Traditional Dances from Ivory Coast, West Africa with Richard Gogoua

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

Time: 12 –1:30 p.m.

Location: Iris Rosa Dance Studio, 1145 E. 22nd Street, Suite 201, Indianapolis

Instructor: Richard Gogoua

About Traditional Dances from Ivory Coast with Richard Gogoua

Richard strives to make African dance accessible to everyone while honoring its rich cultural heritage. His classes combine high-energy cardio workouts with authentic traditional movements, creating an inclusive environment where students can improve their fitness while experiencing the joy and community spirit of African dance traditions.

ALL movers, levels, backgrounds are welcome

Class Fees & Registration Information

$30 Dance Workshop with Live Drumming Accompaniment

PLEASE NOTE: Class registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. This includes missed classes.

Dancers under 18-years-old will need permission from a parent and complete a waiver to participate.

Register online to save your spot — limited capacity! Please note that online registration includes processing fees.

You may also register at the door with cash, Zelle, or CashApp. Please arrive 15 minutes before class.

With questions, please email [email protected]

RICHARD GOGOUA

With over 15 years of experience in traditional African dance and modern fitness instruction, Richard Gogoua brings the vibrant rhythms and movements of West Africa to his classes and workshops. Born in Ivory Coast and trained in both traditional dance and fitness techniques, he created a unique fusion of cultural expression and effective exercise programming known as Afroheat Fitness.

Expertise and Training

• Certified in traditional dance forms from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Senegal.
• Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.
• Specialized training in Afroheat choreography.
• Certification in injury prevention and modification techniques.

Experience

• African Dance Instructor, Alvin Ailey Dance School, NY
• Instructor, Lucille Roberts Women’s Fitness Center, NY
• Instructor, Q Fitness Center, NY
• Group and Personal Trainer, NY

Teaching Philosophy

Richard strives to make African dance accessible to everyone while honoring its rich cultural heritage. His classes combine high-energy cardio workouts with authentic traditional movements, creating an inclusive environment where students can improve their fitness while experiencing the joy and community spirit of African dance traditions.

Current Programs

• Afroheat Dance Fitness (All levels)
• Afrobeat Cardio Blast
• Traditional West African Dance Intensive
• Wellness Programs and Workshops

Impact & Community Involvement

Through his community outreach program, Richard has brought African dance and fitness to underserved communities, reaching over 1,000 participants annually. He regularly performs at cultural festivals and leads workshops at schools to promote cultural awareness through movement.

Achievements and Recognition

• Featured instructor at the International Dance Conference in New London, CT (1998, 1999)
• Winner of the "Excellence in Cultural Arts Education" Award (2018)
• Host of the popular "African Rhythm & Movement" Workshop series.

Host or Publisher Iris Rosa Dance Studio