Members of the Orchesis dance ensemble participated in a two-day artist in residence experience with Monique Walker, from CityDance. Ms. Walker introduced the dancers to the Umfundalai African Dance technique, which is a Pan-African dance technique that draws from movement from different African and African Diasporan cultures. As shared from Dance and Drama Department Coordinator, "The girls learned about cultural traditions and acts of respect during the two days. The challenged themselves to try new things, sometimes outside their comfort zones, and they grew as artists." Additionally, some of the Orchesis members shared their thoughts on the two-day experience,
"I enjoyed how Ms. Walker dove right into the technique because we did not have a chance to be nervous about learning a new style."
"I liked learning traditional African terms as well as dance from a variety of African cultures."
Check out the video below of Orchesis dancing in the Umfundalai African dance style:
Check out more on The Scene !