Welcome to a new ecstatic dance in the River Valley - bring the joy of a summer fire circle inside as we sink into deep Winter.

Join us as we gather our energy and spirit to dance, drum, and hold space to create a container

of warmth and light.

A Collaboration with the HeARTbeat Collective & Liminal Roots Productions

Location: Montague Retreat Center

177 Ripley Rd.

Montague, MA 01351

Cost: Sliding scale with suggested donations starting at $10, cash is encouraged, Venmo/Paypal QR code available

Plus an additional $10 if you plan on taking West African Dance with Tara Murphy stating at 5:45pm

Please bring your own water bottles, drums, shakers and noise makers - all percussive instruments are welcome!

We strive to create space for movement from rhythm.

If there are questions about how you can best help to facilitate this environment

please seek the hosts of this event - Deb Chesser & Jason Cohen

Be consensual, respect the space and all in it.

This event is open to all ages and families.

Carpooling is encouraged!

West African Dance with Tara Murphy

Originally from Washington, D.C., Tara grew up studying ballet and theater. She earned her B.A. in theater and religious studies at Yale University, where she also began studying African dance. At this time Tara began exploring her heritage through African studies at Yale, and was awarded a fellowship to study traditional dance and drumming at the University of Legon in Ghana, West Africa. For the past 25 years, she has studied with many African and Afro-Caribbean artists in Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston. Her primary mentors have been Issa Coulibaly and Joh Camara of Mali; Mohamed Kalifa Kamara of Guinea; Fatou N’Diaye and Astou Sagna of Senegal; and Jean Appolon of Haiti. In addition to African dance, Tara has also practiced yoga and meditation since she was a child. Tara recognizes the practice of African dance and drumming as a tremendous force for healing, meditation, empowerment and community. It is her greatest honor to share the inspiration of these ancient traditions. Tara is a dancer and the managing director of Ammaya Dance. ammaya.org