When we dance the Earth trembles. When our steps fall on the Earth we feel the shudder of life beneath us, and the Earth feels the beating of our hearts, and we become one with the Earth. We shall not sever ourselves from the Earth. We must chant our being, and we must dance in time with the rhythms of the Earth. We must keep the Earth."
~ N. Scott Mamaday
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Odai Affotey is a cultural custodian of Southern Ghanaian dance and music traditions. This two-hour traditional dance class at the Revillaging Project is all-inclusive, and is supported by a live drum ensemble featuring African and non-African Melbourne drummers.
African dance is very uplifting and strengthening, and provides a wonderful opportunity to create and move with others and meet new like-minded folks. It is a joyful way towards all-round wellness and really enhances your sensitivity to music!
Everybody is welcome regardless of your previous experience with movement practices or level of fitness.
Kids are welcome in the space to watch and play, and older kids are welcome to join the class for as long as they wish :)
Check out this video to get a feel for Odai's energy and teaching style!
ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR
Odai Affotey is a traditional custodian of Southern Ghanaian drum and dance knowledge. Growing up in the coastal village of Nungua, Ghana, Odai spent his youth imitating the movement and rhythm of his ancestral legacy. At the age of seven, he was an integral part of the Suadey Cultural Group which later evolved into the Nokoyejen Cultural Group. In his youth, he held directorial and choreographic roles within the Edinkra ensemble and later went on to dance as part of the internationally acclaimed Kusun ensemble, which toured West Africa and parts of the Northern United States. Later in life he held performance and teaching responsibilities with the Salaka Ensemble led by Sydney-based Tuza Afutu, which toured prolifically around Australia as a cultural exchange troupe. Odai first settled into Australia in 2011, when he established his company African Oz Drum ’n’ Dance and is now sharing his skill, knowledge and Ga culture with Australian communities from his base in Melbourne.
