Afro Hop embraces the current and contemporary forms of Africa. Participants will work with current musical genres and study the unique forms being created due to the influx of technology in Africa. A solid base of West African styling coupled with global Hip Hop genres keeps this energetic class moving.
Rosie Banchero is the Artistic Director, founder and force behind Wofa Afro Fusion Dance Company, an African Dance & Drum group that has shared its unique brand of performance art in venues across Utah since 2014. The company has quickly gained a name for itself based, in part, on Rosie’s dynamic leadership and dedication to African Dance. She’s visited Africa five times now to study her craft and continues to educate herself with current dance styles. Rosie also is a highly sought-after choreographer and dance instructor who has choreographed pieces and taught classes and workshops for Repertory Dance Theater, Ririe–Woodbury Dance Company, Ballet West, and numerous high schools and community organizations. Her classes have been described as “energetic,” and “life changing.” Rosie is an adjunct professor at the University of Utah, Utah Valley University and Salt Lake Community College. Rosie graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and is trained in jazz, modern, hip hop and African dance. She also was a Utah Jazz Dancer from 1992-1994. Her latest endeavors include Soom Soom Design, a clothing line inspired by African culture. As president of the Lahydi Collective, an African cultural exchange program, she is dedicated to supporting the artistry of Africa. Rosie is a born teacher. Whether it’s guiding a group of dancers across the floor or teaching her son, Griffin, how to tend a garden to produce copious vegetables – Rosie coaxes the best performances.
