Performing Diaspora 2011: Percussion and Dance Workshop Series

During the reading week of February 19th through 25th, 2011 at York University, the Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Global Migrations of African people celebrated its fourth Annual Performing Diaspora. This week-long Percussion and Dance intensive workshop brought a number of African-Diaspora Percussion/music and Dance instructors to share with students of York University, and Toronto schools, and members of the multicultural community, part of the artistic contributions of African peoples.

The celebration featured hand percussive drumming and dance from West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Workshop participants had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s renowned Master Drummers, Dancers, Griots and educators such as Mbemba Bangoura (Guinea), Amara Kante (Guinea), Amadou Kienou (Burkina Faso), Modesto Amegago (Ghana) and Gareth Burgess (Trinidad).

There was a “lunch-hour-Artist Talk” session, during which workshop leaders/artists and educators gave a talk on specific historical, cultural and music and dance traditions. Workshops participants had the opportunity to perform at the York Gate Mall near Jane and Finch area on the second to last day of the workshops (Feb. 24 2011) and during the Final performance on February 25th at 7:30 PM at York University, Winters Masters Dining Hall.

As Performing Diaspora moves into its 4th year of successful and exciting events, this year we have created a series of workshops that will allow for all who have an appreciation and love for the performing arts to participate in hands-on, high energy and interactive workshops that will take them on a journey through the African Diaspora. Previous experience is not necessary. All our educators are pleased to welcome you to learn about various musical traditions that will allow for your own discovery!

A story on Y-File has been published about Performing Diaspora 2011. To see it click here.
You can check out here our commercial featured in CHRY Community Radio, or see attached below.

Venue

The workshops will take place at the Music and Dance Studios in Accolade East Building, York University.
Directions: TBA.

Registration

To register for the workshops, please fill in the Registration Form here.

Schedule

For the workshop schedule, see attached below.

Prices

Full Package: $100,00 (includes all workshops)
Day Package: $40,00 (includes all sessions in one day)

Workshop Descriptions

Gareth Burgess – Steel Pan Study

Modesto Amegago – Kpanlogo and Dance Study
     – Ghanaian traditions

Mbemba Bangoura – Dundun Dance and Djembe (Traditional and Contemporary)
     – Susu and Malinke traditions

Amara Kante – Hamana Beredu – Dundunba Dance and Djembe

Amadou Kienou – Dundun and Djembe Study
     – Traditional Burkina Faso Rhythms

See the official poster attached.