Outreach & Workshops
Afro-Fusion
Afro-fusion developed as a conscious choice to integrate elements of African rituals and music with Western contemporary dance forms. Rather than preserving the elements of the different cultures as discreet entities frozen in time, they were blended or fused. This process involves both integration and transformation. Afro-fusion is a style of dance whereby the use of weight links the dancers to the earth. The complex and subtle Polyrhythm of African music are the basis of the movement. Associated movements from styles such as Indlamu, Gumboot, Pantsula, and Western contemporary dance are incorporated into the fusion to enrich the work through diverse cultures.
Gumboots dancing originated in the gold mines of South Africa during the oppressive Apartheid years. Black laborers worked in total darkness for three months at a time in appalling conditions. They were chained to their stations and were forbidden to talk to each other. They stood up to their knees in infected water causing skin diseases; resulting in lost time from work. Those in charge of the mine work discovered that it was too expensive to drain the mines, so they made the workers wear Gumboots. The miners used the gumboots as a method of communication by slapping the boots, stomping their feet and rattling their ankle chains. Later, this became a form of recreation for men during long months away from their families. The tradition of Gumboots dance was born.
Gumboots
Gumboots dancing originated in the gold mines of South Africa during the oppressive Apartheid years. Black laborers worked in total darkness for three months at a time in appalling conditions. They were chained to their stations and were forbidden to talk to each other. They stood up to their knees in infected water causing skin diseases; resulting in lost time from work. Those in charge of the mine work discovered that it was too expensive to drain the mines, so they made the workers wear Gumboots. The miners used the gumboots as a method of communication by slapping the boots, stomping their feet and rattling their ankle chains. Later, this became a form of recreation for men during long months away from their families. The tradition of Gumboots dance was born.
Pantsula
During the 60’s, when migrant laborers were taking their families from their homeland to the fast life of Johannesburg townships, children were exposed to city life, different cultures, new ways of living, and new music. They quickly adapted their way of living and dance by mimicking the fast life in the townships. This gave birth to the street dance called Pantsula.
Pantsula focuses on a lot of fast footwork, attitude, and the ability to wiggle and jerk the body into different unusual rhythms. This dance is usually done with colorful attire: Converse "All Star" sneakers, dickies pants and hats "Sporty.” Pantsula became popular in the 80’s among the youth of the townships. Youth clubs would have competitions among themselves and choose the best group/dancer to represent them.
Indlamu
A traditional Zulu dance, known as “the warrior dance”. There are many ways and reasons to do this traditional dance. It was done in the olden days as a form of training Shaka’s / Zulu warriors, to celebrate childbirth and weddings, also including a victory of the warrior. Indlamu is danced by both men and women.
Edudance
EduDance
Lesole Dance Project has adopted “EduDance” from Sylvia Glasser, the Artistic Director/Founder of “Moving Into Dance Mophatong” in South Africa. Ms. Glasser is one of South Africa premier educators. EduDance was created with the goal to integrate Dance into all areas of the students’ daily curriculum (Math, Science, Biology and History).
Through the process of adding movement to the students’ curriculum, the motto “Explore and Enjoy Learning” has engaged the students to become more alert and alive in the classroom. EduDance challenges the student to use their imagination and creativity so that they can grasp the subject matter at their individual learning level.
Lesole’s Dance Project will provide:
• Educational residencies informal
classroom settings
• Literacy
• Environmental studies
• Life skills
• Creativity
By using EduDance this will structure activity will stimulate the student physically, intellectual and emotionally.
EduDance programs fulfills the Physical and Health outcome requirements (dance elements) for learners and covers many other aspects such as coordination, musical appreciation, self-confidence, and gives many children the opportunity to experience the excitement of performing in front of an audience. Most importantly it is promoted as a program for FITNESS and MAKING LEARNING FUN.
International Arts in Education Program
We at Lesole’s Dance Project (LDP) believe that pride in one’s heritage is a vital component of positive self-esteem. Moreover, we believe that traditional South African dance is a powerful tool for building confidence, enhancing self-awareness, and developing pride in the cultural and individual identity of South African youth.
It is the goal of LDP’s 2010 International Arts in Education Program to instill confidence, self-respect and discipline in program participants through a traditional- and modern-dance training series. This goal will be achieved by reintroducing our youth to the richness and beauty of South African traditional dance in a rigorous yet fun learning environment.
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