Dance classes offered for "All Levels" means that the instructor can show movements that engage the beginning students while also working with intermediate and advanced dancers. To participate in any of the dance class offerings, you must be in good physical condition.
(Intensive) Tsaba Dance
#2 Fri. 11:15–1:00 AND
#8 Sat. 4:00–5:30 AND
#9 Sun. 9:00–11:00
#8 Sat. 4:00–5:30 AND
#9 Sun. 9:00–11:00
Students will first learn basic Tsaba dance steps and drumming with the song Toda Kuenda. More advanced Tsaba dance steps, drumming, and song will be learned in the second session. Participants will be more comfortable fitting together the singing, dancing, and drumming by the end of the third session.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
(Intensive) Somnyama Dance
#1 Fri. 9:00–11:00 AND
#6 Sat. 11:15–1:00 AND
#11 Sun. 4:00–6:00
#6 Sat. 11:15–1:00 AND
#11 Sun. 4:00–6:00
WORKSHOP CANCELLED (August 12)
Somnyama Dance
#6 Sat. 11:15–1:00
Students will first learn the song's basic dance steps with singing of the drum sound.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
WORKSHOP ADDED (August 12)
Mbira Dance: Chidzimba
#3 Fri. 2:00–3:45
Ambuya Stella learned Chidzimba dance at ceremonies when she was seven years old. Chidzimba is a family of music and dance especially for hunters, which she has found is mostly played in Mashonaland Central. Chidzimba music is accompanied by two people playing one small and one large drum. Ambuya will teach the song and dance to Mutonga from her CD.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Gumboot Dance
#5 Sat. 9:00–11:00
Lucky will introduce the gumboot dance of South African miners and teach various gumboot rhythms and improvisation. He will talk about the dance construction as well as its cultural and political origins, social context, current development, and the future of the dance.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Bring knee pads and wear comfortable clothes.
Gumboot Dance
#10 Sun. 11:15–1:00
Lucky will introduce the gumboot dance of South African miners and teach various gumboot rhythms and improvisation. He will talk about the dance construction as well as its cultural and political origins, social context, current development, and the future of the dance.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Bring knee pads and wear comfortable clothes.
Cathamela Dance
#1 Fri. 9:00–11:00
This is a dance with Zulu roots which originated in the Matabeleland Province of Zimbabwe.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Isitshikitsha Dance
#4 Fri. 4:00–6:00
This is a traditional Ndebele dance. John's performing group, Bongo Love, sometimes uses these movements during a performance.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Township Jive Dance
#6 Sat. 11:15–1:00
Also known as Mbaqanga, this is a traditional dance with Zulu roots that continues to influence musicians worldwide. Students will learn the dance and understand how it fits with drumming and music.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Beginning Dance: Chokoto
#7 Sat. 2:00–3:45
Chokoto is a fun and easy courtship dance that has great clapping rhythms and polyrhythms. This dance is fun to do in pairs. Students will also learn a basic drumming pattern and hosho.
Level: Beginning
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a drum and/or hosho if you can.
Beginning Mbira Dance
#11 Sun. 4:00–6:00
Students will learn basic mbira dance steps. Depending on the ability of the class, more advanced moves may be added.
Level: Beginning
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Intermediate Gumboot Dance
#8 Sat. 4:00–5:30
This Gumboot dance originated in the coal and gold mines of Matabeleland. It's a full-on workout! Participants will learn several gumboot rhythms and fit them together in an arrangement.
Level: Intermediate
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
Intermediate Mhande Dance
#9 Sun. 9:00–11:00
The Mhande dance is a traditional spiritual dance which originated in the Manicaland Province. Students will learn a series of parts and understand how they fit together with the Mhande rhythm.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes.
LEVEL CHANGED (August 12)
Mbakumba Dance
#3 Fri. 2:00–3:45
Mbakumba is a traditional harvest dance from Masvingo. When there is a good harvest, people dance Mbakumba to celebrate.
Level: Intermediate
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear loose clothing.
WORKSHOP ADDED (August 12)
Chinyambera Dance
#2 Fri. 11:15–12:45
A dance for hunters, including people who are seeking after their goals in life.
Level: All
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear loose-fitting clothing comfortable for a dance class
WORKSHOP ADDED (August 12)
Related Workshops
Children's Classes
(Intensive) Children and Teachers - Teaching Dance and Singing Games to Children
#5 Sat. 9:00–11:00 AND
#10 Sun. 11:15–1:00
#10 Sun. 11:15–1:00
This workshop is recommended for children, teachers, parents, and others who would like to learn some games with movements and songs that they can teach. Class will move according to the pace of the teacher's abilities and everyone will have a chance to lead the game by the end of the workshop.
Level: Children and Teachers
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Wear comfortable clothes and bring something to write on.
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