Karine gives an insight into Afro-Haitian dance, meshing it with contemporary dance training. Afro-Haitian dance is characterised by rhythm-charged movements and has its roots in the world of myths of Western and Central Africa.
In Haiti, dance symbolises the context and cohesion between the elements of nature and between this world and the next. The inspirational snake dance Yanvalou, for instance, invites the participants to experience, purify and let go through its round and flowing movements.
The cleansing ritual in the Haitian Dance tradition inspires a personal letting go. This powerful ritual calls, through drum sounds, songs and free movements, on the forces of nature, which in Haitian belief watches over the people. Participants can try to let go their unwanted vices and blockages and thus open the path to greater balance on the physical, mental and spiritual level.
This workshop is accompanied by live drumming and consists of basic training with short choreographies. No previous experience required.
Karine LaBel
