About

ALL NOW! Performance & Outreach

A Drum and Dance, Rhythm and Movement Education, group inspired by the richness of uplifting cultural folklore and other ritualistic forms.  Definitely inspired by Brazilian and African traditions, but ALL NOW! is the most passionate about the Trinidadian folklore.  Trinidad and Tobago's unmatched celebration of community, birthed from the merging of African, South American, and mixed cultures, has been inspiring joy for life throughout the ages.

All Now invites you to experience the role of dance and music in celebrations and community bonding first hand.

The name “All Now” represents our current time. A time when we are all being called to be here now, present, fully present, with all we are, focused on this moment, this time, and the collective oneness we all share.  It’s all now.

In performance:  Audiences find the riveting rhythms, passionate movements, and bright costumes irresistible. Unique compared to other forms, the performer’s focus is dedicated to the characters being portrayed. The developed relationship to the energy link between the drummers and dancers fueling one another can be felt watching All Now in action.

In the classroom:  The benefit of using movement and rhythm in educational settings is obvious to the witness.  People strive for fitness when inspired and enjoying themselves.  Rhythmic movement inspires coordination and stimulates cognitive development.  Rhythm expands mathematical understanding and other brain development.  Research also shows that youth who experience dance form a healthy relationship to their bodies and a respect for others.  They are more likely to avoid dangerous, unhealthy activities such as poor diet choices, smoking, drinking, drug use, falling into depression or participating in gang activity. 

The director of All Now, Shereen Manalani...

after training in many dance forms fell in love with Trinidad's Folklore.  Her passion for this style lead to 14 years of study under internationally known dance master, Wilfred Mark.  During this time she has performed with many local groups including All Ah We and Dance Kaiso.  Her expertise has been called upon for instruction, choreography, training, and encouraging dancers in preparation for performances by local dance companies and colleges.  She has taught at West Valley College, San Jose State, Mission Cultural Center and has been a guest instructor at Alice Arts Center and Santa Clara University. 

She has an extensive educational background and has held numerous positions ranging from Teacher's Assistant through Administrative Program Director at various educational programs and schools.  Directly trained under the late John V. Henry, she has presented Arts in Education workshops to teachers and artists.  She offers workshops to educators on topics such as Classroom Management, Design, Anti-Biased and Emergent curriculum, and has brought fitness, cultural, and educational arts programs to dozens of schools throughout the San Francisco Bay area.

For more information, visit www.flowingclassroom.com