Michael Pluznick » Dance

How to play djembe drums for west african dance class

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:03:59 +0000

One thing I have noticed in my many, many moons of drumming is that although someone may be trained in west african drumming music, djembe or dununs and technically be a great or at least a knowledgable djembe player or even drum teacher, it does not mean they know how or can play djembe solo or more accurately lead djembe for a dance class. [...]

Djembe drum and percussion workshop with Michael Pluznick in Arambol Goa this winter

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:32:43 +0000

In December I will be teaching a very fun and relaxed two week workshop in West African drumming, djembe, dununs and "non competitive" drumming for all levels in the very beautifu, peaceful and exotic village of Arambol , Goa, India. All levels of drummers are welcomed and you do not have to take the entire course. [...]

Amazing Dancer, “Lasensua” from Canada to Maui and beyond!

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:19:03 +0000

I have had the great opportunity to know and to have been playing for Lasensua for over 20 years or more. I first met her on the Big Island of Hawaii. Lasensua has lived, studied & performed in many areas of the world. Her travels started in 1974, when she became immersed in Hawaiian culture through their music & "Hula" dance. She has journeyed to Brazil, Cuba, West Africa, Caribbean, Tahiti, India & Indonesia to live and study dance on location. [...]

Studying in Guinee Part 1

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:01:28 +0000

Many people often ask me "what was it like to study and travel in Guinee"? And "where did you like better Guinee or Mali"? I love both places to study and live but for different reasons. In Guinee I stayed with the late great Kemoko Sano and his family at his compound in Merveilles. I went to Guinea with an old friend who was traveling with me in Mali. But my friend did not like it there so he left after a few days to another compound. It was very interesting for me to stay in a place where no one spoke english except my teacher whose english was barely understandable at best. [...]

Dance teacher sought for world dance and music center on exotic Koh Samui Island Thailand

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:01:30 +0000

We are looking for a talented multi disciplined dance teacher for a new world dance , movement and world music center/studio on the beautiful and exotic Koh Samui Island in scenic Thailand. If you can teach salsa, brazilian, west african and more please contact us soon. The center is just forming now. Other dance teachers and people in the movement arts are welcomed to contact us as well. We will also be offering classes [...]

Talented young gymnasts and dancers on the beach in India with live percussion (FULL version)

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:54:50 +0000

Talented young gymnasts and dancers on the beach in India with live percussion [...]

Amazing female dancer at West African Dununba drum and dance celebration at Kemoko Sano’s compound

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:24:14 +0000

Very athletic and amazing dancers solo and perform at a “dununba” community drum and dance celebration. Dununba refers to “strong mans dance” as it was originaly called and used as. This djembe drum and west african dance party takes place at my friend and teachers house, the late, great and legendary master dancer, drummer and choreographer Kenoko Sano of Ballettes Africans fame.

Mali Sunu ensemble, djembe solos by Michael Pluznick, Ben Isaacs

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:30:27 +0000

Michael Pluznick solos on djembe and then Ben Isaacs expresses his incredible feel and techniques as well. This is a longer version then I originally posted on Youtube. This video lesson features an explanation of the meaning of Mali Sunu played with more of a 4/4 feel. We also will be showing you a version in 6/8 feel soon here as well. Michael Pluznick plays traditional solo techniques or phrases on his Toca [...]

Dununba Dance and Drum party in Guinee West Africa

admin — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 04:26:25 +0000

This is from a Dununba community African drum and West African dance party I sponsored when I was staying and studying with the late, great teacher and master choreorgapher and percussionist Kemoko Sano (aka Komoko Sano) at his compound in Mervielles, Conakry, Guinee, West Africa a few years ago. [...]

The late Great Pello EL Afrokan, our teacher

admin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:43:33 +0000

Pello El Afrokan

In 1985 we traveled to Cuba to learn about Cuban culture, study the music and experience the Cuban lifestyle. We were young and looking for musical and cultural adventures . While staying at the hotel in Havana we met Pello el Afrokan in our lobby. We told him about our quest to study Cuban music, rhythm and dance and he took our small group of friends on [...]

All About Olodum

admin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:29:52 +0000

Several years ago we went to Brazil to study Afro Brazilian music and dance. We were fortunate to meet members and teachers from the famous group Olodum. It took me years, but I was finally able to get some video footage up of our trip there so here it is! But first a little bit abut the group Olodum!

Olodum is an internationally acclaimed Afro-Brazilian cultural group from Bahia, Brazil. Olodum (pronounced oh-lo-doon) was [...]

MP plays Toca congas w/DJ Steve and guitar at BBC club, Koh Samui, Thailand

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:50:20 +0000

Percussionist and conga player Michael Pluznick plays Toca congas, bongos and djembe to the electronic music of DJ Steve from England with Bobby Parrs on Guitar. Filmed on location at the BBC bar Big Buddha, Koh Samui, Thailand, Asia.