FOTSO TO TEACH AFRICAN DANCE MASTER CLASS

Jimmy Titus Fotso -- a high-energy dancer and choreographer who blends his mastery of African dance with his skills as a gymnast and martial arts expert -- will teach an African dance master class Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Santa Monica College.

The master class -- free and open to the public -- will be at 11 a.m. in Room 102 of the SMC Gym, 1900 Pico Blvd. The class is sponsored by the SMC Associates, a private nonprofit organization that funds speakers and special programs on campus.

Choreographer and lead dancer of the Cameroon National Dance Company, Fotso specializes in African traditional dance, ballet, and jazz and modern dance. He also uses his martial arts and gymnast background in his dance and his teaching.

In addition, Fotso has choreographed for stage, film, television and commercials, and has acted in such feature films as Steven Spielberg's "Amistad," scheduled to be released in December.

He began studying traditional dance at the age of 8 in his native Cameroon, and by 16 was invited to become a member of the Cameroonian Ballet. He has toured throughout Africa, Europe, Canada and the U.S.

While in Cameroon he developed his brand of aerobics called "afrocentric" workout and was a member of the National Judo Team of Cameroon, holding a black belt. He also sings and composes and has created his own "Sangalo Music" sound.

Fotso currently teaches West and Central African dance at Lula Washington's Dance Studio, Watts Tower Arts Center in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

For information, call (310) 434-4000, ext. 4590.

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