The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) is about community. It’s a space that opens its doors to the varied and diverse residents of South Miami-Dade and beyond. It’s also where art, culture and even self-defense converge to strengthen and enrich the community.

Step Afrika.

This Saturday SMDCAC will celebrate the close of Women’s History month with a special self-defense class with Sensi Cyndi Rogg. Rogg is a well-known expert who owns and instructs at the National Karate Fitness Academy. The cost is $13 and welcomes women as young as 13 years old.

After self-defense class, get ready for an exhilarating week with Step Afrika!, a modern dance company that uses the body, like karate, as an instrument of peace and personal expression. Step Afrika! uses kicks, stops, hip hop, chants and claps to create a high-energy supersonic performances that mesmerizes the eyes and dazzles the ears. Step Afrika! defies simple classification.

Before Step Afrika! takes the stage next weekend, they’ll offer free dance classes for youths and adults starting at age 11 and up. The class takes place Friday, April 5th at 5 p.m. Space is limited, so call today to reserve. And, if you can’t make it to the free class, make sure to see Step Afrika perform next Saturday, April 6th at 8 p.m. at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.

For information about the self-defense class, contact 786-573-5300 or visit smdcac.org; cost $10. For information about Step Afrika’s free dance class, contact Carla Hill at 786-573-5319 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets for Step Afrika’s performance on Saturday, April 6th, visit cultureshockmiami.com. Cost: $15-$10 ($5 for ages 13-22).