A Day of Zimbabwean Dance and Music

Join us for a Day of Zimbabwean Dance and Music, celebrating the culture of Zimbabwe with Rujeko Dumutshena, Ratie D. and John Mambira. Enjoy a full day of dance, music and yoga offerings, or drop in when you can. Stay for an informal Zimbabwean performance sharing with our guest artists. 

Dance with Rujeko (12-1:15pm)

We will work with the cyclical rhythmic patterns that are a part of Zimbabwean dance technique. The intricacies offered in these patterns will   inform our movement vocabulary. This workshop will offer tools for internalizing rhythm through repetition and duration. We will establish and maintain our communal connection, while deepening our individual grounded and weighted movement.

Rujeko Dumutshena is a Zimbabwean-born dancer who specializes in neo-traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean dance. She is Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Florida. Rujeko is part of the “Afro Feminist Performance Routes” cohort of Black female dance artists. She was an original ensemble member in The Broadway musical of FELA!

Song Class with Ratie (11am-12pm)

Ratie D is a singer and songwriter who aspires to share love and light . Her voice, coupled with the enchanting mbira instrument leaves audiences uplifted and energized. She will be teaching a vocal workshop based on an original composition called "Tsamba" which means a letter to the people of Zimbabwe celebrating the beauty of the nation  and its people.

Drum class with John Mambira (2-3pm)

John Munyaradzi Mambira is involved in many forms of art - acting, singing, dancing and playing music, from regions of southern Africa including Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. He has worked with various groups, both amateur and professional, and has taught workshops at many festivals. He is a phenomenal drummer, marimba player, and singer with a wide vocal range who has performed with his band, Bongo Love, all over the world, as well as with local groups in Eugene.

Isitshikitsha Dance originates from the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe, Southwestern part of Zimbabwe. It is a dance performed at rain making ceremonies/ rituals by the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe.

Yoga and Sound with Brianna and Andre (10:30-11am and 3:15-4:15pm)

Participants will be guided by Brianna through a gentle flow into restorative yoga practice. Andre offers soothing sounds of Himalayan bowls, Gong, Didgerdoo and more to support deep relaxation.