MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – On Saturday, Sept. 22, the Middletown Art Center is hosting a West African drumming and dance workshop with master teacher Alhassane Camara.

This is a great opportunity to learn traditional dance and rhythms originating from Guinea, West Africa.

Camara was the lead dancer and choreographer of a Guinean ballet and has toured the world teaching and performing.

He is now based in the Bay Area and thanks to dance instructor and Cobb Elementary teacher Jessie Beck, we have an opportunity to learn from him right here in Lake County.

Drum class begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs to 5:30 p.m.

Dance class begins at 6 p.m., after a break, and runs until 7:15 p.m.

The cost is $15 for one class or $20 for both.

Drummers are encouraged to bring a djembe or duns. A few extras will be available. Basic technique and simple rhythm will be taught. Drummers are also encouraged to stay to drum for the dance class, to practice and build stamina.

Please arrive early, as this is a popular class.

The Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 State Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29.

Visit www.middletownartcenter.org or like Middletown Art Center on Facebook to stay up to date with what’s happening at the center.