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Sunday, May 20, 2012
Amazing Talent!
If you could have seen us today you would have been very impressed! After our journey to the equator we headed to the Ndere Dance Cultural Center (www.ndere.com).We were treated to two hours of training as a dance troupe. After learning the fundamentals of Ugandan music and dance steps from the troupe members we divided into groups to develop our amazing talent. My instrument was the bass udungu. Others learned drums or musical instruments as the dancers learned their steps. At the end of the session we regrouped to put it all together. The dancers were amazing but Kristiana and Michael stole the show with their performance on the Uganda keyboard. Braeden impressed the troupe musicians so that he may have a second career option. Parents, be sure to ask your student what role they played in the Drake dance troupe. Arthur, thanks for arranging this amazing experience. The evening culminated with a buffet and the incredible display of talent from the Ndere Dance Troupe. We are exhausted and head to the secondary school for the day tomorrow. Students, what surprised you most about the experience today? What did you learn about the role this troupe plays in sustainable development?
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Dance lessons?!?!? No fair...the Ndere Dance Troupe is excellent so I'm especially jealous of this outing. Can't wait to see the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that shocked me most of all was the amount of pots that the dancers could put on their head. Ive never seen anyone put 10 clay pots on their head and I am sure I will never experience anything like that in the united states. I had already seen people carrying baskets and big bags of produce on their heads, but this was even more impressive since I could see the pots wobbling as they walked. The troupe serves as an important source of income for children attending school. Education is important because it helps to teach the students how to create sustainable businesses and live in a way that will not hinder future generations. The dance troupe therefore indirectly supports sustainable development.
ReplyDeleteI was most surprised at just how challenging each aspect of the performance was. Having the insight we had that not all the audience had made me realize just how much more impressive everything was. They make it look and sound so effortless, but just a couple hours earlier we were struggling with some of the simplest steps. I did not realize that the troupe was a way for the performers to continue attending school. They also seem to be trying to help students get small businesses started by selling the one performers artwork. Education and small businesses can both support sustainable development and provide them with the means necessary to be successful.
ReplyDeleteThe Ndere Dance Troupe was very entertaining! I had the most fun in the lesson with the group. We learned that it takes a lot of work and coordination between everyone to make a successful piece. I stuck with my roots and learned how to do African Dance. I had an awesome time!! The thing I like the most about the Ndere Dance Troupe is their actions towards sustainable development. All ticket sales go towards school fees for the kids in the group. Several of the dancers have experienced several hardships, however they still push to attend school. Education is the key to sustainable development, without it we would not have the knowledge needed.
ReplyDelete-Micah Garton
I would like to add that I think it is amazing the passion people in Uganda have for music. It seems that everyone enjoys to play or listen to music...it is apparent in their smiles!
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ReplyDeleteI loved this entire day. It was perfect timing with the rain coming when we were inside learning to dance/"walk with style." The Ndere Dance Troupe look so amazing dancing and sound beautiful with their instruments and singing. It was amazing to get the backstage views of everything. The difference in instruments they have is so cool. I loved that the show was very funny and entertaining but also very educational. We learned about different dancing styles from different parts of Uganda and how the dances relate very closely with how relationships and marriages are chosen there. I agree with everyone that it is amazing that all the money they make goes towards their education. While they continue to practice their culture and learn other districts cultures, they are receiving money so they can continue to be educated in society contributing very positively to sustainable development. You could tell the students understood that their education was very important.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the props Professor Bishop! Michael and I had fun learning the Ugandan keyboard. I was surprised at how difficult it was! We were definitely struggling before the performance. After attempting to learn the dance steps, I realized playing instruments is more my style. Michael and I realized nobody was learning the keyboard so we decided to go try it, not realizing we were going to have to perform it! But I think I can say we both had a blast and don't regret taking on the challenge. The Dance Troupe was amazing that night. Another surprise to me was how accurate their interpretation of introductions looks to me. Also, as the others said, the troupe created a good way to continue education and the chance to create a small business. It is a strong way to encourage the younger generation of Ugandans to continue trying to reach sustainable development.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite experiences on the trip so far! Being able to learn the instruments and cultural dance before seeing the performance was such a good experience. It surprised me how difficult learning the dance was! I was also impressed by the number of routines the dance troupe performed for us. They just kept coming on stage and dancing more! Of course, like everyone, I think the most surprising thing was the number of pots some of the dancers could balance on their head and dance with. I have to agree that it is a wonderful opportunity for the dancers to use their talent to help them get through school and create a small business as well. It was such a fun night!
ReplyDelete