This course will be a mix of movement labs and lecture conversations. Even through Zoom, movement concepts and aesthetics are translated, explored and deepened in our bodies. We practice dance strengthening and conditioning to prepare our bodies for West African Dance techniques.  Innovative collaboration between student research projects is created in the course. Research projects are interdisciplinary, integrating student’ Majors, Minors, and/or specific inquiries as they interconnect with African aesthetic foundations, principles, and the embodied knowledge of West African Traditional and Contemporary dance and culture. Everyone is welcome. All abilities have taken this course over the years and find research extending into West African Dance to be eye opening, meaningful, and a space for new knowledge production as well as deep identity exploration.