Dance and Education Need to Move Hand in Hand

In our increasingly complex and disturbed world it is clear that new methods are called for if we are to produce educated, well balanced young people who can take their rightful place as adults in society.

Dance and education is a partnership which is finding a growing number of advocates. An understanding and appreciation of the possibilities of this combination is now necessary for teachers who are not in the dance and physical education fields. All teachers need to be aware of the possibilities of this approach.

Dr Judith Lynne Hanna of the University of Maryland is both a dancer and an anthropologist whose research has taken her around the world. In her acknowledgments she wrote "To my friends in Africa, especially Nigeria and Uganda, thank you for opening my eyes to the potential of dance as a medium of education for young and old alike. It was here that I first witnessed dance education, dance in education, and the relationship of dance to other aspects of life."

Her book "Partnering Dance and Education (Human Kinetics 1999) lays out her far-reaching ideas and convictions on the subject of dance and its importance in the future of education. The book is clearly written with educators and dancers in mind and the examples are mainly of the system in the United States. But this is a book that anyone who has an interest in the subject will find illuminating.

She writes "Our approach is to integrate dance into other academic classes, another approach is to offer problem-centered curricula using dance as one way of knowing, teaching, and learning." "In dance education as is the case with most educational practices, rigorous empirical research has not been undertaken on cause-and-effect relationship between certain dance education practices and student outcomes. Few resources have been available for research in dance education and even fewer for systematic assessment."

Here in point form are Dr Lynne Hanna's main points with regard to Dance Education:-

1. Dance education aids the development of kinesthetic intelligence.
2. Dance education creates opportunities for self-expression and communication within the constraints of the medium of the body.
3. Dance, whether representational, thematic or abstract, is a repository of civilization that changes through time.
4. Dance education teaches the values and skills of creativity, problem solving, risk taking, making judgements in the absence of rules, and higher-order thinking skills.
5. Dance provides an opportunity for students to recognize that there are multiple solutions to problems.
6. The study of dance fosters an individuals ability to better interpret interpersonal nonverbal communication.
7. Dance education provides a strong base from which to analyze and make informed judgements about corporeal images.
8. Learning the dances of other cultures helps students to develop an understanding and respect for them.
9. Through stimulating all the senses, dance goes beyond verbal language in engaging dancers and promoting the development of multi sensory beings.
10. Dance provides options to destructive alternatives in a world that is unpredictable and unsafe for children. It can empower the disempowered and disenfranchised.
11. Dance education prepares people for careers in dance and other fields, such as clinical psychology, chiropractor, anthropologist.
12.Dance enhances an individuals lifelong quality of life.
13. Participation in dance benefits our communities economically.
14. Dance education helps students develop physical fitness, appreciation of the body, concern for sound health practices and effective stress management approaches. Dance shares many of the health benefits of other athletics.

"Partnering Dance and Education" is a clearly written book which demands concentration but the reader will be well rewarded.

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Big, Beautiful Ballet Dancers

Is this really ballet? I asked myself after watching video clips of the Cuban dance company Danza Voluminosa (Voluminous Dance) most of whose dancers range in age from 23 to 41 and all of them weigh more than 200 pounds. This group was formed in 1996 by Juan Miguel Mas, now its' director and choreographer. He says he is redefining the aesthetics of beauty and raising the awareness of heavy set people. "Although we are obese and dance, we are against obesity. We are always trying to lose weight" said Mr Ma who himself weighs 300 pounds. This statement has caused outrage in certain obese quarters who claim that the statement is self deprecating. To me that is not the case. Surely it's possible to be self-confident and enjoy the beauty of ones very large body while still realizing that health wise it might be better to lose weight.

What I am about to write is not a criticism of Danza Voluminose or any other company with greatly overweight dancers.The number of such groups is growing.

Another dance troupe Big Dance was founded in 1993 in Victoria, BC, Canada with 10 large dancers and the choreographer Lynda Raino.They were well received by audiences but now the number of dancers is declining. Raino has spotted many large women in her area but few in their 20's and 30's who are willing to dance. She says "That's a shame because young women will have decades to enjoy the art form. By about age 50 women are more comfortable in their bodies, and would more readily come out to a class, but they are starting to stiffen up. Knees start to go, as do backs and hips. People should start young, especially if they want to perform."

Helen Rezanowich is program assistant in women's studies at the University of Victoria. "I tried going to a big dance class but it was all too much in my face. I was not ready to look at it, at that point. Even watching teeny tiny women leaving the class before mine was hard. And the dance room is lined with mirrors. I didn't want to admit I was that big. Now I'm 51 and much more comfortable with my body size."

The Big Ballet was founded in 1994 by the choreographer Evgeny Panfilov. The company's aim is to change the conception of large dancers grace and agility. He also wanted to prove that untrained beginners could reach professional standards.

The lower weight threshold has been raised to over 238 pounds. Any dancer falling below this weight is offered the opportunity to regain the extra pounds with the advice of a nutritionist. If they do not want to do this they must give up their place to another larger dancer."They must be eating and eating and eating " said Natalia Liensky the companies director.The troupe consists of sixteen large women aged between 19 and 28 who have not undergone professional dance training and six regular-sized male dancers. They all have day jobs and include doctors, nurses and engineers.The dancers perform in tutus and on point and do pirouttes and plies. The dancers can even manage to do the splits. In some performances female dancers are lifted by male dancers - although it takes four men to get one woman into the air.

In an unusual move the Russian government of Vladamir Putin demanded that the Bolshoi Ballet re-instate a dancer dismissed for allegedly being too heavy and hard for a partner to lift

Marina Wolf Ahmad is the director and founder of Big Moves one of the few organisations in the world dedicated to getting all body types into dance classes and onto the stage. Marina states "There's a need to offer healing, supportive space for these women to get back into dance, and there's a need to start working toward supportive youth programs that train the dance teachers to be accepting of all sizes that come through their classes - right now, dance is not psychologically accessible to most people. Big Moves will take all shapes, all sizes as long as you come to rehearsals, get better and are really dedicated to dancing. Not just fat people - all sizes". Big Move companies have been set up in many parts of the US.

China now has a professional dance troupe called "The Overweight Troupe". The company consists of ten women and four men. They weight from 16stone to 35 stone. The entry requirement is that the dancers weight more than 100 kilos (220lbs or 15.7 stone). The groups founder weighed 11 stone (154 lbs or 70kilos) at the age of eleven.

I truly believe that everyone should dance but I do have a problem with obese dancers performing classical ballet. This is a form of dance where it is well near impossible for a woman who takes up this dance form in adulthood to excel. They are unlikely to be able to manage the challenges of technique. While both dancers and audience may enjoy humorous interpretations of classical ballets this is not enough. They need to have the same level of technique as any other performer. In addition ballet as a style is about defying gravity with lightness and ease.

All dance looks best when the choreography, music, the costuming and most importantly the dancers physique complement each other. Obese women look especially beautiful when performing dances such as those from the Middle East and some forms of African dance for example. In these styles extra large hips and breasts emphasize the earth connection of the dance and its feel for fertility and life as a whole. A skinny woman doing "belly dancing" does not show the dance off to its' best advantage. I well remember a Middle Eastern dance workshop attended by one obese young woman. She moved with a grace and expressiveness which was accentuated by her ample curves. She outshone us all.

An ever larger proportion of the population is aware of the health hazards of obesity which is rapidly increasing in many parts of the world. Obesity is defined as being 20% or more of your ideal weight.Childhood obesity is a major cause of abnormal growth acceleration. Girls who are obese often start menstruating early and go through the menopause early. This problem in boys can lead to both early and delayed puberty. Gynecomastia (excessive development of the male breasts) is another common problem.

In adulthood obesity is a root cause of a number of forms of ill health such as heart disease, stoke, diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Gout and in women reproductive abnormalities are common, as is osteoarthritis of the knees and spine in both sexes. Every extra pound which a person gains puts four times the stress on their knees.

What is quite clear is that most of these groups of extremely overweight dancers practise discrimination. A dancer looses weight and he or she is out of the troupe in the same way as in some companies a dancer who is putting on weight is asked to leave - both represent extreme views.

It clearly is not helping dancers health wise to encourage them to put on weight again after they have lost weight through experiencing the health giving effects of dance.The human body clearly was not designed to carry large amounts of excess weight for a lifetime and remain healthy.

Both the anorexic and size zero body and that of massively overweight dancers are not sending out a picture of a long term healthy body. There needs to be a happy medium. I am utterly delighted that overweight dancers are proving that they can be agile, graceful, sensitive and aesthetically pleasing performers who give their audiences great pleasure.In many cases dance has brought feelings of self-worth and confidence to those who formerly lacked these qualities.

I am in total agreement with Marina Wolf Ahmad whose aim is to make dance all inclusive and everyone dances together.I have not had the pleasure of seeing any of the aforementioned groups perform live. For this reason it would be wrong for me to make any comments regarding the repertoire or technique of any of the companies. All my remarks have been of a general nature and not specifically aimed at any company in particular. Let us always allow dance to help us to transform peoples' attitudes and beliefs!

I implore obese dancers who are losing weight to fore go dancing with the company, but to continue dancing classes and losing weight. This is the path to long term health and fitness. Does anyone know of obese people who have reached a Ripe Old Age?

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FREE CHAPTERS FROM DANCE TO HEALTH HELP YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD THROUGH IMPROVISATIONAL DANCE

FORWARD

This book is about "How to..." but it's not about making money, the number one theme of most e-books. It 's about improving the Health and Wellbeing of your special needs child through Dance.

This manual is absolutely unique. It really is the only one of its kind! It is written to encourage and to help the parents and carers of children with special needs to set up their own Dance Movement therapy groups. No other professional Dance Movement therapist has suggested that this is possible.

Yes, I know - there are books on Dance Movement for the use of teachers in schools. But this is often using dance only to reinforce lesson work. This is a good thing but I offer MUCH more. It is also true that increasing numbers of dance schools welcome the child with special needs. Again this is a good thing but what is practiced is not necessarily Dance Movement Therapy. The dancing is usually geared towards the able-bodied ;majority with little or no adaptations for the child with special needs. The special needs children strive to reach often unobtainable standards. THIS DOES NOT ENCOURAGE THE CHILDREN TO ENJOY DANCE. My method is fun and totally in involves everyone in a relaxed atmosphere. This increases the children's feelings of self-worth and confidence to try new things. It is also good exercise which increases lung capacity, flexibility and improves posture.

Following my suggestions you can unlock the fountain of natural, joyous, spontaneous dance within your child. Movement which comes from deep within a person is a true expression of themselves. These movements truly express the person who is dancing and are never, ever ugly. Such dance strengthens the Mind,Body,Spirit connection. You will get to learn new things about your child and to deepen the bonds between you. You will be helping your child to realize his or her full potential. This manual has been written because I believe from the bottom of my heart that the parents of children with special needs can be taught to help their child through Dance Movement therapy.

Dance Movement therapy is gaining acceptance in general, but in many parts of the world is unobtainable, and in others expensive and hard to find. My suggestions can be made relevant to any culture in the world.

I hope that this manual will give you the confidence and know-how to start your own Dance Movement Therapy group.



STEP 1

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD USING DANCE MOVEMENT THERAPY

Now that I've told you something about myself I want to get right back to the purpose of this manual. I've already stated with total conviction that I think parents can become Dance Movement teachers to their children with special needs.
Why do I believe this?
Let me ask you some questions first:-

Do you desperately want to help your child who has special needs?

Are you looking for a method to calm/stimulate him or her?

Are you looking for a method to have a very deep level of communication with him or her?

Are you looking for ways to have fun and explore the potential of your child?

Are you looking for ways to help your child to integrate socially?

Are you looking for a way to improve your child's posture and co-ordination?

Are you looking for ways to give your child confidence and a feeling of self-worth?

If your answer to these questions is "Yes" then this manual is most definitely for you!

I really want to reassure you that you do NOT need to be a professionally trained dancer to be a successful Dance Movement Therapist. It is important though that you find enjoyment in dance. What is essential is to be able to recognize and understand the power of dance movement. To go from movement to dance is a smaller step than you might imagine. AND I intend to give you lots of tips as to how to do this.

Nearly all of us, even the most profoundly disabled, are often capable of a level of dance. You can dance using only your fingers and/or toes. All of us have an inbuilt ability to dance though clearly some people have greater talent than others.

ONE WORD OF WARNING! DO NOT EVER MANIPULATE A CHILD INTO A POSITION. These are not physiotherapy sessions, nor gymnastic sessions, nor formal dance lessons. These sessions are about self-expression through Dance Movement.

Also please be clear that Dance Movement Therapy is not necessarily going to be a cure in the medical sense but it can bring bout both physical and psychological improvement.

I implore you not to be frightened and put off by the idea of dance. You can move! I'll show you how to turn simple everyday movement into dance. Dance Movement Therapy is a wide ranging term and it can even lead into very physical games. Great emphasis is being laid on the fact that parents are capable of conducting Dance Movement sessions with their children who have special needs. This really is true in the main.
You will take to Dance Movement therapy like a duck to water if:-

You are open to new ideas

You have confidence in yourself

You are sociable and outgoing

You are intuitive

You enjoy music

You enjoy physical activity

You do not expect results overnight

IF

You are very introverted

Other peoples opinions are paramount in your life

You are unable to be yourself

You have difficulty communicating your thoughts and feelings

You are uncomfortable with physical contact

You are very conservative in your outlook

You have difficulty being spontaneous

then you may find things a little more difficult at the beginning. Just because someone is not immediately brilliant at something does not mean that the person is not deriving benefit from what they are doing. -You will receive great personal benefit from the sessions.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE


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HAVE A PARTY AND LEARN TO "DANCE IN OUR FOOTSTEPS" LIKE A TRUE SON OR DAUGHTER FROM THE AFRICAN CONTINENT.

Teach yourself Three Ghanaian Dances in this fun introduction to African Dance



African Dance is the perfect antidote to stress and that down-in-the-dumps feeling. Give yourself a tonic which leaves your Mind, Body and Spirit feeling refreshed and invigorated. Dance to the exhilirating rhythms of Africa. Nuna and Charlie are both beginners. If they can get the hang of it so can you. Have fun!

The instructors in the video teach at the Centre for National Culture, Tamale Ghana where the video was filmed.

Invite your friends round and learn the dances together! In a relaxed party-moood it's much easier to overcome any feelings of shyness or inhibitions about dance.Poor co-ordination can be overcome and so can two left feet. You don't need any dancing experience to successfullly "Dance in Our Footsteps". Nor do you have to be any particular shape, size or age. Let the music take over and you will have an enjoyable, relaxing time which will leave you feeling refreshed, de-stressed and uplifted. Your cares and worries will have been forgotten.

Dance is now recognized as an effective form of excercise. It can be a really excellent Mind-Body-and-Spirit workout. Dance is the key to keeping ones body and brain healthy as we age. Bones and muscles are strengthened without stressing the joints. Cardio-vascular efficiency is improved. Dance tones the whole body and improves posture and balance. It also greatly assists people both in losing and maintaining their weight which in turn helps in preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, gallbladder disease, depression and some forms of cancer.

A person weighing 147 lbs loses 3.5 calories per minute. Therefore 45 minutes dancing would burn up 157 calories which is equivalent to about half a chocolate bar.

However, a word of caution. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions please seek medical advice before using this video:-

Do you have a heart condition and your doctor recommended that you consult before undertaking an exercise program?

Do you have chest pains when you do physical activity?

In the past month have you suffered chest pains while not doing physical activity?

Do you suffer from dizziness and balance problems?

Do you have bone or joint problems made worse by changes of physical activity levels?

Are you taking prescription drugs for blood pressure or a heart condition?

Any other reasons (such as pregnancy) which make you wonder if this physical activity might not be good for you?

I am a Dance and Movement Therapist and Cultural Anthropologist who has lived and worked in England, Ghana and Nigeria.

I really hope you enjoy "Dance in Our Footsteps".

P.S To help the party along you can download some ghanaian receipes for free.

blogarama.com

May Day Dances

Maypole dances occur as part of May Day celebrations in many parts of the world. Traditions associated with this day include young people spending the last night of April out in the open and away from the town. They returned before sunrise bringing flowering branches to decorate the village buildings.

May Day was known as Beltane in Celtic times. It is a pagan rite celebrating the arrival of spring. In Medieval and Tudor times May Day was a holiday with great merry-making. A young girl was chosen as May Queen often with a May King. They represented fertility. They were crowned with hawthorn and may blossoms and they both presided over the festivities which included eating, drinking, games, "mummers" (plays) and of course dancing.

The celebration of May Day was banned by the English parliament in 1644 as immoral but was re-instated after the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.

The maypole tradition appears in most Germanic countries, and in areas bordering them, as well as in countries invaded by Germanic tribes after the fall of the Roman Empire (such as Spain, France and Italy). However the tradition enjoys the greatest popularity in Germany, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Finland , and Sweden. Today maypole dances http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com/folk-dances.html) do not involve the general public in the United States today. But maypole dances very similar to those in the U.K are an important part of many High School dances as part of May Day Celebrations.

In England, Morris and other local folk dances took place around a tree, most commonly a hawthorn that had been cut down, stripped of its bark and brought into the center of the village In the sixteenth century maypoles were a genuine symbol of community. They were often the focus of rivalry between villagers who would steal one another's poles.

After the pole was installed it was wound round with garlands and sometimes painted. These were the early ribbon-less maypoles. By the twentieth century maypole dancing with ribbon plaiting was well established.

Some poles have fixed ribbons, others have one or two revolving rings with ribbons attached to them. The dancers hold the end of the ribbon with their outer hand while the inner hand, nearest the pole directs the ribbon from further up. The dancers skip or gallop around each other making a woven pattern along the length of the pole, which is then reversed so that the ribbons can be unwound again. Between eight and twenty dancers are said to be the best number. Both sexes can take part.

I remember doing such a dance as a child. We were dressed in Greek style tunics in a hideous shade of green and we danced barefoot. I can still recall the feeling of pleasure as I looked up and saw the patterns we had formed around the pole with the coloured ribbons.

There are a number of well-known ribbon-plaiting dances such as the Grand Chain. In this dance partners face each other and weave in and out on the beat. In the Barber's Pole the girls make a complete revolution around the pole while the boys stand still and vice versa. These dances make a plait against the pole.

There are other dances which form a plait away from the pole. In Gypsy's Tent, girls dance once around their partner, moving on to each subsequent boy until a "tent" is formed with the ribbons. Spiders Web forms a web around the pole. Jacob's Ladder makes two "ladders" down the pole and Pyramid is a variation of this, forming four ladders.

Younger children usually dance around the pole without using ribbons. It should be perfectly feasible to create a version for children who have special needs including wheelchair users.

There is no specific music for maypole dancing. Traditionally, in England these dances were led by Morris Dancers. They played the tunes they knew. Each village had its own dance(s) with regional variations. Any genre of English folk music or Morris tune is suitable. Also suitable is Celtic/Irish folk music, anything with a fiddle, pipe, tabor, accordion or concertina. Jigs are good for fast walking or skipping steps. Marches and reels are suitable for walking steps. Waltzes suit more elegant types of walking. Also appropriate are traditional Appalachian/Bluegrass instrumental music or even music from the Tudor/Elizabethan age. The recommended tempo is about 110 beats per minute.

About forty villages in the U.K today still have a permanent maypole used to celebrate may day.

Susan Kramer (http://www.bellaonline.com) gives details of two maypole dances. One using polka steps and the other skipping. No dance or musical experience is necessary. Her instructions are very simple and clear.
Waverly Fitzgerald (http://www.schooloftheseasons.com)has some lovely ideas for mayday gifts. She suggests giving packets of seeds symbolizing qualities she felt would enhance the lives of the recipients and then leaving them on doorsteps with a label wishing the person "Happy May Day". She also sends homemade cards created by making collages of pictures from flower catalogs and gardening magazines. Floral scented soaps and bubble baths are also suggested as appropriate gifts.


MAYPOLE LINKS

For Musicians looking for Sheet Music that would be Appropriate for Maypole Dancing, see the following website
http://www.ucolick.org/~sla/morris/abclib.html

To see Online Video Footage of Maypole Dancing, visit the following website and search "maypole"
http://www.bu.edu/dbin/dance/
and
http://searchforvideo.com/entertainment/dance/maypole-dance/51k-27aor2007

For Historic Images of Maypole dancing visit:
http://www.lyndonirwin.com/maypole.html

For Kits to Make your Own Maypole visit:
http://www.maypoles.com/

For a Variety of Topics Relating to Maypoles visit:
http://mrm.trunkles.net/Maypole.html:

A Unique African Dance DVD

African Dance is the perfect antidote to stress and that down-in-the-dumps feeling. Give yourself a tonic which leaves your Mind, Body and Spirit feeling refreshed and invigorated. Dance to the exhilarating rhythms of Africa. Nuna and Charlie are both beginners. If they can get the hang of it so can you. Have fun!

The instructors in the video teach at the Centre for National Culture, Tamale Ghana where the video was filmed.

Invite your friends round and learn the dances together! In a relaxed party-mood it's much easier to overcome any feelings of shyness or inhibitions about dance.Poor co-ordination can be overcome and so can two left feet. You don't need any dancing experience to successfully "Dance in Our Footsteps". Nor do you have to be any particular shape, size or age. Let the music take over and you will have an enjoyable, relaxing time which will leave you feeling refreshed, de-stressed and uplifted. Your cares and worries will have been forgotten.

Dance is now recognized as an effective form of exercise. It can be a really excellent Mind-Body-and-Spirit workout. Dance is the key to keeping ones body and brain healthy as we age. Bones and muscles are strengthened without stressing the joints. Cardio-vascular efficiency is improved. Dance tones the whole body and improves posture and balance. It also greatly assists people both in losing and maintaining their weight which in turn helps in preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, gallbladder disease, depression and some forms of cancer.

A person weighing 147 lbs loses 3.5 calories per minute. Therefore 45 minutes dancing would burn up 157 calories which is equivalent to about half a chocolate bar.

However, a word of caution. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions please seek medical advice before using this video:-

Do you have a heart condition and your doctor recommended that you consult before undertaking an exercise program?

Do you have chest pains when you do physical activity?

In the past month have you suffered chest pains while not doing physical activity?

Do you suffer from dizziness and balance problems?

Do you have bone or joint problems made worse by changes of physical activity levels?

Are you taking prescription drugs for blood pressure or a heart condition?

Any other reasons (such as pregnancy) which make you wonder if this physical activity might not be good for you?

I am a Dance and Movement Therapist and Cultural Anthropologist who has lived and worked in England, Ghana and Nigeria.

I really hope you enjoy "Dance in Our Footsteps".

P.S To help the party along you can download some Ghanaian recipes for free.

"Dance in Our Footsteps" can be purchased from:-

Click here to buy my DVDs
or
http://www.lulu.com/content/5418026
You may enjoy my book of children's stories "Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me" by Dzagbe Cudjoe available through Amazon.com
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Liturgical Dance

Liturgical dance is being increasingly re-introduced into services of Christian worship. Behind the choreography is the belief that the dance must be a heartfelt expression of faith and prayer. It is a physical expression of worship.Young people especially need to see a connection between body, movement and spirit. The aim is not to dazzle audiences but to deepen their religious experience,to make dance a prayer. However, the dance must not become such a personal expression that it means nothing in particular to the rest of the congregation.

Liturgical dance can include Folk dance, modern dance, jazz, interpretive dance, spontaneous dance, and circle dance to name a few. There are many starting points for the choreography . For example a song which has "danceability" and allows the word to be interpreted as movement. The dancers could also move to the music and see what emerges. Facial expression is also important. Sign language can be used as a basis to create dance moves. Some Christian church groups have been inspired to create dance by the exercises of St.Ignatius Loyola.

The dance can express many aspects of worship. Praise where the dancers are offering thanksgiving. Worship when intimacy between the performers would be expressed through reverent, yielding movements.There are celebratory dances and those expressing the fight against evil which would be forceful, bold and full of confidence. Expressing travail and trouble would suggest movements conveying reaching out to God for help, guidance, direction and relief.

Simplicity and humility are characteristics which are emphasized. Liturgical choreographers have to carefully integrate their choreography into rites that have been established for generations. All works have to be created with the peculiarities of each sanctuary's architecture. Sometimes obstacles such as stairs have to be taken into account. Sometimes the altar is in the middle of the dancing space and must be worked into the choreography.

Dance might accompany the entrance of the clergy and choir into the church, might replace the sermon, serve as a meditation or accompany an ancient prayer.

Christian women's groups are at the forefront of introducing liturgical dance. Interpreting scripture through movement can in fact be done by anyone, anywhere. Neither physical ability or experience with dance are required. Dancers need to work together for a significant period of time before dancing in the actual service. This develops rapport between dancers in both faith and movement. If there are great differences in technical ability then the choreography must be levelled at the least experienced to preserve integrity of movement and its meaning.

Some groups only dance for their own congregations while others tour to other places of worship.There are congregations who are involving the youth in dance, fitness and nutrition education. Christian based dance schools impart character development, self-discipline, self-control and self-esteem. The students are taught in a positive atmosphere with strong dance technique. Some dance ensembles have women's groups, young adults and children's groups.

Many videos, articles and books exist with instructional material for liturgical dance.

What liturgical dancers wear is not a costume. It is a garment of praise, symbolic and meaningful in design, colors and fabrics .Modesty is the key. There is much advice on the type of undergarments, the depth of necklines and the appropriate length of dresses and skirts.

The International Christian Dance Fellowship is an ecumenical fellowship that links individuals and organizations involved in dance and movement ministries around the world.


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Dance Can Be An Effective Tool in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is already a very serious and disturbing problem in the United States of America and many parts of Europe where obesity in general is increasing.The problem looks set to spread to other parts of the world as their standard of living improves.A diet with a high fat, sugar and salt intake and a sedentary lifestyle have all been major contributing factors in childhood obesity. As a result children are getting Type 2 diabetes and other illnesses usually associated with middle age. We have a generation of children who may well die before their parents.

It seems that the present generation is no longer keen on traditional competitive team games. Modern technology has led to children wanting to entertain themselves and to be personally in charge of the activity. Television and computer games loom large in their lives.

Overweight and obese children need to follow a strict weight loss regime and take increased exercise to help burn up the calories. The difficulty is that children who have a problem with their weight don't enjoy the changes in their eating habits and are unenthusiastic about exercise. Cajoling, bribery, and threats do not work. The trick is to find an activity which burns calories but is not necessarily immediately seen as exercise. It also needs to be interesting and fun. This is where dance comes into its' own as a calorie burning aerobic form of exercise.

Dance, partially due to television shows, is now the "in" way to exercise. Increasing numbers of people are using dance workouts as a way of exercising. You don't need to be a great dancer to enjoy the health benefits of dancing. The main purpose is to enjoy moving to music and music plays a large role in young peoples lives these days

Dancing can be a really good Mind-Body-Spirit workout. Physical activity in general keeps body and brain healthy by increasing the amounts of brain chemicals that encourage nerve cells to grow. Dance helps people of all ages and physical limitations to get and stay in shape. There is chair and wheelchair dancing for people (including children) who have mobility difficulties.

The benefits of dancing are the same as other low-impact weight bearing activities such as walking fast, cycling or aerobics. This form of exercise also strengthens bones and muscles without stressing the joints. It tones the whole body and improves posture and balance. There is an increase in stamina and flexibility and a reduction in stress and tension which are often a problem for overweight children.

There are numerous forms of dance which may appeal to children and which could help in the battle against childhood obesity

Hip Hop and Capoeira are two dance forms which children may find appealing. Capoeira is a Brazilian hybrid dance and martial art. Cardio Capoeira is very challenging indeed. An exercise session involves heavy sparring (i.e dancing ) that can be done either solo or with a partner. It involves a lot of kicking, spinning and cartwheels. In this workout the buttocks, quadriceps and hamstrings are really exercised due to the multiple repetitions of a deep side-to-side lunge which links one capoeira movement to the next.

Cardio Salsa is a low-impact but high intensity workout combining prcise, fast-paced Latin choreography - merengue, mambo, cha-cha, samba - with traditional aerobic dance steps (such as the grapevine), repeated lunges, and arm raises. The great advantage of this exercise programme is that what is learned can be practised on the dance floor. Knowing the steps and being able to move to complex rhythms is likely to increase self-confidence and poise.

Masala Bhangra , is a challenging workout, based on the traditional folk dance of India. It involves a choreographed series of hops, foot stomping and hip gyrations accompanied by hip-hop influenced bhangra music and live drumming. Most moves are performed while vigorously shaking the arms at 45 degree angles to the side of the body and doing multiple, rapid-fire shoulder raises. This form of dance workout results in firm arms and sculpted shoulders. The same sort of classes are also known as Bhangra Aerobics.

There is now a dance form which is proving highly popular with people in general and is proving to be a great hit with children. The video game Dance Dance Revolution (D.D.R) is made by Konami of Japan where it was located in arcades in that country.It is now more usually played on Sony's Playstation 2 and Microsoft's box game consoles.
There are a number of other games such as Red Octanes's In the Groove, Pump It Up, Exceed, Dance Along and Para Para Paradise.

The video game Dance Dance Revolution and other such games may be a means of helping children loose weight. As a song plays (and all sorts of music is suitable) arrows pointing forward, back, left and right, appear on the screen in various sequences and combinations. The players must step on the matching arrows on a mat on the floor. Players can dance by themselves, with a partner or in competition

Some states in the U.S are already using it as a regular part of their physical education curriculum. Dance Dance Revolution offers excercise without children having to possess the skills demanded by sport and games. As a result it appeals to children across the board.

A study was carried out last year in Rochester, Minn. an area which has a particularly severe problem with childhood obesity. The research team from the Mayo Clinic found that children playing Dance Dance Revolution used significantly more energy than children watching television and playing traditional video games. D.D.R does meet standards for aerobic fitness by raising the heart rate sufficiently for the required period of time.

In Redmond, Oregon In the Groove was installed in third and fourth grade classrooms for a five-month study. The most "at risk" students were chosen to become "Groove Masters", mentors to other children. Some of the results from the study included:-

1. Absenteeism dropped by more than 50%

2. 85% of the mentors grew in social skills

3. 94% of the students who took part showed increases in leadership skills and confidence, which increased self-esteem and improved academic performance.

4. 4th grade students who took part in the study improved their mile run by 13.8%

5.Students became more enthusiastic about sports, fitness and dance,

The games were shown to give a good aerobic workout and to assist in weight loss, a very important factor in the battle against childhood obesity.

Dr Debra Liebermann of the Dept. of Communications, at UC Santa Barbara calls this video activity "exergaming". She described Dance Dance Revolution as a game, a social activity, a dance and performance platform, a workout and weight loss tool, and a classroom and workplace activity. She lists a number of reasons for its appeal:- the games challenges, the music, the joy of movement, the work out, and social interactions.

There are versions that allow aerobic instructors to work with a group.

Dr Liebermann's conclusions regarding these games was that they "make a very positive contribution to player's stress management, weight management, fitness and health".

This is perhaps a form of dance which will be acceptable to overweight children in that it is a fun happening which they will be happy to take part in.

Parents do take medical advice before putting your overweight child on a diet and exercise programme.

If children are not immediately attracted to a specific kind of dance - experiment. There's a dance out there for everyone. Have fun finding it!

http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/DonnetteDavisSMMarketing

1000 hands kuan yin dance(Goddess of Mercy) dance

This dance is called "Buddha with thousand hands".
It is performed by
a group of Chinese girls who are both deaf and
mute.They dance by
reading the signs given by the 2 teachers standing
at each side of
the stage, They are so famous now that they are
being invited by
countries around the world at $400,000 a
performance.

The flow of life's energies in dance is a source of endless fascination to me. Here the core energy is very strong and flows through the dancers fingers uniting them as a beautiful whole.

http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com

http://www.squidoo.com/St-Aidens-Homeschool

Slide Show of my Trip to South Africa

Trip to South Africa My Thoughts on Life, People and Politics

I arrived in South Africa under the impression that everything functioned with the efficiency associated with an industrialized society. This was a misconception on my part.

When I arrived, Donnette, whose work depends entirely on the internet had not had e-mail access for two weeks as Telcomsa was having problems. The telephone landlines are totally erratic. Getting anything fixed involved many long and expensive calls on a cell phone reporting the problem. Getting to someone who actually knew what they were talking about was a long, frustrating process.

People in the service sector, in the main were,pleasant enough and there were some who positively bowled me over with their charm. But businesses do not seem, to me at least, to be interested in creating long term customers The emphasis is on the here and now. Donnette and I went to print flyers. We were charged separately for 10 minutes of computer time, downloading the pdf file and printing the files - Fair enough. Donnette then asked the assistent if he would guillotine the pages. Yes, he could at fifty cents per page. Donnette and the assistants started laughing at the shocked expression on my face. We only had a few pages so Donnette did the job. The things that can be charged for as extras are amazing showing great ingenuity.

Public services which fail to offer a regular, efficient service are particularly fierce when it comes to settling bills. If customers are even one day late in settling telephone, water or electricity bills the service is disconected and a 50% late charge added.

Another misconception of mine was as to how the countryside and people would look. Perhaps I have watched too many wildlife programmes filed in the dry season when all looks, brown and dessicated. My visit co-incided with an exceptionally wet summer which had led to rivers bursting their banks. KwaZulu Natal is incredibly beautiful and was a radiant green while I was there. It soon became apparent to me how many common English garden plants are actually indigenous to Southern Africa. The trees were of indigenous species unknown (or so it seemed to me) in West Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains rose in the background and the landscape in a strange way reminded me of parts of England - no wonder English settlers were attracted here. I never stopped exclaming how beautiful the views were.

The West African urban street scene is vibrant, bustling and colourful. The areas if Pietermarizberg that it was safe to visit were dull and lifeless as if time had stood still. It had not always been like that I was assured. Many people remembered a time when it was safe to sit in a park or attend some event or other. It was only later that I realized central Pietermaritzberg (the capital of KwaZulu Natal) must have been very much a "White" area in the days of apartheid.

To experience a more lively atmosphere it is necessary to venture into what were formerly the areas exclusive to the "Indians" and "Blacks". In West Africa people are out and about wearing bright prints fashioned into traditional garments. At least in the areas of KwaZulu Natal which I visited people were dressed in a very drab and uninteresting manner. I realize that there are still beautiful traditional costumes which are worn on special occassions. My remark is specific to everyday wear.
Women from the less affluent groups seemed to all wear long skirts or dresses with what to my eyes was an odd assortment of accompanying garments. I remember one "Zulu" lady wrapped in a heavy winter coat proceeding with great dignity along the road. She looked like a Guy Fawkes figure but was quite beautiful in her dignity and strength.

I have never in my life encountered so many seriously overweight people of both sexes. I was told that this is due to poor diet on the part of both the "Afrikaans" and "Zulu" populations. The "Afrikaaners" and "White" population in general love meat - biltong (dried meat) boereworse (sausage), droe worse (dry salami) and incredibly calorific pastries such as koeksister (a fried plaited sweet soaked in syrup). There are advertisements for slimming salons and slimming pills and potions everywhere. I did not gain the impression that exercise was on such peoples agenda. Having made that comment there were many young people to be seen out cycling and jogging.

The Zulu diet is very heavy on carbohydrates and people seem to gain weight even though they work hard physically. What really upset me was seeing children who are already reaching morbidly obese proportions. The link between obesity and ill health does not seem to be made.

Everyone is affected by the Global Economic Recession. Young people of all races are trying to emigrate and find jobs overseas. The New Constitution of South Africa is not, very unfortunately, a level playing field for all its citizens. I was informed that "Whites" are not eligible for state child maintenance or for free schooling or free health care.. If this is so (while personally understanding the psychology behind the ruling) still cannot condone any laws which do not give all citizens equal rights. While it may be that "White" South Africans still belong to the more affluent strata of society there are many who are struggling to pay school fees and pay medical bills. Not everyone can afford medical insurance. I know of people who can no longer afford to buy their long-term prescribed medication.

As everywhere there are always people who are not prepared to do anything to help themsleves. There is a well known "White" woman who stands in the middle of the road at a crossroads holding a cardboard sign. She is a beggar and has operated on this spot for years. Morning and evening she is transported to and from her pitch by car. She owns a house. Many years ago the owner of a local restaurant offered to train her as a waitress. He was prepared to pay her a basic wage (not normally offered) and said she would also get commission. The offer was refused because the woman maintained she could make more money by begging. I was not able to find out who actually gave her money. One suggestion was that the "Indian" Muslim community might be generous to her.

KwaZulu Natal has the largest population of "Indian" origin in South Africa. Some people have been in South Africa for so long that where they came from on the Indian subcontinent is unknown to them and they have never been out of South Africa. There are two distinct groups some being Muslims and others Hindu. Many people of "Indian"descent feel that their contribution in the struggle against apartheid has not been sufficiently recognized and that they are still discriminated against.

The Malls are filled with frail, ancient and often disabled "White" South Africans. Somewhat to my surprise I felt deeply sorry for them. It is not easy in the later years of life to adjust to massive social and economic changes.

In the same way I felt incredibly sad at the thought that so many "Black" South Africans are still without basic amenities, schools and often without hope. Things are improving but the question is will they improve fast enough for the masses who were promised so much.

All the people who I met on my trip were open and friendly - truly delightful. But it will always be a searing pain and deep sadness to me that I as a fellow African was never able to meet any "Black" South Africans on a social basis. My friends one "White" one "Indian" do not see and have never seen people in terms of colour. They behave in the same friendly and courteous manner to everyone. One friend got herself into trouble with the authorities for helping "Black" South Africans . The father of my other friend was a political activist who had to flee the country and spent twenty years in exile in England.

Once this friend and I were on our way to the Ladies rest Room with women of all colours when I remarked that not so long ago we would all have had to use different facilities. My friend started to tell me about that period. Suddenly I felt that the subject would be too painful for both of us and I backed off.

Apartheid created for South Africans a life where everything from birth to death was regulated by skin colour. Real social contact between groups became virtually impossible. Now South Africa finds itself in a position where people do want to get to know each other but do not necessarily know how to build bridges. It appeared to me that the different groups do not seem to know a great deal about one another. Out of this diversity a common South African culture needs to be built. A culture which everyone can identify with. The "Rainbow Nation" still lies in the future.

This will clearly not happen overnight. Schools are integrated and all pupils must learn Afrikaans and an African language. This is a big step forward but real integration will take time. I went to South Africa to promote my children's book "Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me" but I would dearly love to return to do work connected with culture and education or lecturing teachers on the benefits of Dance and Movement Therapy for children with Special Needs.

http:www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/journey-South-Africa-book-launch

Thoughts on My Trip to South Africa - Security

My first few weeks in south Africa to publicize my children's book were spent in a state of extreme culture shock. Nothing was as I had been led to believe - not even the weather. It was winter in Andalucia, Spain when I left for what was supposed to be mid-summer in South Africa. The first few days were so cold I ended up wearing the same winter clothes I had arrived in. And it rained and rained and rained.

Though I had lived and worked in West Africa I knew that South Africa was very different. One of my misconceptions was that I would be able to take public transport and travel around on my own. It was soon made clear to me that this did not come into question. It was far too dangerous.

At this point I must emphasize that anything I write is based on my experiences in a suburb of Pietermaritzberg. What I describe may or may not be representative of of South Africa in general.

Security is everybody's overriding concern. I had expected security to be an issue but not to the extent that it is. Every house seems to have strong fencing topped by razor wire and most have electric gates. Prominently displayed signs reading "Twenty Four hour surveillance. Armed response" are standard.Armed response means just what it says. In addition most people in the area have terrifyingly large guard dogs. My hostesses neighbour has two ferocious mastiffs. Apparently before buying or renting a property the first consideration is the security arrangements.

I know that I am going to really upset many people by using the terms "White", "Black", "Indian" etc but the fact of the matter is that it is not yet possible to describe the situation in South Africa without employing these terms. There are no value or moral judgments attached to my use of these terms.

All the shopping malls have tight security. Armed guards are positioned outside banks and ATM's. Security personnel in the malls are well trained and have found themselves involved in shoot outs. A shop in a mall with bullet damage which was pointed at to me. An outlet in a mall was selling guns and had the most vicious-looking , large knives on display. I noticed one guard was wearing navy combat gear who was standing with his arms held clear of his torso like a cowboy in a film at the start of a shoot out. He reminded me of a perfect, efficient android. The steely watchfullness in all the guards eyes made my hair stand on end. South African security personnel are much sought after in the Middle East.

The police are also much in evidence. They are very well paid and enjoy benefits such as good health insurance, generous housing mortgages and the use of a police vehicle.

The local paper seemed to regularly feature details of robberies (mostly with violence). While I was there a shoot out occurred in Pietermaritzberg which caused two fatalities. The incident was suspected to be connected to "taxi wars".

One afternoon we were all sitting at home when there was a sharp report from further up the road. When I enquired what it was Donnette replied completely unperturbed that it was a gunshot.

People seem to take the violence calmly and fatalistically . They avoid certain areas of town, take all security precautions knowing full well that really determined burglars will get in anyway. Such times bring out the best and worst in people.

Coffee with Lovely People

18th March, 2009

Julie, Sue (a friend of Julie's and a housemother at Wycliffe School) and Julie's psychologist niece who had worked at the Oprah Winfrey School met for coffee this morning.

Julie's niece is very like her mother who works at the Esther Payne Smith School. She is a dynamic person who is looking for challenges. She is also obviously highly principled and is just the sort of person the new South Africa needs. It was very interesting and illuminating for me just listening to her.

Donnette, the kids and I were sitting talking when suddenly there was a sharp sound which Donnette said was a gunshot. The direction of the sound came from a bit further up our road. Donnette remained unperturbed by the situation which, even in this upmarket residential area is not uncommon.

The electricity kept coming and going all evening.

21st March,2009

This was a very sad day indeed as I said a tearful goodbye to Donnette and the children all of whom I had become very fond of indeed. This is a relationship which will continue into the future and I look forward to welcoming them all to my home.

This has all been more of a record of what I did rather than what I thought. My thoughts need more time.

http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Donnette

A Flying Visit to Durban

16th March,2009

Julie on the spur of the moment asked her brother-in-law, who happened to have a free day, if he would drive us all to Durban in her car. He very good naturedly agreed. I was absolutely delighted by the idea as I had begun to feel that I wouldn't get a chance to visit Durban before I left.

Our fist stop was "uShaka Marine World". Described as "a massive new investment in improving the southern beach front area. Filling a previously run-down 16 hectar site in the Point, the showcase R700million theme-park opened on 30th April,2004. Divided into several areas (Sea World, Wet n' Wild World and uShaka Beach), the park boasts one of the world's largest aquariums, the biggest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere, a seal stadium, Africa's largest dolphinarium, marine animals and exhibits, a mock-up 1940's steamer wreck, a shopping centre, fresh water rides and a beach featuring activities from surfing lessons to kayaking."

It was very quiet as it was a week day. We simply walked through the architecturally interesting main walkway to the beach. There were free pushchairs for infants and wheelchairs for the disabled and there were ramps everywhere. A plethora of high quality shops and resurants lined the Promenade.

We walked down to the beach though we stayed on the walkways. Due to the prolonged, heavy rain the sea was very brown looking. There were a few hardy sould swimming and surfing. We could see ships coming into the harbour and a number waiting their turn out at sea. Durban's harbour is the busiest in Southern Africa and the ninth busiest in the world.

There were a number of sculptors who had created some rather good sand sculptures. I wonder what they will produce for the World Cup in 2010?

As we walked back to the car I looked into numerous shops for presents and found some nice things.

We then drove to the area where there were large numbers of sleek motor boats both private and for charter. Here it was possible to take trips around the harbour and go shark watching.

We went to the Promenade so I could have my photograph taken in a rickshaw by a rickshaw puller in full Zulu regalia. "In 1904 there were about 2000 registered rickshaw pullers, and it was an important means of transport."

After this we headed back to Pietermaritzberg just avoiding the rush hour.

I spent the night with Julie sleeping in her granddaughters four-poster bed decorated with fairies and butterflies.

The "Asian" Residential Area of Pietermaritzberg, South Africa

14th March, 2009

Julie took me to Northdale which was and still is the "Asian" area of Pietermaritzberg. There are mosques and Hindu temples as well as Christian churches. She showed me what had been her marital home. The whole area still has a certain dignity about it and one can imagine the area in the days of its glory. Squatter camps have spring up and have increased residents security fears. Also as the camps have no sanitation they are very unhygienic. Periodically the camps are closed and people are moved on.

Julie also took me to the Debi Northdale market. this is a market run by "Indians" mainly for "Indians". You would not think that you are in Africa. Quite a few of the vegetables were unknown to me. Everything was wonderfully fresh and appetizing looking.There were stalls selling fresh fish and seafood, meat, clothes, hair and beauty products and the necessities of life in general. There was an astonishing spice shop which smelt wonderful. It also had kitchen utensils some so large that they could be used to feed the five thousand. It is a daily market but really comes into its' own at the weekends.

http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Donnette

Which country am I in - South Africa or England?

13th March, 2009

To-day was the swimming gala at Wycliffe School. Julie invited me along to see her eldest granddaughter perform. The composition of the spectators was predominantly "white" with a small number of "Asian" families and very, very few "Black" families.

I sat on a chair by the side of the swimming pool in a state of total disorientation. I was surrounded by buildings and beautifully manicured lawns and flower bed such as I associate with expensive, private girls' boarding schools in the South of England.

The sports staff were all striding around in short pleated navy blue skirts and white ankle socks. My feelings of deja vu were intense. Although educational standards at the school are exceptionally high I do wonder what sort of preparation is offered for life in the future South Africa. The school did buy a copy of "Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me" so perhaps that's a promising sign.

Inclusion or exclusion is no longer on the grounds of colour but of finance.
Now available through Amazon.com
http://www.strategicbookmarketing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Donnette

Visit to a Secondary School in Pietermaritzberg,South Africa

12th March,2009

Julie had made arrangements with her sister-in-law for us to visit Esther Payne Smith Secondary School where she teaches. The school is in the Northdale area of Pietermaritzberg which used to be an Asian area. The school in days past had an excellent reputation.

Julie and I drove up to the entrance which is topped by razor wire as is the surrounding boudary fence. The gate was finally opened by a rather surly security guard. The boundaries of the property were littered with rubbish, unswept leaves were everywhere. One building was in a state of dereliction with part of its' corrugated iron roof missing, glass was absent from many windows which were boarded up and covered with graffiti. There were holes in the ceiling in the passageways.

We were met by Julie's sister-in-law who told us of the difficulties the school faces, There is electricity only in the Headmasters' office, there are no administrative staff, no photocopying or other office equipment and the one computer has to be kept in the safe.The science block is unused with thick layers of dust covering everything and chairs lying at sixes and sevens everywhere. A globe of the world lay on its side on the floor. The staff room was like a prison waiting room.

The pupils are mainly from the nearby squatter camp or have been rejected by schools in their own area of Pietermaritzberg.The majority of pupils were tidily dressed wearing clean school uniforms.

The first classroom Julie and I went into was predominately a class of boys. Despite a highly energetic teacher they were very apathetic and generally disinterested in everything. One girl arrived late wearing a short skirt and a condescending attitude.

We visited a few other classes and in each when I spoke I emphasized that education is vital to their future lives and urged them to make full use of all opportunities which come their way. Questions were invited but only a few were put to me.

the Headmaster Chris Ndlela had made time in his hectic schedule to have a few words with us. He is also Provincial Chairperson of SADTU (South African Democratic Teachers Union). Mr Ndlela is a can-do person who possess both insight into the problems the school faces and is finding creative solutions to rectify them. There had recently been a high profile visit from a representative from the Department of Education which intends to channel additional funds to the school. The Department of Education is highly impressed by the school because despite its' lack of facilities the exam pass rate is impressive.

I had been absolutely in awe of the entire staff's enthusiasm and dedication and Mr Ndela repeatedly emphasized how important this was in getting the school moving forward and upward. Julie and I signed the Visitors Book which goes back to the schools foundation in 1926. I also presented the school with a copy of "Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me".

Julie's sister-in-law later told us that the teachers we hadn't visited had been very disappointed not to meet us. Apparently our visit had had a very uplifting effect on the staff. She also mentioned the fact that a number of pupils had told her that they had wanted to ask me questions but had been frightened to do so in case the questions were considered to be stupid. This made me realize that I should have behaved in a much more interactive and reassuring manner.

I came away with great admiration for the entire staff who all have a true vocation.

http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html Now available through Amazon.com
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Donnette

11th March,2009

I had a very good walk starting at 6.00am. My guide saw a jackal. I now understand why normally sane tourists do stupid things like approaching lions for a close-up photograph. On hearing the word "jackal" in a state of high excitement I started moving forward without a thought to any potentially dangers. Needless to say the jackal vanished before I even got a glimpse of it.

Tala really wasn't worth the money. There is absolutely nothing to do in the evenings - no wildlife information or books which one could consult. As I was the only person actually staying the three days were more than sufficient. It had the plus that except for one occassion I had the game rangers entirely to myself and we had many interesting conversations.

Donnette came to collect me and she took close up shots of a rhino. When we were back home I told her that there were no black rhino in the park. I had been informed that the rhinos were white. Donnette was adamant that the rhino she had photographed was a black rhino. I mentioned that the creature had not been in an area where one would expect to find black rhino. But then I recalled that the rhino had a completely different horn to the ones which I had photographed earlier. It had indeed been a black rhino and I hadn't bothere to photograph it even though I could have got a really good shot! (Subsequently I found a picture of a black rhinocerus which I had taken.) It's the one above.

"Zulu Mpophomeni Tourism Experience"

In the tourist office in Howick I picked up a glossy, attractively produced pamphlet entitled "Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Experience - Traditional Zulu hospitality. Under History is the following information:-"The Zulu-Mpophomeni Experience serves as a unique metaphor for the miracle in South Africa. Mpophomeni was founded in 1972 when the original settlement was moved under the segregationist policies of the apartheid government. There was much unhappiness about the move and the farmer whose land was expropriated committed suicide and his ashes scattered over the land.

Mpophomeni housed most of the workers at the British Tyre and Rubber Plant in Howick and in 1984, a massive strike was called to protest low wages. The entire workforce was fired and some of the shop stewards were subsequently shot.

A wall of Reconciliation was built to commemorate the 120 people who died in the violence and fittingly, is named after Nokulunga Gumede, the five year old who was run over by a military vehicle during the cycle of violence."

There was mention of Township Tours which included visits to the Wall of Reconciliation, an old farmhouse, and income-generating projects as part of community development. As well as a visit to a Sangoma (traditional Healer), a cemetery, Shembe Traditional Church and cultural activities such as Zulu dance and Township jive.

Accomodation is offered in thirteen private homes with comfortable en-suite Bed and Breakfast accomodation, which includes double,twin and single beds.

Donnette had never visited the village so we set off with two of her children for our "Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Experience." We were all full of anticipation as we drove through the breathtaking countryside. We turned off the main road when we saw a sign for the "Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Experience".

Suddenly we were in another world and for the first time on this trip I met Africa as I know it. I looked like everyone else. I was no longer a black face amongst a majority of white ones as in the shopping malls. No longer were the only "black" faces seen in town packing bags in supermarkets, cutting the verges, pushing and carrying and cleaning. Donnette and her two children perched on the back seat of the car were now a very obvious minority.

My heart lifted with delight at seeing goats and chickens and dogs with litters of puppies roaming around freely. Rows of neat houses lined one side of the road.

We drove confidently down the road for about two miles and then came to what appeared to be the centre of the town. We saw absolutely nothing that gave any information as to the Mpophomeni Experience. We were keenly aware that we were being carefully observed by a very wary population. I wanted to photograph the long queue of people waiting for transport but felt that this would not be appreciated by the townspeople so I didn't

I was automatically addressed in Zulu (a lovely language) and people looked bewildered when I said that I didn't speak the language. Donnette managed to find someone who spoke English and finally a young man with a car said we should follow him. A slightly inebriated gentleman squeezed onto the back seat with the children. We drove back the way we had come and the car we were following stopped in front of the community centre. We said a friendly goodbye to both men.

Truth to tell by this time we were all rather apprehensive and mystified. People we had actually spoken to were perfectly friendly but the general atmosphere was not. It was so odd that no one appeared to have heard of the Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Experience which was supposed to take place in their small town.

Donnette said that she didn't feel safe and I reluctantly had to agree. She got out of the car to ask some women for directions but left the engine running. We followed their directions which seemed to lead further and further out of the town. No matter where we looked we just didn't see anything that was remotely like what we were looking for. By this time, Donnette's daughter who is very sensitive was nervous and upset. The decision to abandon the expedition was unanimous.

We did, however, drive further along the road to see if there was perhaps another entrance. The road started to climb as we approached the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. After several kilometers we turned round and headed in the direction of home.

We stopped at a Nursery which offered teas. The place was idyllic with wonderful views and beautiful trees and plants. It is run by a brother, sister and sister-in-law, two of whom had just returned to South Africa after ten unsatisfactory years in England. They too had never heard of the "Zulu Mpophomeni Tourism experience" which should have been a few miles away from them. I had a very welcome pot of Earl Grey tea and excellent scones with cream and strawberry jam. The whole expedition was not helped by heavily overcast skies and spitting rain.

Donnette and I have come to the conclusion that the Zulu-Mpophomeni Tourism Experience with traditional Zulu hospitality exists only when bus loads of overseas visitors roll into town. No doubt it is an interesting and entertaining experience but one which offers a totally stage-managed view of traditional Zulu life. I suspect that as an ethnologist I would have found it highly unsatisfactory.

Author Book Signing 21st February,2009

21st February,2009

We left early for Cascades. Donnette gave the parking lady 20 rand and asked her to hand out our flyers. We made quite a grand entrance. I was wearing a Ghanaian outfit with gold stole, earrings, shoes and handbag. Savanah (Donnette's ten year old daughter) was wearing one of Nuna's outgrown Nigerian outfits and her sister Clarissa , eight, had a kente stole over her shoulder. Everyone was looking at them as they offered the passersby the flyers.

Colleen at the bookshop had set up a table with a cloth and two chairs. I put a kente cloth over the table which immediately looked more interesting and spread out my copies of "Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me" as well as "Dance to Health". "Dance in Our Footsteps" and "Calling All Musicians".

My first sale was to a "white" lecturer in psychology from the University of KwaZulu Natal who had brought along a lovely young "black" MA student in psychology. She is doing her thesis on traditional African tales.When the book signing was over she came back to the stand and we did a recorded interview.

Donnette had arranged the signing to be as near pay day as possible. But it was clear that people were not going in for spur of the moment purchases. One dance teacher expressed great interest in "Dance to Health" and took my contact details. Some people were interested in the book but found it too expensive. One woman eagerly examined the book and then asked if I had copies in afrikans. When I said "no" she put it down. There are still Afrikaaners who do not speak English and the English speakers often refuse to speak Afrikaans even if they can.

Colleen took some books for "Bookworld" and didn't seem to think the price was too high. She will be in touch with Donnette when she needs more copies.

All in all the book signing was a success thanks to Donnette's extremely hard work and imaginative approach.

After the launch I took everyone for lunch. I was the one who asked the waiter for the menu, ordered and asked for the bill. When he appeared with it he carefully put it on the table where Donnette had been sitting. I don't think he had ever had a "black" African paying for a luinch party where everyone else was white.

http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html Now available through Amazon.com
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Donnette