GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — In the heat of the evening sun, a few dozen people gathered Wednesday night at 555 Monroe Avenue NW to enjoy a free fitness class and a taste of culture at the same time. Seben Dance was there, teaching people Afro Dance as part of the Grand Rapids Free Outdoor Fitness Series, which returned this week.
"Seben Dance is a group of people. We're from all over Africa. We come together and we teach African dance. Sometimes we go perform different events and we really want to share our joy that we find in African dance with the community in Grand Rapids," said co-founder Rebecca Mudiayi, who added that sharing her culture with other people makes her happy.
"I'm from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I've been dancing since I was young, and when I came here in 2011, I really didn't see what I was looking for, you know, the African dance. Then I was like why don't we start one where we can bring everybody together to just share the joy that I've personally found in African dance."
Mudiayi's co-founder, Jordan Masala, is also Congolese. He says that togetherness is one of the best parts of sharing his culture with people.
"Dance brings all the community together. It brings all the fun. It brings friendship. You bring community together. That's probably the best part of it. You get to know different people that you've never met," he said.
"Come join us if you have time. These are great opportunities. You're not paying anything. Enjoy with us. Come and bring your vibe and connect with other people."
Seben Dance will be at 555 Monroe Avenue NW every Wednesday through August 21. The class runs from 7 to 7:45 p.m. You can find a full list of free outdoor fitness opportunities available this summer on the city's website.
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