West African Dance
Des Moines Register
9/9/04
by Amanda Pierre
Madou Dembele's classes at Mickle Community Center in Des Moines are enhanced by the strong rhythmic beats provided by the Super Yankadi, a local drum group that often performs with Dembele.
Dembele teaches a style of African dance that is very physical: It requires several minutes of stretching before even the most basic moves can be accomplished.
"It's a good workout," said Jamie Clark, who has also taken belly-dancing lessons.
"The energy level is just awesome," said Clark's friend and co-worker at Orchard Place/Pace, Julie Veasley. "It's a very liberating experience."
The women, in their 30s, follow Dembele's instructions carefully. At first, some moves seem to take concentration, but once the music and the movement is in full swing, with sweeping arm motions, kicks and claps, they seem to catch the spirit.
"I grew up in Los Angeles and moved here 20 years ago," said another student, Jo Riley, 53. "I was used to living in a culture that had a lot of diversity. And 20 years ago here, I felt like the environment here wasn't as open as I was used to. Now, I love to be involved in these things."
Dembele's classes take place every other Wednesday at the community center on Sherman Hill, starting at 7 p.m.