AFRICAN DANCES

The magic and mystery of the African dance lies in the beauty of the costume, the sound of the drums, the vibrancy in which it is delivered and the story behind every dance.

Every movement of the body has a story to tell, a message from the people of where the dance is from. Every beat of the drum communicates to the listener, whether it is joy, laughter, sorrow or gratitude. Because in Africa there is a dance to mark every occasion: birth, initiation, weddings, planting and harvest, worship, and death. These are the very reasons that African dances are so rich in meaning, captivating and joyous to watch and always leave you wanting to learn more about Mother Africa.
It is with this deep understanding, passion and respect for Africa that we share these experiences and stories with you

AFRO BRAZILIAN

AFRO CARIBBEAN

The vibrant spirit and colourful heritage of the Caribbean people is embodied in their song and dance. Afro-Caribbean dance fuses its solid African roots with the diverse cultural influences of its European colonizers and settlers from across the globe. From Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, to Trinidad, Barbados and Dominica, the myriad of dances from the islands illustrate their fascinating history.

Each dance has a story that shapes its movements and ignites its expression. Powerful sentiments of the survival, strength, passion and liberation of the indigenous people during the slave era, resonate through both folkloric and modern dance. Ancestral homage, historic fables and time-honored rituals are all expressed through this art form. Contemporary Afro-Caribbean dance styles, such as Jamaica’s famous Dancehall, continue to preserve their soulful roots while personifying the dynamic, audacious and exuberant vibe of the Caribbean today. 

The essence of the Caribbean people is passion, freedom of expression and the celebration of life. Afro Caribbean dance shares the infectious energy, intoxicating rhythms and warmth of these sun drenched islands with the world.

AFRO CUBAN

AXE

BACHATTA

BELLY DANCE

Belly dancing, otherwise known as Oriental Dance, has its roots in many different ancient cultures and is one of the oldest dance forms with a plethora of original styles, appropriations and modern day interpretations.

The dance was, and still is today, in parts of the middle east, a cultural pastime shared by women of all age groups typically performed for each other in their homes and communities, as well as being a folk dance shared by men, women and children at weddings, the birth of a child, community festivals and other special celebrations. Belly dancing, as with many cultural practices, has gained a varied reputation and is widely misunderstood and exploited, often portrayed as a dance of seduction. It is, in fact, a joyous celebration of life, of which a vital element is the beauty and sensuality of the natural movements of the female form. The dancer often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body, moving them independently in flowing patterns, which weave together the entire bone and muscle structure. Movements emanate from the torso rather than the legs and feet, creating a sensuous and undulating performance, which is mesmerising to watch.

BOLLYWOOD

CABARET

CALYPSO/SOCA

CAN CAN

CAPOEIRA

Capoeira is a fight, a game and a culture, which was ignited by the spirit of the oppressed people forced into slavery in Brazil over 400 years ago. Capoeira is essentially the desire for liberation expressed by the human form.

Capoeira is rythym, song, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, folklore, culture, tradition and philosophy concentrated in a human circle, the roda, a constantly reformed structure whose purpose is the expression and celebration of the power of the human race.

Capoeira is a constantly evolving and expanding flow linking people all over the world to its dinstinct Afro-Brazilian roots through the language, the tradition and the music that it has spawned.

Capoeira is a legitimate and serious martial art with the capacity to work on every muscle, transform every cell and refine every emotional response. Its popularity continues to spread and Capoeira groups and academies continue to thrive in every corner of the world, while Capoeira performances never cease to delight and enchant audiences young and old.

CHA CHA CHA

DANCEHALL

LAMBADA

LIMBO

POLYNESIAN

REGGAETON

RUMBA

SALSA

SAMBA

STREET