Events

UPCOMING EVENT PROGRAMS

Zaouli Dance and Drum Workshop Summer Program

A four days seminar workshop in collaboration with Berkeley’s Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, located at 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94702. Learn with the real masters from the Gouro culture of Cote d”Ivoire.

African Arts Academy and Ashkenaz

Mon-Thu, September 18th–21st

***Use code ZAO100 for $100 OFF***

STUDENTS 50% OFF: Email mar[email protected] using your school email for a discount code!

Join us in learning the rhythms, movements, and origins of Zaouli, a popular music and dance form performed by the Gouro people of Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), West Africa. During this 4-day workshop, participants will be introduced to Ivorian drumming rhythms, beginner Zaouli dance techniques, and the histories and theories surrounding the origins of Zaouli.

Highlights of the Workshop:

Introduction to Zaouli: Gain an understanding of the origins, history, and cultural significance of Zaouli dance and drumming. Learn the story of Zaouli and explore the symbolism and storytelling embedded in the movements, costumes, and rhythms.

Students will have the option to learn:

Rhythm Exploration: Learn the fundamental rhythms, patterns, and techniques that form the foundation of Zaouli music. A master drummer from the Ivory Coast will teach drumming, and students will practice on djembe drums. By the end of this workshop, students focusing on drumming will be able to identify the rhythm they are playing, play that rhythm, and accompany dancers with that rhythm.

OR

Dance Techniques: Learn the intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and dancer-drummer communication involved in what many consider ‘the most difficult dance form in the world’. By the end of this workshop, students focusing on dance will understand and be able to identify the rhythm they are hearing and the choreography that goes with that rhythm.

This will culminate in a performance and celebration where students can showcase their newly acquired skills by participating in a group showcase on the Ashkenaz stage on Thursday, September 21st.

This workshop is an introductory course and is designed to be accessible to all levels of experience. Students will receive certificates of course completion from the African Arts Academy®.

SCHEDULE

Monday, September 18th:

3- 3:30 pm: Introductions

3:30- 4:30pm: Theory and History discussion

4:30- 5pm: Introducing Rhythm

Tuesday, September 19th:

3- 4pm: Zaouli Rhythm (Drumming)

4- 5pm: Zaouli Dance

Wednesday, September 20th:

3- 4pm: Dance and Drumming (separate)

4- 5pm: Dance and Drumming (together)

Thursday, September 21st:

3- 4pm: Dance and Drumming (separate)

4- 5pm: Dance and Drumming (together)

8 PM: SHOWCASE

TICKETS:

4-Day Workshop GA: $300

***Use code ZAO100 for $100 OFF***

STUDENTS 50% OFF: Email mar[email protected] using your school email for a discount code!

Visit Ashkenaz website for more infor and to get your ticket plus discount.

Next Program Event

Next Event

MODEFA SF 2024

Voted “Best Fashion Show in San Francisco,” MODEFA SF showcases ethnically inspired haute couture by hand-selected designers from around the globe. The objective is simple: to celebrate cultural diversity, allowing designers to create and display haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion garments inspired by ancient ethnic traditional clothing and textiles modified for contemporary lifestyles.

Modern Ethnic Fashion Week is an annual charity event, conducted during International Ethnic Day Weekend to celebrate cultural diversity. The fundraising efforts aim to lay the groundwork for a long-term, sustainable art enrichment after-school and summer program that will offer African dance and drumming lessons to low-income parents for free or at a reduced cost.

Come back for more update as we get closer to the event date.