Testimonials

"I just wanted to personally thank you for the amazing experience I have had in your classes. Perhaps a hand-written poem or song would do you more justice, but nonetheless: Your warmth and infectious joy have made such a difference in my life since I discovered One World Dance, and I have enjoyed every second. THANK YOU so much for EVERYTHING - encouragement, wisdom, funny stories, and the like - and I can only imagine the magic you bring Guinea. Dancing with you has been a rejuvenating and refreshing treat!"

Renee Lynch

"Eastern Oregon University brought One World Dance & Drum to our campus as Artists in Residence. Once again they delivered! Our drumming group is inspired like never before. There are even rumors of a dance group starting up. I would strongly encourage anyone even remotely interested in music and dance to attend one of these workshops or performances."
 

Luke McKern, Eastern Oregon University Staff Member

"In the Spring of 2009 I was fortunate enough to attend a Drum and Dance Weekend Retreat hosted by One World Dance & Drum. I have attended drumming workshops in the past and let me tell you this was a different experience all together. This organization knows how to create a fun and inspiring environment. Everything from the music and dance to the food was exceptional."
 

Luke McKern

"Sarah Lee has an amazing ability to meld detailed, culturally specific instruction in traditional dance styles together with detailed knowledge of exercise and body mechanics and blend it all together in a very fun, personable, enjoyable atmosphere. Her classes are both delightful and deep. A very enthusiastic ambassador for the music and culture of Guinea."
 

Lance Scott

"The highlight of my husband’s 60th birthday party was an African drumming and dancing extravaganza! One World Dance & Drum arrived early to set the stage - sound system, instrument placement, and a space for dancing. They returned at our designated time and, within minutes, the party-goers were on their feet! It’s impossible to hear these joyous sounds without moving! Sarah Lee provided a brief introduction to the music and culture, followed by a lesson to bring us on board. As a trained dance instructor, we all found her simple explanations easy to follow. Her infectious smile and exuberant energy make everyone feel like a success. Like she says, as long as you’re smiling, you’re doing the moves right! They were a joy to work with in every respect. They are timely, professional, flexible, and full of love. They invited my husband - the Birthday Boy - up front for some fun special moments, and even let our whole family play with their spectacular instruments a bit. They truly made the party!”
 

Melanie Wroe

"I have invited Sarah Lee to teach master classes at the UW on several occasions because our students are always inspired by her passion and impressed by her knowledge. She integrates education about the culture and music of Guinea into a joyful, yet demanding physical practice. Sarah Lee’s ability to break down complex movement so that it is easily accessible makes it a stunning execution of Guinean dance."
 

Juliet McMains, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Washington Dance Program

"I thought it was really powerful how the drums and the dance were so intertwined - the dance was all about embodying the music as opposed to being just paired with the music, which I really loved. And the fact that it was only drums made the dance really powerful for me as well - you could really feel the beat throughout your entire body and by the end of the class I felt like I was part of the drums!”
 

UW student

"Sarah Lee had such a radiant glow of joy about her that I feel that everyone in the room was having so much fun. Her joy and passion for her dancing was and is an inspiration for me to find joy in my own dancing.”
 

UW student

"I couldn't keep a smile off of my face. The movements were so big and powerful and the rhythm of the drums was so intoxicating that it swept me up. I constantly had a smile on my face. I also liked how this energy supplied by the movement and the drums was contagious! Everyone looked like they were having a blast and drew upon each other's energy to intensify the movement.”
 

UW student

"I have to agree that Wednesday was by far the highest energy dancing that I have ever participated in. I haven't smiled and laughed as I sweated so much as I did during the class. I thought it was very interesting how Sarah Lee got really into her movements as she was showing us the movements of her hips, arms, and legs. For when she finally showed us all of the different rhythms of each body part together she looked like a ball of energy dancing to the beat of Karim's drumming.”
 

UW student

"I think that Wednesday was the most fun that I have ever had in a dance class, although I don't believe I have ever worked out so hard. I felt so inspired by every part of it. I've been a ballerina all my life, but Wednesday was the first time that I really felt like I was dancing simply for the joy of moving my body and not to fulfill a specific technique. I was so inspired by the fact that she told us that dance should make us smile because I realized that's what I was doing. I usually concentrate so hard that I forget that I'm enjoying myself, but I found myself smiling the entire time simply because I was enjoying the movement and not because I was worried about the steps or how I looked doing them.”
 

UW student

"Sarah Lee is a clear energetic passionate teacher. She is committed in every way to African dance and music. She has amazing integrity and is always upbeat and positive as a person. A delightful person to have in your life!!"
 

Jan Kintner

"Sarah Lee is an incredible teacher. I have begun to learn about the great tradition of West African Music and dance in a context that includes the interpretive skills and artistry of someone who has found a way to present West African culture to Americans in a meaningful and respectful format."
 

Gregory Pontecorvo

"Sarah Lee is an energetic, fun, skilled teacher, dancer, and fitness specialist. She cracks me up and helps everyone feel welcome. I love her warm-ups that address the whole body. Sarah Lee does an excellent job of making these African dances accessible to a broad range of people. I have been going to her classes for years and love the music and dance of Guinea. These classes are more than just classes, they are a community of dancers and drummers who get together to learn and have fun. Its great exercise, too!"
 

Marissa Baratian

"I used muscles that I hadn't before and I like that! I felt great after class and really in touch with my body. It was a fabulous experience for me and I will be back next week for sure! The live drumming has such a huge impact. Plus nice, laid-back people with no pressure to look or be anything."
 

Amy

"My journey to the land of Guinea with One World Dance & Drum was truly life altering. I am not the same person I was before this experience and there's not a day goes by that I don't think of it. The people of Guinea are like no other. Strong, gentle, joyful, inclusive, spirited, a lightness of being - all in spite of crushing poverty and a lack of infrastructure to meet the most basic needs we tend to take for granted. Music and song are tightly woven into the fabric of everyday life in Guinea, a music that grabs your soul and holds you up in good times and bad. I am forever grateful to One World Dance & Drum for opening my world to Guinea, for being incredibly mindful hosts and for taking care of us like family. And they work tirelessly to spread their love for this culture by keeping us connected to it here in our US community - through dance classes, workshops, communications and friendly Guinean gatherings throughout the year. Thank you One World Dance & Drum!" (December 2008 Guinea Trip)
 

Ilona Berzups