Afro-Fusion Dance Series. Live Online with Nao Yamada

July 7-14-21-28, 2021

*Replacing Marnita’s 5:45 pm Afro Fusion classes in July

Experience delight and exhilaration with bright, contagious energy in this uplifting dance class to move-your-body-now beats! Afro-Fusion blends dance styles and influences from the African Diaspora such as:

• Afro-Brazilian Samba Reggae movement
• Afro Beat
• Afro Cuban Folklore
• House movement

The movement takes its lead from the compelling music and rhythms of House and AfroBeat music. This class takes you on a movement journey through a grounding and centering warm-up focusing on isolations, and a series of stretches to wake up the hips and spine. Nao then masterfully moves you through an irresistible, invigorating dance class, drawing her inspiration from the African Diaspora. You cool down with gentle stretches, centering and settling your nervous system and reflecting within before you head out, refreshed and revitalized.

This class is a sure way to move the body, excite the soul, and bring love and joy to the heart!

Nao Yamada

Dancer/Instructor/ Costume designer

Infectious and joyful, Nao gets you jumping.

From Chiba, Japan, Nao started classical ballet training at age 10 and moved to NYC in 1998 to attend the Alvin Ailey school. As an international performer, Nao has performed in the U.S.A, Japan, Scotland, Brazil, Africa and worked with numerous television, film, and magazine productions. She works with a variety of dance companies including Kotchegna Dance (West African), Michael Mao dance (Modern), Silva Dance (Afro-Braziilan Contemporary) , Grupo Ribeiro, Samba Novo, Silvana Magda & Viva Brazil Dancers, Samba NY (Brazilian), Fusha dance (Congolese), and Harambee Dance Company (African/Black Dance) in NYC. 

She has taught at Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, Harlem School of the Arts, Jewish Community Center, Millennium Dance Company, Brearley School and more. 

Nao is a certified Zumba Basic2 and Zumba Gold instructor 2009- 2014, has completed a 200-hour yoga instructor training in 2009, and received an ABT national teacher training certificate for curriculum in 2015.