Celebrating May Day and advancing year-round a culture of solidarity at the intersection of labour and art in Mi’kma’ki.
Description
Presented in partnership with Kinetic Studios
Thursday, May 4th @ 6:30pm
Location: House of Eights Dance Studio - Studio 1 (5562 Sackville St, Suite 305)
Duration: 1 hour
Registration: PWYC / By donation
During the workshop, participants of all genders will discover a festive dance traditional to Guinea and typical of Mandingo culture called Doundounba , or the “Dance of the Strong Men.”
Doundounba is a symbolic battle between different Baratis, who assumes responsibility for all ritual events. In Doundounba ceremonies, contenders display their strength and skills to the public to secure their place in society.
Doundounba is a gruelling dance, but with over 30 different rhythmic variations, everyone can dance to its beat! The doundoun is a typical traditional drum of the Mandingo Empire.
Accompanied by the djembe, the doundoun has a deep and low sound. It is the heart of African dance and provides the foundational beat in many different rhythms. In these dances, performers internalize the doundoun's rhythm to stay on beat.
African dance workshop
Participants will be led to discover the “dance of strong men”, the Doundounba , a traditional festive dance from Guinea, typical of Mandinka culture.
The doundounba is a symbolic fight between different "Baratis", responsible for all ritual events. Candidates for this rank show their strength and abilities to the public to secure a place in society.
The doundounba is a challenging dance, but there is nothing to worry about as there are around 30 rhythmic variations in this dance, so women, elders and children can dance to its notes too!
The doundoun is part of a set of traditional drums, typical of the Mandingo Empire. Accompanied by the djembe, the doundoun has a serious and deep sound. It is the heart of African dance and serves as the basis for many rhythms. In African dance, the dancer internalizes the rhythm of the doundoun which is for him a point of reference to stay in rhythm and respect time.
Date & Time
Thu., May 4, 2023 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.