoor facilities, wheelchair-accessible and public transportation-friendly.

Homeland Cultural Center is home to several cultural groups including Dembrebrah Afrikan Drum & Dance Ensemble and the Hmong Association of Long Beach. The facility offers diverse arts and cultural classes including Khmer Martial Arts, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Folklorico, music improvisation, and more.

Expo Arts Center is 27,000 sq. ft. and is home to an art gallery, museum, and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. 

Contact:

For additional information, please email: admin [at] AACCLB.org.

Follow AACCLB on Instagram for community and class updates! 

Watch Dembrebrah in action on YouTube!