Description
Your Azizi Life Musical Experience begins with a mini-performance from a small troupe of traditional performers. Next, it’s your turn to put on a traditional costume and give it a try. You’ll have fun as the dancers teach you some basic dance steps and share a bit of the history of Rwandan dance. After some practice time, the expert dance instructors help you put everything together in a performance of your very own. Don’t worry- an Azizi Life team member will be on hand to catch the whole thing on film!
After a break to catch your breath, the drummers will teach you some traditional beats, or you can even do a bit of free styling of your own on the traditional drums. No experience or expertise is necessary- it is simply fun for anyone brave enough to give it a go.
For discounts on groups of more than 9 guests, or if you would simply like a bit more information, please do not hesitate to email us on experiences@azizilife.com or call us in Rwanda on +250-7858-1146.
This Experience is at Azizi Life’s office & boutique in Byimana, Ruhanga (about one and a half hours drive from Kigali). We would be happy to help arrange transport to Azizi Life Ruhango and so if you need that, just let us know.
Photos by World Fusion Art.
Example Day
| 1st hour | Briefing at Azizi Life: Introduction of the history of dancing in Rwanda, reasons behind imitating cows’ movements.
Welcoming songs and drumming. |
| 2nd hour | Demonstration and coaching from Experts (Dancers), Practice for apprentices guided by experts. Here you will be taught how to move your feet, arms, the whole body. You will have short breaks and may ask as many questions you have. |
| 3rd hour | Learn how to combine all your new moves into a short traditional dance. Then you can have go at the drumming.
Free dance! |
| Conclusion | Finally, there will be opportunity to peruse all of the beautiful, handcrafted goods on offer from our artisan partners- including your hostesses! This is a wonderful way to gather gifts and souvenirs which you can be confident are fair trade and making an impact. |
How to prepare and things to know
- Men and women will receive special traditional clothes for the dancing session.
- Women may want to bring a tank top to wear underneath, and men may want to wear shorts underneath.
- We recommend you wear closed-toed shoes that you would be comfortable running in. You might also consider bringing a spare pair of shoes in case you would like to change.
- Be prepared to spend time in the sun.
- You will be supplied by Azizi Life with plenty of bottled water.
- Bring a camera or video camera if you wish: the dancers won’t mind.
- Don’t be anxious! The dancers know you are from a different culture and are unlikely to be able to dance so hard or for long. They won’t laugh if you don’t get the hang of a dance. Or rather, they may well laugh, because they take great pleasure in life, but they will be laughing with you, not at you. You can opt out of any activity at any point, and instead sit and watch.
- There will be a translator with you: feel free to ask as many questions as you wish.
- Ensure that you have health insurance to cover your visit. We do all we can to ensure your safety during your visit. In the case of an accident, we will ensure you get appropriate medical attention. However, you must cover the costs through your insurance.
- Additionally, we donate 5% of tourism revenues to our local nonprofit, Azizi Life Impact, for community development work.
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