AMY SECADA
Secada is one of New York City's legendary underground dance exports. She has choreographed for America's Best Dance Crew, NIKE, Madonna and Fergie to name a few. Presenting dance workshops in over 20 countries, her signature dance style fuses elements of Afro Urban, Contemporary, Capoeira and club dances from NYC such as House and Hip Hop. Her unique teaching methodology is founded on a holistic approach void of routines and rules, focused on accessing our authentic and innate expression through the practice of physical, mental and energetic techniques.
Secada has lived and studied in Africa, India and Brazil for many years drawing influences from Capoeira and various traditional dance forms such as Congolese, Sabar, Djembe, Afro-Haitian, Afro-Cuban and numerous African street styles such as N’dombolo, Kuduro and Coupé Décalé. Secada is also a RYT 500 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga instructor since 2009, Thai massage Therapist and Certified Holistic Health Coach. Secada currently lives in Brazil sharing her NYC culture and love for the healing art of dance. She continues to dedicate her life to keeping the sacred ritual of dance alive, transcendent and evolving.
For this retreat Secada has carefully curated a transformational dance journey guided by the sacred elements and the healing power of ancient dances from Africa and Brazil. Dancers of all levels and styles are invited to unveil their fullest potential not only as dancers, but as human beings. This course will guide you on a holistic approach to enhance your technique and creativity while identifying and releasing inhibiting patterns and energetic blockages.
We invite you to Move beyond routines offering a rare opportunity to focus on Weaving physical, mental, spiritual and energetic practices to enhance your freestyle. We will look deeply into breaking free from self judgement, getting out of your head, how to channel ancestral movement and utilize intention as a creative force. Each day we will dive deeper into various african diaspóric dances including sabar, afro cuban, afro Brazilian, djembe, afrobeat, coupé d'cale, congolese, funk carioca, house and hip hop. Daily technical and floorwork drills will build over the week as we examine smooth transitions and explore new vocabulary, guided freestyle and breathwork. We hope you join us in this nourishing experience to remember your power purpose and inherent birthright to the joy and magic that is dance.
