ADDLIFE! STUDIO

Inviting you to visit the new Addlife!

6:42 PM

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

11:19 AM

Addlife! African dance class in Brooklyn

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

6:47 AM

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!
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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

Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center

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

12:42 PM

Addlife! Dreams

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

11:48 AM

African Drum in St. Louis

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

11:22 PM

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!

9:45 PM

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!

3:14 PM

Dance to Change the World

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

9:07 PM

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

Art as activism

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

7:32 AM

Ferguson events

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

12:01 PM

Honoring the life of #Michael Brown

9:47 AM

Bolokada Conde

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

6:02 PM

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!

Addlife! Dreams

This is what the dream looks like...

5:29 PM

Ivorian Dance

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

6:12 PM

Bolokada Conde

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

10:43 AM

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

Camp Fareta

Special thanks to organizers of Camp Fareta!

12:48 PM

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

Search this site

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!

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