African Drum and Dance Camp

Every year Rhythm Konnections celebrates the Summer and Winter with a camp of drumming, dance and ceremonies in a beautiful natural setting. These camps are always an unforgettable opportunity to experience a passionate week of ancient African culture. Together we will learn new rhythms and dance new dances, make music, share meals, care for the children, laugh, swim and create community.

Valanga Khoza singing & vocal percussion   South African born & bred Valanga grew up singing & playing music. The Voice is the oldest instrument in the world & Valanga makes extensive use of it: singing, rapping & making incredible music, driven by irrepressible township beats! He will be teaching vocal percussion, singing & sharing his wonderful gifts of storytelling with music. A real treat!!! Valanga is well established in Aust. & internationally as a teacher & performer in multicultural music. He has supportedlucky dube, geoffrey oryema & performed with ladysmith black mombassa. In Aust. He plays with Zebra Crossing & tours nationally major music festivals as a soloartist.   www.thezebracrossing.com

Lamine Sonko dancing & percussion   Lamine is an exceptionally talented dancer & musician. born in Senegal West Africa to a griot family. His father, Bouly Sonko, is presently the director for “Le ballet national Du Senegal”. His mother was the first solo dancer for the ballet & for “doudou N’diaye Rose’. Lamine began performing when he was 10 yrs old. he soon featured as a solo dancer, percussionist & singer in different well known local groups in Senegal. He & his family are highly respected artist & griots in Africa & internationally. Lamine will be sharing his gifts as a master dancer & musician teaching the exciting sabar rhythms & dances.   www.laminesonko.com Malin Sylla djembe, duns & kora   Malin is a master drummer from Guinea West Africa. He has played & performed with Les Percussion de Guinea, The National Ballet Djoliba & Ballet Matam. He has taught students from all over the world who travelled to Conakry to experience the music of West Africa. In 2002 Marlin toured & taught in the UK & even played for Prince Charles. Marlin is now based in Sydney performing & teaching, sharing his rich rhythmical culture. As a performer he is dynamic & a master of his craft, as a teacher he is fun, inspiring, & a rhythmic magician being both a master of Duns djembe & Kora.         Aicha Keita dancing & duns   Aicha is an inspirational & passionate teacher & performer of West African drum & dance. Aicha started her dancing career at the age of 7 yrs training with Ballet Matam in Conakry, Guinea West Africa. She joined Circus Africa which toured internationally for over a year. Aicha is now based in Sydney & performing & teaching with several Sydney based groups. Aichas repertoire includes traditional Guinean Dance, Senegalese Sabar, Zulu traditional dance and also hip-hop,and contemporary dance Aicha is renowned for her energetic, high spirited dynamic & graceful style.

Traditionally griots are historians of African culture masters of dance, singing & playing all African instruments. It is past on from one generation to the next. This ancient tradition is still alive today in Lamine, Fode and Yacou.

the progam

Each session is 2 hours, the evenings will be spent jamming, with the m'bongi on Sunday night around the fire.

m'bongi ( healing circle)

One of the most ancient Zimbabwean traditions is a community gathering that is focused on healing & celebration using music, dance and storytelling. It will take place around a fire under the stars. This is an opportunity to experience the music in it’s true cultural context.

location

5 classes per day $595

3 classes per day $550

Children -Teenagers 5-12 years $150
2-4  $100 must be supervised by our group
under 2 free

Click here to down load E-Brochure registration form.

comments from past participants

"For me this African drum and dance camp was wonderful!! The progress each student made in class was astounding. The time with other students and teachers outside of class was valuable. Thank you so much!!”  - Susannah Breaden, from Victoria.

“The highlight of the camp for me was to find something recreational to do during the holidays for the whole family. I loved the music and being in a community that enjoys the same passion for African music. The food was terrific!!!”  - Allan Mourad from QLD

“Had an absolute ball, the people, the food, and memories of the most awesome drum tuition and tribal living will stay with me forever! Thank-you! Looking forward to the next!”  - Jan of Crows Nest

“What I enjoyed the most about the African drum and dance camp was the wonderful healing energy through the sense of community. Everyone is so open and generous. I love the way the children became everyone’s children. This is powerful healing. This is how I dream the world could be. I can not thank-you enough for such a valuable experience on so many levels. It has changed my life!!!”  - Julia from QLD

rhythm konnections  African drum and dance intensive.

January 2010

This retreat was a great success many thanks to our teachers Valanga Khoza, Mohamed Bangoura & Fode Mane. Together we experience a passionate 4 days of ancient African culture. We learn new rhythms and dances, shared ceremony, made music, shared meals, laugh, swim and create community, in the beautiful natural setting of Lake Ainsworth at 7 mile beach.

in every heart their beats a drum in every drum their beats a heart

since the beginning of time humanity has danced in joys physical response to the beat

to induce states of ecstasy trance and celebration

we hope that you will join us to really experience the joy and ecstasy of African drumming, dance and singing.

Contact us

 

Mobile: +61(0)402 678 220

Phone: +61(0)2 66 801 194

Email