Dance celebrates the rhythms of Africa

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20: United Dance Productions will be celebrating the sounds and rhythms of Africa in its upcoming show.

Dancers from the age of just three, right up to the age of 18, will dance to the music of South Africa based from the musical/movie Sarafina.

Each discipline will dance to a diverse range of African music with the jazz department introducing guests to the Masai Warrior and taking them on a safari with animals from the wild such as zebras and lions.

The tap department will dance to rhythms of the beautiful African instrumentals while the modern department will dance to the African influences from Bobby McFerrin.

The hip-hop dancers will get down with hits like Jungle Boogie by Kool and the Gang.

The costumes are ethnic and vibrant from the African violet tutu, colourful leopard print leotards with feathered skirts and more.

The pieces are choreographed by the teachers at United Dance Productions according to the class they teach.

UDP’s founder and artistic director Suzette Harvey told the Bermuda Sun: “This year is our 20th anniversary but our 19th recital. In 1990, UDP had its first production — A Tribute to Nelson Mandela before the school opened its doors in 1992.

“I had been inspired by the Broadway musical Sarafina which set me on my path to do conscious work. It was about inspiring and uplifting people through music and dance. After 20 years, to revisit the South African music and to celebrate Africa, has been  wonderful. The dancers are feeling the music and you can see it when they move. It really is a “feel good show”. It’s fun,powerful and engaging with a great connection to the struggle of the people.”

The show is June 22 and 23 at the Whitney Institute 7pm sharp.

Tickets sold at the Liberty Theatre and UDP studio $35 adults $25 children under 15. The show is under the distinguised patronage of the minister of education Dame Jennifer Smith.