CARIBBEAN DANCE CLASSES

Dates:    Wednesdays, 19 Sept – 21 Nov '07, 6.15pm - 8.15pm
Venue:   Monty’s Gym, 21-23 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JG
Cost:      £8 (discounts available, see questionnaire)

Afrocats will be starting beginners Caribbean dance classes in September, led by Afrocats founder Magdalen Bartlett.

Magdalen studied dance and drama at University and has over ten years teaching experience in Caribbean, Contemporary and African dance, amongst other styles. Having been born and bred in Barbados Magdalen will give an authentic experience of Caribbean dance.

To secure your place on the full ten-week programme an early bird deposit of £30 by cheque is required. Please also complete the questionnaire and return to us as soon as possible for enrolment.

These classes are open to anyone over the age of 16. All are welcome to participate.

Bookings / more information
Contact:           Magdalen Bartlett
Phone:             0161 221 0238 / 0783 408 3437
Email:               magbart@yahoo.co.uk / afrocats@hotmail.co.uk

Although we are flexible and can tailor sessions to any need, we do also offer the following shows with attached workshops. The workshops further explore the themes from the performances, allowing everyone to become inspired and involved:

My Hands Are Tied - 2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. This is a twenty-minute dramatic piece that looks at the impact of slavery upon our contemporary society and its legacy. It features drama, dance, singing and poetry. The performance grew out of the cast’s own research into slavery and examines their responses to it. We not only look at the past history of slavery but also modern day cases of slavery, such as child soldiers and female trafficking.

After the performance, we offer an hour and a half workshop that develops the themes of the play. Using both dance and drama to promote the discussion of slavery, we aim to raise awareness of its human cost.

Rhythms of Africa – A dance piece featuring live drumming, which looks at traditional African dance and its meaning. We perform and teach at the same time, encouraging everyone to get involved and feel for themselves the Rhythms of Africa!

Where Is Home? – This original play was nominated for an Art 06 award and toured the North-West in 2005 and 2006. It looks at the issues faced by contemporary refugees and asylum seekers. We offer performances and monologues from it supported by discussion and drama-based exercises.

General workshops – We provide sessions in street, contemporary, African and Caribbean dance styles, as well as drama and drumming.

We can also offer freelance workshop leaders and a freelance project manager to other cultural groups. CRB’s and CV’s for all of our artists are available upon request and our workshop leaders are all experienced in working with children.

If you would like to book any of these pieces or evolve your own session for your school or group please do not hesitate to contact us, all enquiries are welcome. We look forward to hearing from you!