By Will Gilson, Currier Times Staff///

Students in Professor Christine Bennett’s World Dance History class gathered in the Alumni Recreation Center (ARC) on September 10th listening to the sound of drums, led by well renowned drummer and dancer, Joh Camara.

Drums played as students danced and giggled, while also hearing Joh’s stories from growing up in Mali, West Africa. 

Professor Bennett, part of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, speaking right before Joh’s presentation, said the introduction of Joh’s dances and teachings can positively impact the Curry College community.

“It’s definitely going to bring an in-depth, immersive experience into Malian music and dance,” Bennett said. “We’re going to learn dance that comes from Mali, probably a little Cynical, maybe some Ivory Coast.”

Students in the course expressed interest in some of the new dance styles. Amalia Jemerin, a junior Criminal Justice major, plans to apply Joh’s teachings to her current understanding of dance.

“For a while I’ve been learning about all the different dances trying out,” Jemerin said. “But I had never done the West African type of dance before and I really wanted to know what it was like.”

Bennett also highlights how well known Joh is. “He’s the foremost artist in West African drumming and dance in the greater Boston area,” Bennett said. “He’s also known globally for his work touring, and he comes from Bamako, Mali.”

One of the reasons Joh came to Curry was his connections with the school. “I used to teach here and I’ve been working with Christine for so many years,” Joh said. “I love the students here.”

Something that has led to Joh’s work was his experiences growing up in a musical family, also known as a Griot.

“Our family everyday there is a party, so I grew up seeing people dancing, drumming, and singing, and that’s how I got into it,” Joh said. “So I’ve been doing this since I was five years old.”

Students enjoyed learning the dances that Joh taught. Jovera Rice, a first-year Criminal Justice and Psychology major, connected this to her early experiences of doing dance.

“I did a little bit of dancing growing up and my siblings all danced,” Rice said. “I’m Cape Verdean so I feel like this is good to kind of just touch into the roots.”

During the class, Bennett expressed high hopes for the dances students would be learning.

“Joh will teach these students in  World Dance History an entire dance that then will be performed at the Homecoming Family Weekend Arts Brunch,” Bennett said. “So whatever they learn here, they’re gonna take it forward, and Joh will return to campus one more time on the 29th of September for the Arts Brunch.”