DanceHouse, in partnership with Lamondance is happy to offer a unique Workshop opportunity with Sankofa Danzafro.
Photo – Jeisson Riascos
Masterclass with - Sankofa Danzafro
When: Thursday, February 20 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Where: Lamondance - 3355 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver, BC, V7K 2H4
Investment: $25 (Cash)
Space is limited
To reserve your space and for more information Click Here.
Photo – Sergio Gonzalez Alvarez
About the Workshop
SANKOFA DANZAFRO offers a master class that transcends boundaries and delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Colombia. In this unique experience, participants will engage in a dynamic fusion of traditional and urban dances that serve as powerful expressions of the enduring struggle and resilience of black communities in Colombia.
The class showcases a vibrant array of Afro-Colombian traditional dances hailing from the North and South Pacific regions, as well as the culturally rich Urabá Antioqueño region. Students will explore rhythms and movements of Bullerengue, Currulao, Abosao, Tamborito, Jota, and more. These dances are not merely steps; they are profound narratives that echo the fight to exist and re-exist, echoing through the ages and resonating with adults, youth, and children alike.
The traditional dances intertwine with contemporary elements. The Afro-Contemporary dance technique is inspired by the original language crafted by Germaine Acogny in Senegal. However, this class takes a unique turn as Rafael Palacios infuses it with his Afro-Colombian roots and personal techniques.
This dance class is not just about movement; it's a celebration of cultural identity and a tribute to the enduring spirit of communities that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Colombia.
Sankofa Danzafro (Colombia)
Presented with community partners Blackout Art Society, the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre and Latincouver
The City of Others (La Ciudad de los Otros)
February 21 & 22, 2025 | 8pm
February 22, 2025 | 2pm
Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street)
Running time: 60 minutes (no intermission)
Pre-show Talk at 7:15pm for evening performances and 1:15pm for the matinee in the Upper Lobby
Post-show Social following Friday’s performance in the Salon T
Tickets available at https://dancehouse.ca
Rafael Palacios
Choreographer and Colombian dancer dedicated to the exploration of Afro-traditional, contemporary and urban dance languages. His experience as a dancer in Africa and Europe has been the basis for the foundation of the Sankofa Company, with which he has created a wide repertoire of works that have been presented in Colombia and other countries such as Jamaica, France, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Burkina Faso. He has developed training processes aimed at teachers and dancers as well as seedlings of young people and children. National Councilor of Dance and Counselor of Black Communities (2009-2011). Master teacher of the Training Program for Trainers of the Ministry of Culture in the Pacific region 2007- 2013. Palacios received the National Dance Award of the Ministry of Culture 2008, with the work San Pacho … Blessed !; In 2009, he held an internship with the Company in Burkina Faso, Africa. Director of the project Steps in the Earth that in 2010 receives the recognition of the UN as Good Practice of Afrodescendent Social Inclusion in Latin America. He is invited as artistic director for the Colombian dance show held in the framework of the Summit of the Americas Cartagena 2012. Choreographer for the production of the 2013 Cali World Games.