STEP AFRIKA DANCERS EAGER TO TEACH EMASWATI STEPPING

MBABANE - Step Afrika dancers are in the Kingdom to empower young dancers and they will be performing on Saturday at the Theatre Club in Mbabane.
The ten members, currently in the Kingdom, hosted workshops yesterday in Mbabane and Manzini, where they showcased their amazing dance skills to young aspiring dancers in the country.Brian Williams, the Founder of the group, said they were excited to be in the country sharing their experience with emaSwati. “It is actually quite amazing how Step Afrika was founded in the region. It may be our first time in Eswatini, but this country was part of the group’s origin in 1994. Our main goal is to create a dynamic cultural experience for artists and show people how we can convey our ideas, through our artistry,” he said.

A newsletter shared to this publication revealed how stepping originated from gumboot dancing. ‘‘Gumboot dancing resembles stepping. It uses foot stamping, handclapping, thigh slapping and signing. The footwork in gumboot dancing is often slower and the movements of the group are less uniform,” reads the newsletter.

Expressing

One of the dancers Ariel Dykes, shared their experience of being part of the crew. ”It is my third year with the group and I have loved them since my school days. Expressing ourselves through dance, hosting events, showing different communities the power of artistry is just amazingValencia Springer shared some of the highlights that she has had with the crew. “I think one of the best parts of being a Step Afrika dancer is being able to travel internationally, have those cultural exchanges with youth and adults, and get to see the impact of your artistry upon somebody. Seeing how it makes a difference in their lives and making a difference in your life, as well,” she said.
The ten dancers in the country
Erica Still
Pelham Warner
Kamala Hargrove Cultural ex    change
Terrence Johnson
Robert Warnsley
Conrad Kelly
Valencia Springer
Ariel Dykes
Isiah O’Conner
Keomi Givens Jr.

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