Come experience African-Brazilian, Cuban and African American dances including Samba raiz (samba roots), Samba Afro, Samba Reggae, Movements Inspired by the Orixas, Rumba, Palo (Cuba), and African American Ring Shout
YOUTH ages 12-18**
May 16th- July 27th
THURSDAYS from 6:30-7:30pm
SATURDAYS from 12-1pm
*FREE*
Participants must attend the entire series
Vera Passos has performed in international venues in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. She has danced with the world renowned Balé Folclórico da Bahia, participated in collaborations with the eclectic American musician Steve Coleman on his tour of Europe in 2002-2003, and has choreographed for Orchestra Popular da Bahia, directed by Emilia Biancardi. She is currently a special guest dancer with the acclaimed Viver Brasil Dance Company.
NoDa@28th Creative Arts Studios
The International Capoeira School along with Moving Spirits Inc. is hosting Master Teacher, Choreographer and Dancer, Vera Passos in Charlotte, NC.
She will provide a 2-hour dance workshop, teaching the roots of Samba from the Bahia region of Bahia, Brazil.
The workshop will have live drumming, by Master Percussionist, Luciano Xavier.
Dancer, choreographer, teaching artist and scholar, Tamara Williams, will be starting an Afro-Latinx dance program at the Camino Community Center through the newly found Communiversity Program in Charlotte.
Communiversity provides the platform for intersections of Community partnerships with UNC Charlotte, engaging students in the community through curriculum while providing the community with needs targeted through studies.
Vamos dançar while learning about the cultural histories, aethestics and significances of Afro-Latinx dance forms.
We believe that the resources of the university should be shared back with communities. Especially since oftentimes, universities are responsible for the displacement of local residents.
Dates and Times:
August 26th 1-3pm
September 2nd 1-3pm
September 9th 1-3pm
September 16th 1-3pm
Early Registration for the full Workshop Series: $70
Regular Registration for the full Workshop Series: $80
Single workshop price: $25
Tickets can be purchased at: http://afrobrazilianworkshopscharlotte.brownpapertickets.com
The workshops will occur at NoDa @28th Creative Arts Studio.
2424 N Davidson St suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28205
Come-Unity: Moving Spirits through Dance in East Charlotte is sponsored by Culture Blocks— a community partnership between ASC, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation to bring arts and cultural experiences closer to where residents live.
Culture Blocks is funded by Mecklenburg County.
Bloco Afro Ayédùn
Dance + Music Workshops
Past Workshops
Afro-Brazilian Dance explores dances from the northeastern regions of Brazil. The dances found in this region are inspired by the Yoruba, Angola, Nago, Bantu and Akan people of West Africa. Traditional dances including those that symbolize elements of nature (earth, water, air and fire) will be shared with participants. The dances combine at least two rhythms in their movement; movement syncopations can be found in the shoulders, chest, pelvis, arms, legs etc., with the different rhythms in the music. Afro-Brazilian Dance is a study of the connections between the rhythms and the traditional movement, archetype and story, of the elements of nature interpreted as an art form. Afro-Brazilian Dance encourages students to become aware of cross-cultural dance by means of investigating the societal development surrounding folkloric, religious and social dance traditions.
Welcome to Bloco Afro Ayédùn!!
Ayédùn means life is sweet in the Yoruba language. A Bloco Afro is a community organization that reinforces pride in African heritage and culture through music, dance, songs, cooking, education, and more. As a Bloco Afro, we will also address social issues such racism, disenfranchisements in education, employment, health, and other concerns for Black and brown peoples.
Click here to read more about our Bloco Afro in the Charlotte Observer.
Bloco Afro Ayedun, a community-based initiative, seeks to commemorate and pay tribute to Black heritage within the Charlotte community by means of dance and music workshops. These workshops offer participants a unique opportunity to delve into the historical and cultural contexts that underpin the rich tapestry of Black arts. Engaging in a diverse range of movements and rhythms, participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the significance and legacy of these artistic forms. The workshops will encompass a wide array of dances and music genres, commencing with the iconic Samba. It is worth noting that these dances and music styles have served as enduring symbols of resistance and resilience within Black communities across the globe.
Within the vibrant cultural landscape of Charlotte, the Bloco Afro Ayedun initiative strives to nurture a spirit of celebration and enlightenment, perpetuating the essence of Black culture, history, and heritage. Participation in this transformative endeavor is open to all, with no associated fees. However, the collective spirit of the initiative encourages members to contribute their unique knowledge and skills for the collective benefit. For instance, individuals employed within the healthcare sector may be invited to share their expertise through a lecture on wellness and the importance of maintaining good health. By fostering a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility, Bloco Afro Ayedun endeavors to create a harmonious and inclusive environment, enriching the lives of its members and the broader community.
COME-UNITY:
Moving Spirits through Dance in East Charlotte
Moving Spirits' Artistic Director, Tamara Williams, and Mão de Pilão's Director, Luciano Xavier offer workshops in African-Brazilian, Cuban, and traditional African American Ring Shout Dance + Music.
Moving Spirits, Inc.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH, 2017
4:00-6:00PM
$30 per person
Location: International Capoeira School
2609 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
VERA PASSOS
McLeod Plantation, Charleston, SC
Luciano and Tamara will lead participants through a high energy series of Samba Reggae rhythms & dances.
Luciano Xavier, is a native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. He grew up dancing, playing & performing Samba Reggae in it's birthplace of Salvador with the pioneers of the tradition.
Luciano is creating the choreography, Tamara is teaching. Luciano will be directing the music.
Come celebrate this dance of resistance with us!
Interested participants can perform the choreography on May 5th at the Tuckaseegee Recreational Center.