Yayalode: Original Gumboot Dance & Song
Navaro Irene Franco
#2 Fri. 1:00-3:00
Yayalode is a melting-pot recipe from the influence of my own heritage (Filipino, Spanish, Dutch) and the tribal musics this inclines me towards. My exposure to Zimbabwean and West African dance and music gave spontaneous birth to this piece, which draws from traditional South African gumboot dance moves, Ghanaian social dance rhythms, and call-and-response singing with Shona vocables. We will dance, sing, clap, and vocalize percussion parts normally played by bells, sticks, and shakers. The goal is to have fun, embody rhythm, connect as a community, and get inspired about how traditional forms can spark one’s own creativity.
Level: All levels
Limit: 25
Materials: Bring gumboots (rubber boots) or runners. Audio/video taping OK.
Prerequisite: Rhythm and dance experience helpful.

Zulu War Dance: Indlamu
Lucky Moyo
#9 Sun. 4:30-6:30
We will learn basic moves of the Zulu war dance Indlamu. I will talk about its cultural and political origins, social context, and above all the relevance (if there is any) of the dance to today’s contemporary Ndebele culture.
Level: All levels
Limit: 40
Materials: Loose clothing. Audio/video taping OK.

Translating Walking Into Dancing
Lora Lue Chiorah-Dye
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30
African movement and technique using African steps to teach people to enjoy dancing.
Level: All levels
Limit: Unlimited
Materials: Open minds and comfortable dance clothes.

Kembendu on Marimba
Nabi Camara & Kite Giedraitis
#8 Sun. 12:30-2:30
Kembendu is a traditional Guinean (West African) balafon song, which Kite has arranged for full marimba ensemble. It is fairly easy to learn, but has some challenging variations. If time permits, we will cover the singing (in the Susu language) and the drumming.
Level: Intermediate
Limit: 12
Materials: Audio/video taping OK.

La Bamba on Marimba
Kite Giedraitis
#2 Fri. 1:00-3:00
#3 Fri. 3:30-5:30
Learn a two-part arrangement of “La Bamba” consisting of a folky Mexican intro with intricate interlocking melodies, then a driving version with a syncopated bass and a ripping lead.
Level: Intermediate
Limit: 12
Materials: Audio/video taping OK.

Introductory Nyanga (Ngororombe) Panpipe Music
Joel Laviolette
#8 Sun. 12:30-2:30
Learn the basics of playing nyanga panpipes in the style of the MaNyungwe people of Mozambique. There’s a lot of breathing involved, so take a break if you get tired or light-headed. This is the same class as last year, but feel free to come and learn more pipe parts and maybe some dancing!
Level: All levels
Limit: 50
Materials: Audio/video taping OK.
Prerequisite: Recommend taking the presentation on MaNyungwe Nyanga Music (see Cultural Presentations).

Traditional Guinean Balafon Duets
Nabi Camara
(assisted by Kite Giedraitis)
#9 Sun. 4:30-6:00
Nabi will share some extremely challenging material from his repertoire of traditional balafon music. (A balafon is similar to a soprano marimba.) The duets can easily be expanded to 3-4 players. Each piece consists of 1 or 2 basic patterns and a lead. The basic patterns require great independence of hands and usually span an octave. The leads are somewhat improvisational and employ dynamics and rapid runs. This workshop is for the marimba player (or even teacher) who is seeking the next step.
Level: Advanced
Limit: 10
Materials: Videotaping is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: Must learn quickly. Must know many leads.