Scott M.

Union County

New York City Metropolitan Area

Westfield

New Jersey

New Providence-Berkeley Heights

Cranford

Scotch Plains-Fanwood

Clark-Garwood

Springfield

Summit

Essex County

Millburn-Short Hills

Somerset County

Watchung-Green Brook

Morris County

Chatham

Maplewood

154 Forest Road, Fanwood NJ

FANWOOD, N.J. — Why We Dance, a community initiative organized by Candace Waller, will host a free, open-level AfroBeats dance workshop on Sunday, August 30, at 3 p.m. at the Forest Road Park Building, 154 Forest Road, Fanwood, N.J. The event will bring residents together through dance while promoting fitness, wellness, health education and community connection through the arts.
Led by Shari LP, a New Jersey-based choreographer, dancer and dance educator with more than seven years of teaching experience, the workshop is designed for dancers of all levels, including those with little or no previous dance experience. The event will also feature refreshments and crafts.
Shari has taught throughout the tri-state area at dance studios, schools and community organizations, including Broadway Dance Center in New York City. As a choreographer, she has created work for music videos, live performances, festivals, showcases and independent artists.
Her passion for teaching extends beyond choreography. Shari is dedicated to helping dancers move from self-doubt to self-expression by creating an environment where movement feels accessible, empowering and joyful. She encourages students to build confidence, develop their artistry and connect with others through dance.
“Dance is more than learning steps,” Shari says. “It is about finding your voice, building confidence and connecting with others through movement.”
Through Why We Dance, Waller aims to make dance and wellness accessible to the community while creating opportunities for people to connect through the arts. The August 30 workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to experience AfroBeats dance in a welcoming, supportive environment while learning about the physical, social and creative benefits of movement.
The event is part of Waller’s broader commitment to using the arts to encourage healthy lifestyles, wellness and community engagement.
Event Details
What: Why We Dance — Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop When: Sunday, August 30, at 3 p.m. Where: Forest Road Park Building, 154 Forest Road, Fanwood, N.J. Admission: Free Who: Open to all dance levels Featuring: AfroBeats dance, refreshments and crafts Organizer: Candace Waller Email: <a href="mailto:whywedance@gmail.com">whywedance@gmail.com</a>
This arts program is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Local Event: Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop to Fanwood on August 30

Fanwood

Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance...

FANWOOD, N.J. — Why We Dance, a community initiative organized by Candace Waller, will host a free, open-level AfroBeats dance...

Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop to Fanwood on August 30

Galeria The Art Venue & Framing Galeria West

The popular LATIN JAZZ @ GALERIA concert series returns with an evening featuring the accomplished BARBARA MARTINEZ &amp; ALBA MUSIK music &amp; dance group on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 7:30pm at the intimate GALERIA, located at 111 Quimby Street in downtown Westfield, NJ. 
Enjoy a special evening of flamenco music &amp; dance in fusion with a rich variety of musical influences like pop, jazz, funk, Latin and world music. The dynamic duo behind the compositions is powerhouse vocalist Bárbara Martínez and virtuosic guitarist Albert Alabedra from Barcelona, Spain. Both of their studio albums, “Dawn” and “Alma”, have made it to the first round for GRAMMY nominations. They are joined in concert by acclaimed vocalist, flamenco dancer and percussionist Olyda Ola and talented bassist and percussionist Sean Kupiz.
Bárbara comes from a lineage of celebrated Argentinian tango singer/actresses <a href="https://www.facebook.com/morenitareyoficial/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Morenita Rey</a> (her grandmother) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertad_Lamarque" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Libertad Lamarque</a> (her grand-aunt.) Her father, Rafael Martínez, was a celebrated Venezuelan sculptor who played a role in the kinetic art movement from Latin America. Bárbara has worked as an actor, dancer and choreographer in multimedia musical plays written and directed by her mother, playwright and art-historian, Amelia Arenas.
A native of Barcelona, Spain, Albert has self-taught guitar since the age of 14. Albert was exposed to flamenco at an early age, with a mother from Córdoba and grandparents from Sevilla, the southern Spanish province of Andalucía where flamenco originated. In addition to the traditional flamenco, popular throughout Spain, Albert grew up with the global characteristic influences of cosmopolitan Barcelona.
Refreshments will be available for your enjoyment. Also enjoy the current fine art exhibitions at the unique GALERIA The Art Venue gallery, including fine art creations by several international and local artists. We recommend enjoying a fine meal or dessert at one of various fine restaurants in downtown Westfield before or after the show. 
Tickets are priced at $40. Purchase advance tickets online at: 
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-martinez-alba-musik-flamenco-fusion-at-latin-jazz-galeria-tickets-1995547133194?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barbara-martinez-alba-musik-flamenco-fusion-at-latin-jazz-galeria-tickets-1995547133194?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>
Reservations are also available by calling the TEATRO Sí box office at 908-301-9496. 
For additional information visit us at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teatrosinj" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/teatrosinj</a>
Event proceeds benefit programming at TEATRO Sí, a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization.

Local Event: Latin Jazz @ Galeria concert series: The ALBA MUSIK group - Flamenco/Jazz, Pop music & dance fusion!

Latin Jazz @ Galeria concert series: The ALBA...

The popular LATIN JAZZ @ GALERIA concert series returns with an evening featuring the accomplished BARBARA MARTINEZ & ALBA...

Latin Jazz @ Galeria concert series: The ALBA MUSIK group - Flamenco/Jazz, Pop music & dance fusion!

Historic Cranford Theater

Experience a powerful coming-of-age story set in history's darkest hour with this film by John Rokosny. Brought to you by the Emmy Award winning team behind "They Survived Together," this special screening is presented by Their Stories Foundation in association with the JCC of Central New Jersey, Congregation Beth Israel, and Temple Emanu-El of Westfield. Tickets are available for purchase via Eventbrite.

Local Event: The Kid Officer

The Kid Officer

Experience a powerful coming-of-age story set in history's darkest hour with this film by John Rokosny. Brought to you by the...

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Why We Dance Brings Free AfroBeats Dance Workshop to Fanwood on August 30

Latin Jazz @ Galeria concert series: The ALBA MUSIK group - Flamenco/Jazz, Pop music & dance fusion!

The Kid Officer