916 620-5719
LIONS DEN EDUCATION INSTITUTE
Founder, Drummer, Dancer, Spiritual Healer
Keeper of "The Sacred Drum"
At 15 in Oakland, I began taking formal dance classes, and by the age of 18 began my dance career while teaching gymnastics at a dance studio in Alameda, Ca. My formal training expanded to include Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern and Dunham, while concurrently performing with the Oakland Children’s Chorus and The Oakland Youth Chorus. I later moved to Sacramento and began studying theater under the late great Dr Thomas Michael Gates, mentored in dance with James Wheatley of Celebration Arts and Pepper Von of Step 1 Dance Academy, choreographed with the Black Repertory Dance Troupe of UC Davis and began training in West African Dance with Linda Faye Johnson, Zak and Niaomi Diouf, the late greats Alasane Kane and Abdoulia Diakite by joining “CEEDO” (Chedo) West African Drum and Dance Troupe in 1986. I learned the Djembe and mastered it while completing ten years of rigorous training and founded Lions Den Entertainment, which was incorporate in 2002. Exactly 20 years later, in 2022, I established The Lions Den Education Institute, to further educate about West African culture. I also teach ZUMBA to encourage some form of movement. I received a Neighborhood Arts Program grant in 2006, began and served as President of The West African Drum and Drum Club at CSUS, from March 2007 until March 2008, hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies, minor in Dance, a Master of Arts Degree in Education. For 2023, I am a grant recipient and relocating the Den to a new area. Now it 2024 and we have found a New Home!
I am an experienced arts educator, professional theater performer, circus artist, and sports coach with forty years experience mentoring youth k-12th and families in inner urban areas. I have taught theater arts including acting, clowning, juggling, stilt walking, jazz, tap, ballet, modern and West African Drumming/Dance, also various physical activities ranging from gymnastics to basketball, football and track. We are launching #CommunityCulturalEnlightenment. From an educators perspective, the authentic African story, if not the entire stories of the POC community has been omitted from the education system and replaced with many things that simply are not true. Therefore, by sharing and engaging in Community building Cultural offerings, we Enlighten those who participate, thus giving them the opportunity to learn and know these great joys for themselves. I am listed in the Arts Education Resource Directory, partnered with Sacramento START and various school districts to produce performing arts programs which enlightened all.
NOW TAKING ON NEW CLIENTS ... Summer Special!!!
All of my training and experience as a Spiritual Drum and Dance Master, Teacher and soon be initiate as an Ifa priest are from the West African regions of Senegal and Nigeria. This lineage was brought to the west by our late ancestors who gave their permission and instructions to share our spiritual cultural wisdom for divine insights and ritual healings.
SACRED DRUMMING
Learn to play and open a channel to your ancestors
PRIMAL DANCE
Learn to Dance in such a way to connect with you ancestors Spirit
Cultural Spiritual Healing
Learn to Heal Your Cultural Spirit by tapping into the wisdom of your DNA
Lifestyle Improvement
Learn to improve your Life
Style With Inner Rejuvenation
AhGo Obi'!
Coconut Divination
As an initiate of the Ifa Tradition, I use the elemental forces of nature, the wind, the water, the road and ask them what you need
to see what answers fall.
Traditional Coconut Divination is used to confirm the information that comes and helps our conversation bring about the understanding and healing of the issue.
This is a reading and intimate conversation to learn about your issue and what you need to do to resolve it using rituals of other prescribed healing and activation.
Coconut Divinations offer very powerful insights.
These 1-hour sessions are available in person, remotely via Zoom or phone.
FAQ
How do I pay for LDEI classes?
Right now we are affording you the freedom to pay by your choice of cash, check, CashApp, Venmo, Zelle!
What should I wear for West African Dance class?
*Don't forget your lapah. What's a lapah you ask?
(simply put; a favorite fabric to dance in, wrapped around your waist)
*Don't forget your djembe, IF you have one (for drumming).
*Also, loose crotched pants (sweats or basketball shorts) to assist with the ease of Drumming and/or Dancing!
*Students with a valid student ID are 1/2 off
*Bring lots of water ...it's important to stay hydrated
*Warm cover up layers for after class (we want you to take care of self: sweat and chill don't mix ...so self-care means, bundle up after class.
We'll SEE You SOON!!!!
Are your classes family friendly?
Yes!
You're gonna love West African Drum/Dance Class
*Kids are absolutely welcomed
this is a family affair... we encourage movement, drumming and enlightenment for our young as well... so much so, we allow children under 10yrs *FREE* with a paid adult
(However please keep in mind, there is NO childcare available... so you will have to maintain a diligent and watchful eye!
Can we still join your classes after the term has started?
Yes!
Anyone can Drop-in ...at Any Time! Please feel Welcomed.
Can anyone participate or just watch?
Yes!
All of our classes are open to the public.
Anyone can come in and watch ...and even participate!
We will always encourage participation.
(even if modified movement is required)
What are your rates and fees?
LDEI rates are $30.00 Drop In $100.00 per Month