This Ailey Extension workshop will teach the significance of the doun doun drum in relation to the culture of West African music and dance. The doun doun drum in West African music is the foundation of the rhythm and the heart of the music. The sound and the rhythm of the doun doun drum is the foundation of most African drumming. The class will teach the students how to dance and play the doun doun drum simultaneously creating a powerful connection of West African movement and sound. This is a class where the student connects and communicates deeply with the drum expressing the heart of West African dance, movement, and rhythm.