EVIDENCE workshop Amaphiko at Joza, Grahamstown, South Africa

February 27, 2010

Our first workshop in South Africa was in a Township called Joza. We were joyously greeted by a small but strong group of children with song and warmth as soon as we pulled up in the van. My eyes actually welled up with tears as we walked through the group of singers and they parted for us to enter the building. It was an extremely humbling experience to have someone greet me with simple yet moving songs. That was a first for me and it was greatly accepted and appreciated.

Children singing to us as we arrive to teach a masterclass... AMAZING!

Once inside, the children enthusiastically showed us their famous Gumboot Dance. This is a dance that uses the whole body, especially the feet and hands, to create polyrhythms. I have seen the African-American fraternities and sororities use it as a base for their form of 'stepping'. It was one of those Oprah 'full circle' moments because i got to see firsthand where something that's so popular in the States in my culture originated.

Demonstration of South African Gumboot Dance

After they showed us their dance, Ron then taught a class with all of us helping him. The age range was from about 5-15 years and it included about 40 children. It was one of the most energizing experiences that I had in South Africa. The people were bursting at the seems to learn from us and share their culture. Later we also got to spend time hanging out and talking with some of the artists and teachers from the town. We learned that even though we may live miles and countries apart, we are very much the same—people trying to make a difference in our communities.

EVIDENCE and Makana Arts

-Clarice Young