Concentrating on their reflections, seven dancers moved across a room toward a mirror, swinging their hips, waving their arms and kicking their feet to the beat of a tribal drum.

An African dance class, sponsored by a local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, was held Friday at IM Sports-Circle to conclude a week of activities.

"Some dances are from the west and some specifically Ghana," said Ayana Gwin, dance instructor and member of the order. "Today is just a general workshop focusing on movements."

The Order of the Eastern Star is an organization made up of people from many different religions. Its members are dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

"The Order of the Eastern Star is the sisterhood of the Masons," dance instructor and member Chemarai Hasoerig said. "We are based on Bible principles which we attempt to model our lives after."

The class was part of O.E.S. Week, held Sept. 20-26, which included various seminars and activities with an emphasis on African culture.

"We have gone bowling and held a workshop on African American hair and skin care," Gwin said. "We had a panel discussion about who the Masons and the Eastern Stars are in society and on campus."

Gwin, who has been dancing for 21 years, said she is drawn to African dance because the beat of the drums moves her heart and spirit.

Gwin said African dance is her favorite of dances she has studied, including ballet, tap and jazz.

"One thing about African dance, in particular - the drum itself truly does speak to you," she said. "Once you can feel that drum, it almost takes over your heartbeat. Your movements are no longer yours."

Psychology senior Nicole Bascomb said she agreed with Gwin, saying the drums were what drew her to African dance.

"It is just an excitement you get from the drums," she said. "It makes you want to dance. The movements are beautiful, it makes your body look beautiful as well."

The dances Gwin has learned translate into her everyday life.

"We will be at a hip-hop club and find that we are doing the same movements we are doing in class," she said. "The thing about it is that most secular movement can be traced back to Africa."

In addition to the authentic dances, nearly every participant wore a traditional lapa, similar to a sarong, which was tied or wrapped at the waist.

"From what I was taught, you wore the lapa to cover you because most drummers are males so you don't want to flash yourself to everybody," Bascomb said.

Hasoerig said people who take part in African dance do it because they enjoy the cultural expression.

"Some people try to do African dance for money," she said. "But most of the time, most of the people you meet do it for the love of it."