Africans move to an inner rhythm that cannot be truly understood without experiencing their music, drumming, dancing, and their amazing culture. Pape Mbaye, master drummer and percussionist, invites you to experience the vibrancy and warm traditions of Senegal on this unique four week drumming and dance workshop. Living amongst a genuinely warm and friendly people, you will get to share in village life including mealtimes, everyday rituals and mystical cultural ceremonies.

Whether you are a scholar or adventurer; student of music, french or culture; a professional or serious musician; or even someone who just wants a cultural holiday with a difference, this month long workshop in Senegal offers a unique and holistic experience.

Learn sabar, tama (talking drum) and djembe. Rarely will you have the opportunity to learn three types of drums under the supervision of village griots, the traditional teachers

Learn how to play the ancient african instrument - the kora (African harp) - and the balafon (wooden xylophone).

Learn to really understand rhythms by learning how to dance them! Let your spirit soar, this is not about being a `dancer', this is about expression and communication

Learn how drums communicate with dancers by playing these drums yourself

Learn to understand the origin and soul of African music by participating in African cultural festivities, where the music is used.

Witness secret ceremonies where dancing and drumming communicate with ancestors.

Living in the seaside town of Yoff, 15 minutes from Dakar, you will get a real taste of African life. Surrounded by Pape's family and friends, who aid in teaching workshop classes, you will get a true insight into Senegalese day to day living, sharing meals, village life and traditional celebrations with them. There will also be opportunities to take daytrips to famous Senegalese sights, visits to night clubs to see local musicians perform and plenty of free time to relax on the beach or perfect the art of bargaining at markets in both Yoff and Dakar.

For an insight into what you'll experience on the workshop read an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald, written by 2001 workshop attendee Alexandra Brown: 'Dance Party'

Participants of the 2009 workshop also have a fantastic opportunity to attend the Kaay Fecc Festival ('Come and dance' in Wolof), an international artistic meeting dedicated to all forms of dance. The festival runs in Dakar and includes performances by professional Senegalese and international dance companies, exhibitions, dance workshops and demonstrations. For more information visit: 'Kaay Fecc'

The next Drum Africa workshop will run from 30th June - 27th July 2008.