LEIMAY Ludus:  Roots and Rhythms is an open-level movement class that invites participants to explore South American, Caribbean, and international dance rhythms in a fun and welcoming environment. Designed to bring people together through movement and music, this class fosters joy, connection, and community engagement in public space. No prior dance experience is required—ALL bodies are welcome.

This initiative builds on LEIMAY’s history of public engagement through dance. Before the pandemic, our pop-up classes were a signature at our local block parties, creating an energetic and spontaneous celebration of movement. Last year, the class returned during the Berry St. Birthday celebration in partnership with North Brooklyn Open Streets and was met with great enthusiasm from neighbors of all ages, reaffirming the community’s excitement for dancing together outdoors. This year, we kicked off the season with a joyful Earth Day celebration that brought music and movement to Berry Street, drawing in passersby and families in the area. Through this class, we continue our commitment to offering accessible, community-centered events that activate public space and bring people together.

About the Facilitator
Mãr Galeano (Paraguay) is a visual and performance artist whose work blends photography, drag, dance, and theater to create visual koans. A LEIMAY Ensemble member since 2017, they have trained, performed, and toured internationally with the company. As the drag shapeshifter FreeDa Banana, Mãr brings vibrant and ocean-less glamazon energy to their artistic practice, using movement as a vessel for presence, generosity, and joy.

Special thanks to Open Streets for their support.

LEIMAY is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. And the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The New York Community Trust, and many generous contributions from individual donors.

LEIMAY’s works, community, and coalition programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department Of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; the NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre by the City of New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in association with The New York Foundation for the Arts. And by Creative Capital, the National Performance Network (NPN); and the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation.

In Person Event

Event Dates Range

May 31, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Event Dates

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    • May 31st, 12-1pm, PS 84 Block Party at Berry & South 1st in the middle
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    • June 21st, 12-1pm, Start of Summer at Berry & North 7th
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    • July 19th (TENTATIVE)
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    • August 16th (TENTATIVE)
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    • Duration:1 hour
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    • FREE
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    • Requirements: Willingness to expand and explore Mental and Physical limits.
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