Dance can be used to embrace and honor a culture.
By holding a space to remember the intentions behind movements of her ancestors, DeNaya Wilkerson teaches a variety of arts and wellness classes in Ocala.
She is a classically trained dancer with a bachelor’s degree in dance from Jacksonville University,
Working as an artist practitioner for Arts in Health Ocala Metro, she teaches a variety of classes including cultural dance and yoga.
Wilkerson said her goal as an instructor is to get people moving.
“I have a saying, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’ especially with mobility,” Wilkerson said. “Moving also helps people realize and feel their emotions.”
The sound of African drums and rhythms were present during the Intro to African Dance taught by Wilkerson during the Feb. 8 class at the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. in Ocala. More than 20 class participants came to experience the free, authentic dance class.
During the class, Wilkerson led participants in authentic movements, dances and chants from African cultures.
Wilkerson said she hopes future classes can include live African drummers that participants can listen and move to.
Patricia Tomlinson, executive director for the Arts in Health Ocala Metro, said she is thrilled Wilkerson is part of the Arts in Health program.
“The (Intro to African Dance ) class was marvelous,” Tomlinson said. “We were really excited about the turn out and that it was a multi-generational event. It was a lovely gathering of people of all different ages.”
For those who missed the intro class, Wilkerson conducts African Dance Fusion classes at 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Silver Spring Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road in Ocala. Classes are $5 per person.
Wilkerson said all ages are allowed to attend the classes, no experience necessary. The classes lets participants try a new fitness routine that explores community, self expression and healing.
“Dance is the lifeblood of native African tribes,” an event description reads. “The voice of the people to come together through expression about life, loss, celebration, rites of passage, nature and so much more.”
Along with using her classes to teach about other cultures, Wilkerson teaches restorative yoga classes that increase balance, flexibility, mobility and mindfulness by using slow movements.
Classes cover topics like how participants can handle discomfort both on and off the mat.
“During the cold, I tailor those classes for warming up the body,” Wilkerson said. “The older community may have joint pains or surgery flare-ups during the cold, so we keep the body moving. What we learn in classes can be translated out into the real world.”
The weekly Pine Needle Basket Weaving classes happen at 1 p.m. Mondays at the Silver Spring Shores Community Center. The hour-long classes cost $5 per person.
All supplies needed for the class are provided, along with instructions on how to start and finish the basket.
“That class is about connecting to the Earth because you are using natural materials like pine needle and grass,” Wilkerson said. “The baskets are used to hold things like water and children. For us it leads to conversations about what we carry in our bodies like stress.”
Having a class that allows students to create with their hands and imaginations allows for self expression and relaxation, which are goals of Wilkerson’s as an instructor.
For more information or to register for one of Wilkerson’s classes, visit denayawilkerson.online.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
