Performances & Presentations
Since 2005 Embody the Rhythm has collaborated with master West African artists, many talented local musicians and students, and dance colleagues Liz Fowler and Janice Erickson to host master artists and offer specialized performance presentations, sharing dances and rhythms of West Africa.
Alongside Namory Keita and Sayon Camara of Guinea, and Annegret Baier of Germany we have brought educational performances to schools and community programs.
In 2023 Marita developed a semester course for Bates College in West African Dance of Guinea, with Sayon Camara providing musical accompaniment and cultural representation.
Intercultural Events & Collaborations
Ebune, All Peoples & Creatures Parade & Celebration, 2013
Facilitating intercultural community events and performances of many stripes, Marita’s collaborated on the production of:
Ebune, All Peoples & Creatures Parade & Celebration
Bakunda:We Love
Many Waters
Tales of Bells & Drums
and more.
Until 2015 West African dance and drumming performances were offered alongside many devoted dance students with musical accompaniment led by Annegret Baier, Jeff Howe and/or Janice Erickson, under the name Blue Moon Tribe.
New Moon Ensemble
New Moon Ensemble - Dance & Drumming of Guinea, West Africa
In 2015 New Moon Ensemble developed from the roots of Blue Moon Tribe, expanding under the musical direction and cultural representation of Namory Keita of Guinea, West Africa.
Based in Wabanaki territory/Maine, ensemble members shared their love for the music and dances of West Africa, the accompanying traditions, and the gift of intercultural exchange.
Together they would build community and inspire international study and collaboration through the healing power of music and dance. The Ensemble’s performances were to offer uplifting rhythms and dances into the world as prayers for peace and well-being.
New Moon Ensemble ensemble consisted of musical director Namory Keita, master village drummer of Sangbarala, Guinea; choreographer/dancer Marita Kennedy-Castro from Wabanaki lands / Maine, multi-talented musician Annegret Baier of Germany, and handfuls of talented and devoted musicians and dancers including:
Drummers:
Jeff Howe, Janice Erickson, John Marlowe, Christopher Gager, Christian Gazmuri, Aaron Seglin, Sandra Benson, Adrian Smith and more.
Dancers:
Alison Green-Parsons, Ashley Edmondson, Megu Hirayama, Ann Brandt, Anne Esguerra, Aminata Doumbouya, Lucy Bergen, Emily Bogner-Williams, Danielle Dellaquila, Alysia Melnick, Paul Parsons, Steph Harmon, Gina McKinney, Ashlee Lucas, Alpha Castro, Erica Alt, Jessica Townsend; guest appearances by Maurice Habimfura, Kaylin Kerina, Grace Kapinga, Veeva Banga, Simone Dionne and more.
The New Moon Ensemble project has been on pause since December of 2023.
