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Halifax African Troup in DC for Obama Inauguration

My last Saturday in Halifax this summer, I was delighted to meet Zimbabwean, Mufaru Chakabuda, who had organized a day of African dance - I love dance.

Mufaru recently emailed very exciting news!!!

Her Maritime Centre for African Dance Adult Troupe is the only Canadian dance troupe invited to perform at the African Inaugural Ball for President Elect Barack Obama, at the Washington DC, Hilton Hotel. That's very soon!

Congratulations Mufaro!

(Mufaro with some tiny students in Nova Scotia)

The dancers will be Vida, Dally, Ruvimbo and Mufaro accompanied by drummers, Glenn Fraser, Wayne Hamilton and Jeff.

Executives from the Council on African Canadian Education and the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs will be speaking about the history of African Nova Scotians. Thanks to NS Tourism and Culture, Lynn Jones, Wayne Hamilton, Delvina Bernard, YMCA and Halifax Dance. We are excited for this opportunity and know that without your valued support, this would not be possible.

The troup, performing January 18 2009, is in need of donation for travel. Contact Mufaru at afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca

UP-COMING HALIFAX MCAD EVENTS

AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOPS/PERFORMANCE

Performances/Workshops are available for booking for gatherings, birthday parties, (of all ages), and corporate events and more. Performances include live drumming, and are dynamic, engaging and educational! This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more cultural elements about Africa from dancers raised and born in Africa

AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH PERFORMANCES (FEBRUARY-MARCH)

Available for booking now, with discounts. Ideal for organzations and schools looking to enhance cultural awareness. Bookings go on through March. Large discounts are available. For any other information, email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca

AFRICAN RHYTHMN AND DANCE NIGHT - FEBRUARY 15

The African Rhythm and Dance Night, hosted by MCAD, will be held on Sunday, February 15 from 6/30pm onwards. Bring the friends, family for a treat. Enjoy traditional and modern African Dance by MCAD Dance Troupes, children, youth and Instructors! Also included are light African Snacks, including mandaza ( Uganda ), Muriwo nedovi (vegetables with peanut sauce), Samoosa, ( Uganda Style), Plantain with Cassava Leaf. Tickets are $15 and $10 for children. Location TBA

AFRO DANCE WORKSHOP - FEBRUARY 28

This is a day workshop being held in Halifax . Location TBA. Day will feature Gambian Dance, kwaito, Ghanaian Dance, Djembe and more! Workshop will run from 10am to 2pm with breaks. To register or for more details, email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN AFRICAN DANCE????

February 6-February 8

Weekend Workshop at the Tatamagouche Centre. For Youth with an interest in learning various African Dance Forms. February 6 to February 8. For more details contact the Tatamagouche Centre.

AFRO DANCE DVD PACKAGE

The Afro Dance DVD package is available for purchase, and includes literary material. The DVD is for anyone with or without dance experience as it is a GENERAL introduction at a very basic level. To order your copy email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267.

AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOPS/PERFORMANCE

AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES

African Dance Classes of all levels and ages will begin in the week of January 23^rd. Locations will be announced at a later dated. Classes will remain held on the same dates:

Mom and Baby Classes - every Sunday from 3-4pm

Adult Classes - Tuesday 8-9pm, Wednesdays 6-7pm, Fridays 6-7pm

Children's Classes - Saturday 4-5pm

Couples Classes - TBA

Indian Dance Classes - Wednesday 7-8pm

Chinese Dance Classes (Peackocke Dance) - TBA

Posted by Deborah Pearce on 01/14/2009 01:11 AM

Comments (14)

African Dance in the Regional (Localism) Channel

halifax african troup in dc for obama inauguration, mcad, maritime center for african dance, mufaro chakabuda, washington

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14 Comments on Halifax African Troup in DC for Obama Inauguration

JAN

Deborah, Thanks for sharing this great story! How exciting for these dancers, they must be thrilled. What an honor. My daughter is attending the inaugaration with a group from her college. I am so happy she can experience this historical event.

Deborah, I certainly can't do it but I do love to watch African dance....I hope to be able to watch at least part of the inauguration but I sure do hope to catch this!

JAN

Deborah - There is something about African drumming, song and dance that just grabs hold and does not let go.

Deborah, isn't that wonderful? I think it's important for kids to connect with their heritage and I'm sure these little folks enjoyed the class. We've been told Route 29 North is not the place to be next weekend, so many attending the inauguration it will be a busy road!

JAN

Deborah- Wow....how exciting. I just love to hear neat stories like this, and those little dancers are adorable :)

JAN

Deborah, I missed this one before, but very timely. Quite an honor for them. A high school band from SC was invited also, and had to raise money to go to the inauguration and we followed their quest to appear. Hope your 'crew' had a safe and successful trip.

Great Post..by now I'm sure they'll have a great story or two to tell about their trip to Washington.

So you think you can Dance African..Great title for a Song ?? Maybe

Thanks for sharing the Great Photo we'll all be looking for a followup

Cheers

FEB

Always great to hear from you Rhonda - And what a momentous occasion for your daughter at such a historical event!

Hi Carole - there was so much televised - and more that wasn't - I hoped to catch something of this performance, but didn't see anything on the African Inauguration Ball.

I am with you on that Kathy! I love African beat, rythm, dance - and Mufaro has it all going on!

Carpe Diem Debbie! I am certain traffic would have been choked around DC in every direction for this momentous presidential celebration - it would seem however, one that drivers would be more gracious about.

Hi Kathy - those darling wee ones are awesome, I agree - and I totally adored Mufaro Chakabuda's creativity, talent and intelligence when I met her!

Thanks for visiting Charlie! Absolutely an honor for The Maritime Center for African Dance and especially Mufaro's work in Nova Scotia.

Interesting thought Fred! '...So you think you can Dance African' - I tried - the Gamian style was very vigorous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! almost did me in - and that was only the first hour of the day !

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