At a bira ceremony in Zimbabwe, everyone sings and dances; no particular talent is expected. Learn some mbira dance from Jenny and then try it out at the afternoon and evening concerts!

Dinhe is a harvest dance to celebrate a good year of harvest. It is to give thanks to our ancestors, spirits, and community for being strong and having a successful harvest. It is also a time for those who have a lot to share with those who do not have as much. It is a dance to give thanks to the earth. Julia will start by teaching the song “Chigutiro” (I’ve eaten so much I can’t even say how full I am!), followed by the dance. Drummers who are familiar with Kore Kore Dinhe rhythm are welcome.

Jiti is an all-night celebration with singing, hosho, dance, and drums. Peacheson and Tonderai will teach some Jiti singing and dancing, giving students a feeling of the party atmosphere in the villages of Zimbabwe.

Gumboot dancing originated in the mine compounds of apartheid South Africa where workers made music with the only things available to them: their voices, hands, and rubber boots. This dynamic and powerful dance style consists of rhythmic slaps, claps, stomping, and singing. Students will learn a dance called JM, short for Johannesburg Municipality.

Mbira dance is a dance to welcome people and all that is behind them, such as their ancestors and spirits. It is also to ask our ancestors and spirits to be present with us and ask them for guidance, healing, and all other things that we need. Students will begin by learning the song “Mauya mauya” (Welcome, welcome!), then will move on to the dance. If any mbira players would like to play for the class, they are welcome!

Zimbabwe is blessed with diverse tribal and cultural groups. Loveness will teach some Sotho songs and dance movements to broaden your horizon of the Zimbabwean cultural arts landscape. Although the Sotho people are more prevalent in South Africa and Lesotho, their music and culture stretches as far north as Zimbabwe and, though similar to Ndebele repertoire, it does have significant differences.

This dance is rooted in Zulu rhythms and is both powerful and fun to learn. Students will gain an understanding of how to fit the dance with the music being played as well as which rhythms the dance works best with.

Tonderai brings the music of Mawungira Enharira to life with his dancing, clapping, and hosho. He will focus on some of the dances he does, showing students how they can groove to mbira music.

Muchongoyo is a warrior dance. It is not just a dance for war but is also for seeking guidance from our ancestors and spirits to protect family and community and to fight against hunger and disease. Julia will start with a chant “Muridzo” (I/We see you) and follow with the dance.

Loveness will share the music and dance of the Venda people, a smaller tribal group from Zimbabwe. Their music is richly textured and their dances are highly energetic. Come expand your understanding of Zimbabwean music!

This is the Zimbabwean party dance! It is fast-paced and very fun. Students will learn how to fit it into a performance or party around the campfire.

Tonderai will teach some basic dance movements that can be done while playing hosho. The workshop will focus on the dances as well as some hosho variations that go with them.

This is a traditional dance for hunters but also includes people who are seeking after their goals in life.

Learn steps from this rhythmic harvest dance from Zimbabwe.

This is a fun courtship dance from Zimbabwe.