African Dance with Odai Affotey

"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

Odai Affotey is a cultural custodian of Southern Ghanaian dance and music traditions. This two-hour traditional dance class at the Tecoma Uniting Church 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. Little kids under eight are welcome in the space to watch and play, and older kids are welcome to join the class for as long as they wish :)