2011-2012 African Arts & Culture Children’s Program
The 2011-2012 African arts and culture program will offer weekly Saturday classes in drum, dance, traditional African instruments and song within a historical context. Parents are encouraged to participate.
The program will run on Saturdays from October 15 – April 21 and will follow the Syracuse City School District calendar. The class is open for children to begin at any time of the year.
Program Goals
“Teaching the kids about my art in this country, for me, is like being the bridge that connects two towns separated by a treacherous river. As a dancer, drummer and choreographer, bringing this culture to the kids is a way to immortalize my culture. My purpose is to share my ideas with the audience, inviting them to experience this culture through dance, drum, song, choreography and more.” – Biboti Ouikahilo
Schedule, Age Groups, Program Fees
Ages 3-5 years
Students will play with drum rhythms and other musical instruments; learn how to feel the traditional African rhythms/beats in their body through dance steps; sing; and hear stories of life in Africa.
Time: Saturdays, 10:30-11:00 pm
Cost: $10 drop-in / $ 176 full session (includes a 20% *discount)
* Additional discounted rate per student for families enrolling more than one child, for both the drop-in and full-session costs.
Ages 6-10 years
Students will learn traditional African dance steps; how to play traditional African drum rhythms and instruments; song; and history. Students will have the opportunity ask questions and take notes during the class.
Time: Saturdays, 11:00-12:00 pm
Cost: $15 drop-in / $265 full session (includes a 20% *discount)
* Additional discounted rate per student for families enrolling more than one child, for both the drop-in and full-session costs.
Learn about our Kaapa-Cheeva Scholarship Fund
Children are our future…
“Teaching the kids about my art in this country, for me, is like being the bridge that connects two towns separated by a treacherous river.
In this world, each human being who has gained knowledge throughout their life should also give back to life. Children are our future and to teach them about my culture involves more than the dance steps, drum rhythms and body movements that I share with them. It’s an opportunity for me to educate them about another culture that is integrated in the world. Today, through me, the kids can see what happens in my village and country. So, for me, to be standing in front of the children, I feel like the bridge between two towns. Sharing my knowledge with them is like watering the garden for its survival. It’s a way to immortalize this culture because the human being can pass away, but the traditions remain alive through the voice of others.”
- Biboti Ouikahilo
