People Speak

Bak and Siko are two rhythms that were taught to Sis Omelika by a Master Drummer, Ibrahima Camara, from Senegal, West Africa. During this piece GIWAYEN MATA and you speak words of wisdom, knowledge, and fun to this medley of rhythms.

Puttin' It All Together

Manjani (Mendiani) is a celebration and initiation

dance that has its origins with the Bamana (Bambara) people who live in West African countries including Mail and Senegal. It is similar to, Soli, known as a rhythm of rejoicing and welcoming that it danced by young girls ranging from 6-13 years old in northern Guinea. We do it in celebration and reminiscence of our youth; remembering the fun of games in the streets or at parks with handclapping, hopscotch, double dutch, and more with a little ATL remix fo' ya! Oh, to be young again!

Puttin’ It All Together

This piece is fun! It reminds us of the joyous moments of our youth- hand games, double dutch jump rope, hopscotch, hand and go seek, etc. All this is done to Mendiani, a celebration rhythm of the Bamana (Bambara) people who live in West African countries including Mali and Senegal. It is also known as a rhythm of rejoicing and welcome that is danced by young girls ranging from 6-13 years of age in northern Guinea. The combination of contemporary dancing

and games with African dances and rhythms helps viewers to see the continuity between African rhythms and cultures and those of the African Diaspora. This helps to create an even more tangible experience for people because familiarity can create oneness.

Lafet & Mendiani

Mendiani is a rite of passage dance and rhythm from the Malinke ethnic group. Young women are carried into the communities on the shoulders of males. When their feet touch the ground they become Mendiani and are ready to continue their preparation into womanhood.

Musical Arrangement- Weedie Braimah

Queen U’Nmi

Queen U’Nmi is a queen in the boardroom, in the classroom, in the office, selling incense, making, clothing, and nurturing her family. You know her? Don’t you? Queen U’Nmi (queen you and me) represents the queen we all are.

Ofele (an excerpt)

Ofele translates to mean “one who honors her parents”. In the Ivory Coast Ofelina are people who have lost one or more of their parents. When Jelalu Zauli was a little girl, her mother died. She continued to live with her father and stepmothers. Some time after her father’s death, her stepmothers, family, and community began to treat her poorly. She eventually left home. While on her journey, she experienced tremendous difficulties. She prayed and prayed for the Creator to make things better for her. During her sleep she would dream of becoming a great drummer and dancer with people cheering for her. She finally found Bantifila village, but initially the people there shunned her too. Eventually their harsh actions pierced their hearts, making them remorseful. Their remorse led them to find Jelalu and embrace her into their hearts and community. They helped Jelalu Zauli manifest her dreams. Choreographer: Djian Tie

Sayin’ It Loud!

In this dance we celebrate the legacy of pride ignited in us by our ancestor, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. This contemporary dance proudly shouts that there is nothing new under the sun. Dances of today are directly connected to those of yesterday and yesterday’s yesterday. We’ll invite you to join in this celebration of the continuum of movement as we demonstrate that Africa is where Africans are.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29