U.S. HIFA performers, Jazz Tap Ensemble, teaching and performing this week in Bulawayo
Harare, April 23, 2012: This week Bulawayo audiences have a chance to see and learn from the American Jazz Tap Ensemble, a Los Angeles-based dance company dedicated to two great American traditions: tap dancing and live jazz music. Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy for HIFA, the Ensemble landed in Bulawayo on Sunday April 22 for a full week of free workshops and performances prior to traveling to Harare to participate in HIFA.
The group consists of dancers and musicians who will perform and participate in outreach and educational activities, including a four-day workshop for aspiring and professional dance groups at the Bulawayo Theater; technical stage and arts management sessions; an exchange with senior dancers of IYASA and SIYAYA; media interviews; and outreach discussions with students and youth groups. The group met with the Mayor of Bulawayo during today.
“We felt it is very important for the musicians and dancers to spend time outside of Harare in addition to performing at HIFA,” said Sharon Hudson-Dean, Consular for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Harare. “The performers are especially excited to share their style of jazz music and tap dancing, two well-loved American traditions, with Bulawayo audiences and to learn from local artists about their traditional forms of cultural expression.”
The group will give a free performance at the Academy of Music on Friday, April 27 at 6pm following the official opening of the Trade Fair. A second public showing will occur at the Bulawayo Theater Saturday, April 28 during “Bulawayo’s Most Amazing Talents.”
