Mucezo Means Dance: An African Dance Workshop
SUMMER 2009MUCEZO MEANS DANCE:
An African Dance Workshop
A fun and fantastic cultural experience for youth that exposes them to African culture by learning authentic African songs and interactive movements of traditional African dance, as well as introducing the history and terminology of the selected dances and music. On the last day of the workshop, participants will perform for friends and family in traditional African costumes and on live drums!
AGES: 6-18
DATES: Ages 12-18 June 15-20, 2009
Ages 6-11 July 27-Aug. 1, 2009
TIME: Monday-Friday 4-6pm
Saturday presentation @ 10am
TUITION: $130 - plus $15 non-refundable registration fee
INSTRUCTOR: Yvonne Baraketse
Yvonne Baraketse grew up in Rwanda (Central Africa) where every event was, and continues to be, highlighted by dance. Fourth in a family of seven children, Yvonne’s family has rhythm in the blood. Her interest in traditional African dance began to flourish at her young age when she participated in a children’s dancing group in her village.
In 1994, Yvonne fled to Belgium after experiencing the war of Rwanda, and losing her father and many members of extended family; she then volunteered as a dancer in Inyange Ballet (a ballet group made up of native Rwandan citizens). While in this group, she toured and performed in different countries around Europe. Admired for her energy and endurance, she quickly became a dance instructor for other young people in the group.
In 1999, Yvonne’s zeal for African dance helped her create the group Agasimbi k’Amahoro (The Pearl of Peace). As a member of this group, Yvonne participated in numerous carnivals including the famous “Zinneke Parade 2000”. She also took part in performing “Decrocher La Lune” an urban Opera and the “Parade des Créations du Dragon”, both pieces designed by Franco Dragone, a Belgian producer. Dragone is also noted for his creation of Cirque Du Soleil and the Celine Dion show in Las Vegas.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Corporate Logistics and Transportation Management from a Belgian university, Yvonne and her husband moved to the United States, living in culturally rich New Orleans before settling in Utah in September 2005. Then she co-founded Elikya African American Youth Performing Arts Group and choreographed dance for the group for two years. Elikya performed at many events, one being for the Governor of Utah.
Yvonne was invited as a guest artist in several summer camps in Jacksonville, Florida in 2007; and the 2008 BYU International Folk Dance Camp in Provo, Utah. She instructed African dance at different schools in the area including Utah Valley University and the American Leadership Academy.
Yvonne is currently the dance choreographer and a board member of Voice of Africa/Sawuti ya Afrika. She studies International Business Management at Utah Valley University (UVU), where she performed with other UVU students in the show “Mockingbird Fly” in honor of those who have pushed the cause of civil rights and freedom forward. The production also performed at the SCERA Center and Lakeridge Junior High School in Orem, Utah. She enjoys being a mother of two children of ages four and two. Her hobbies include bicycling, swimming, braiding hair and cooking.
Yvonne believes in human being’s ability to overcome everything. Besides the passion for sharing her African heritage, she spends some of her time giving conflict resolution lectures in schools and churches.
TO REGISTER: Pick up a registration form at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem, open 10am-6pm weekdays, call (801) 225-ARTS for more information or Download Summer 2009 Registration Form.
