I took my husband to TRJE’s performance at the Indiana Dance Festival last night. We were warmly welcomed by Agatha in the art exhibit downstairs. Then we made our way up the stairs to where Andy had saved us tickets for the performance. I hadn’t attended a performance in this space so I was wondering how it would all be set up. Most seats were already taken so we sat in the third row. It was a little difficult to see from this position but I’m not sure how all the seats could be made to rise as they go back.
Even though the view wasn’t the best, the energy in the room was infectious and could be felt no matter where one was seated. Fey Fey was his usual exuberant self, getting the audience fired up. He always manages to make everyone feel as if they’re part of one big family. The ensemble filed in to an excited crowd and the sound of drums reverberated around the room. The new balafons really added to the authenticity of the African sound. Emily seems to usually open up the dancing and I always enjoy her enthusiasm and amazing energy. It was also nice to see a young man who had recently joined the group already participating in a public performance. Everyone was included; even the youngest members had their part and joined in. They all looked like they were having so much fun and that was contagious. The Urban Bush Women added to the excitement and yelled out encouragements to the young dancers. We were glad we’d sat near them; it was as if an entirely different show was going on at the back of the room! When Bruce introduced all the different drums and their familial relationships, the Bush Women loudly approved of the largest drum being the mother drum. We all know that’s the truth--the hand that rocks the cradle! Family is such an important theme for TRJE so it was apropos that the drums themselves would be used to express familial qualities.
During the performance I was I thinking a lot about how different these kids are from the average middle/high school kid. Their experience with TRJE will always be a part of them and I’m sure it exerts an extremely positive influence on their lives as well as on the lives of those they come into contact with.
During the intermission, we checked out the items for sale in the adjacent room and were able to chat with Dr. Caine. The second half of the performance was more interactive, with some of the audience members joining the ensemble out on the wooden dance floor. This performance really drew its energy from the crowd. The AISEDA performance was much more subdued but with the exuberance of the Bush Women and Moustapha Bangoura in the audience, the ensemble really shone. Their sheer enjoyment was visible to everyone there.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
First TRJE Visit
Sunday, February 11, 2007
I went to observe TRJE last night. What an interesting community! I found my way easily upstairs to the Fort Wayne Dance Collective and walked across the wooden dance floor to join the circle of TRJE members. A young girl pointed out that I needed to remove my shoes and I shuffled back out to leave them in the hall. After settling in on the floor, a young girl proposed the question of the evening: What could be done in your school to make learning more interesting? Each member rose, stated their name and who their parents were, and gave their opinion of improvements that could be made to keep their attention in the classroom. I tried to be observant of the ritual but when I’d finished my turn the next person in line remained silent. Everyone pointed out that I needed to touch her before she could speak. After everyone had had a turn, Ketu (the leader) acknowledged their opinions but also pointed out the teacher’s perspective and that learning is largely the students’ responsibility. He made them think about what they could do to improve their own learning, given the set of circumstances they found themselves in at school.After various announcements regarding upcoming events, Ketu left the apprentices (people who had been members of TRJE for a long period of time) to guide everyone in rehearsing for the next performance. Everyone pitched in carrying numerous folding chairs that would be used to support the drums. A circle was set up and everyone took their places. Some played jenbe drums and established the beat while all the others in the surrounding circle joined in. One of the apprentices hovered on the outside of the circle to help any of the newer drummers with their technique. I met Akin who took me to another room where the drums were stored and he explained the different types of drums and how they are played. All of them were beautifully made, hand carved from various African trees.I then went in search of Dr. Cain who said she would be with some of the mothers who helped run TRJE. I met Agatha, who Mary Ann described as the nerve center of the organization. Agatha seemed to be the one who took care of all the clerical details but she had a laptop in front of her and offered to show us some of the over 2,000 pictures she had taken during their recent trip to Africa. After several years of raising money, a group of about twenty took the long anticipated trip. Not only were the pictures fascinating, but Agatha was a natural story teller and wove a tale around each picture. We laughed at the antics of the young people and the hardships that were encountered and oohed and ahhed at the stunningly beautiful faces of the local children. I could’ve listened to Agatha’s stories all night but all the parents began arriving and it was time for everyone to go home.
I went to observe TRJE last night. What an interesting community! I found my way easily upstairs to the Fort Wayne Dance Collective and walked across the wooden dance floor to join the circle of TRJE members. A young girl pointed out that I needed to remove my shoes and I shuffled back out to leave them in the hall. After settling in on the floor, a young girl proposed the question of the evening: What could be done in your school to make learning more interesting? Each member rose, stated their name and who their parents were, and gave their opinion of improvements that could be made to keep their attention in the classroom. I tried to be observant of the ritual but when I’d finished my turn the next person in line remained silent. Everyone pointed out that I needed to touch her before she could speak. After everyone had had a turn, Ketu (the leader) acknowledged their opinions but also pointed out the teacher’s perspective and that learning is largely the students’ responsibility. He made them think about what they could do to improve their own learning, given the set of circumstances they found themselves in at school.After various announcements regarding upcoming events, Ketu left the apprentices (people who had been members of TRJE for a long period of time) to guide everyone in rehearsing for the next performance. Everyone pitched in carrying numerous folding chairs that would be used to support the drums. A circle was set up and everyone took their places. Some played jenbe drums and established the beat while all the others in the surrounding circle joined in. One of the apprentices hovered on the outside of the circle to help any of the newer drummers with their technique. I met Akin who took me to another room where the drums were stored and he explained the different types of drums and how they are played. All of them were beautifully made, hand carved from various African trees.I then went in search of Dr. Cain who said she would be with some of the mothers who helped run TRJE. I met Agatha, who Mary Ann described as the nerve center of the organization. Agatha seemed to be the one who took care of all the clerical details but she had a laptop in front of her and offered to show us some of the over 2,000 pictures she had taken during their recent trip to Africa. After several years of raising money, a group of about twenty took the long anticipated trip. Not only were the pictures fascinating, but Agatha was a natural story teller and wove a tale around each picture. We laughed at the antics of the young people and the hardships that were encountered and oohed and ahhed at the stunningly beautiful faces of the local children. I could’ve listened to Agatha’s stories all night but all the parents began arriving and it was time for everyone to go home.
TRJE Rehearsal
Monday, February 19, 2007
I headed back over to observe TRJE last night. This time I arrived fairly early and there were only a few young people there. They had started to form a circle and were preparing for the libation ritual. This is where one person is chosen to slowly pour water onto a live plant while the others in the surrounding circle call out the names of people who have “passed on”. One of them asked, “Does the oldest person here give permission to perform the libation?” I obviously was the oldest person present and consented. In this group of young people, age is viewed as an asset and the resulting wisdom is respected. That attitude is hard to find in this country. In my classroom, I really notice the respect for elders that is present in all the cultures of my students. It makes me sad that in my own country we tend to cast aside the elderly population and view them as less intelligent. Another value that was stressed during the libation ritual was unity with those who had come before. This also is important for young people because it helps them to be accountable for their actions, knowing that what they do reflects on their own families as well as the greater family of man.After libations, other people started arriving and the lead-in question was presented. The question was: “What is your favorite class at school and why?” As the question was passed around, the newcomers filed in and seamlessly became a part of the circle. This time I was familiar with the protocol and tapped the person beside me so they were free to speak. I was surprised to hear the answers that were given, since math was by far the most common. The reason was also a surprise; “It’s challenging for me.” Most kids want to take the easy route; these kids were up for a challenge. Another thing I noticed that was different about them was their lack of fidgeting. I’ve worked with groups of young people that size and it can be next to impossible to get them to sit quietly and be respectful while others speak. Even when Ketu had to leave the room for a minute, these kids didn’t take advantage of his absence. The younger ones knew they’d be called out by the older ones if they misbehaved and the older ones seemed to embrace their responsibility within the group. After a discussion of the rehearsal notes, the circle was broken so they could rehearse for the upcoming Back from Africa performance. Though the drums were already set up in their beautifully decorated stands, there was a flurry of activity as the students all took their places. It reminded me of a beehive; everyone looked like they were swarming but each one had their own unique purpose. The drummers started and the dancers blended right in. Even the youngest ones who were not dancing or playing the drums sat on the floor and called out to encourage the performers. The energy was high and they danced and played with great enthusiasm. I was especially struck with the contrast between the fluid movements of the girls’ long, thin arms and the lone boy’s more forceful interpretation of the music. Their feet beat a rhythm on the floor to match the drums. I watched Ketu model a rhythm on the drum. It looked as if his hands were galloping across the animal skin. After a few tries, his protégé seemed to grasp the technique. The pedagogy is very interesting; the students just seem to absorb what they need to learn. Mary Ann came in and joined me. She practiced beating out Tiriba on the wooden floor. Soon we left and on the way out I was able to meet some of the parents and we agreed that I would give them access to the blog.
I headed back over to observe TRJE last night. This time I arrived fairly early and there were only a few young people there. They had started to form a circle and were preparing for the libation ritual. This is where one person is chosen to slowly pour water onto a live plant while the others in the surrounding circle call out the names of people who have “passed on”. One of them asked, “Does the oldest person here give permission to perform the libation?” I obviously was the oldest person present and consented. In this group of young people, age is viewed as an asset and the resulting wisdom is respected. That attitude is hard to find in this country. In my classroom, I really notice the respect for elders that is present in all the cultures of my students. It makes me sad that in my own country we tend to cast aside the elderly population and view them as less intelligent. Another value that was stressed during the libation ritual was unity with those who had come before. This also is important for young people because it helps them to be accountable for their actions, knowing that what they do reflects on their own families as well as the greater family of man.After libations, other people started arriving and the lead-in question was presented. The question was: “What is your favorite class at school and why?” As the question was passed around, the newcomers filed in and seamlessly became a part of the circle. This time I was familiar with the protocol and tapped the person beside me so they were free to speak. I was surprised to hear the answers that were given, since math was by far the most common. The reason was also a surprise; “It’s challenging for me.” Most kids want to take the easy route; these kids were up for a challenge. Another thing I noticed that was different about them was their lack of fidgeting. I’ve worked with groups of young people that size and it can be next to impossible to get them to sit quietly and be respectful while others speak. Even when Ketu had to leave the room for a minute, these kids didn’t take advantage of his absence. The younger ones knew they’d be called out by the older ones if they misbehaved and the older ones seemed to embrace their responsibility within the group. After a discussion of the rehearsal notes, the circle was broken so they could rehearse for the upcoming Back from Africa performance. Though the drums were already set up in their beautifully decorated stands, there was a flurry of activity as the students all took their places. It reminded me of a beehive; everyone looked like they were swarming but each one had their own unique purpose. The drummers started and the dancers blended right in. Even the youngest ones who were not dancing or playing the drums sat on the floor and called out to encourage the performers. The energy was high and they danced and played with great enthusiasm. I was especially struck with the contrast between the fluid movements of the girls’ long, thin arms and the lone boy’s more forceful interpretation of the music. Their feet beat a rhythm on the floor to match the drums. I watched Ketu model a rhythm on the drum. It looked as if his hands were galloping across the animal skin. After a few tries, his protégé seemed to grasp the technique. The pedagogy is very interesting; the students just seem to absorb what they need to learn. Mary Ann came in and joined me. She practiced beating out Tiriba on the wooden floor. Soon we left and on the way out I was able to meet some of the parents and we agreed that I would give them access to the blog.
TRJE: After the Back From Afrika Concert
Sunday, March 11, 2007
After being out of town for five days and missing the Back From Afrika concert, I felt somewhat out of the loop but was warmly welcomed. I had arrived early again but soon Dr. Cain showed up. While we were waiting for the others to arrive, I spotted what looked like a familiar face standing alone on the other side of the room. She appeared to be a newcomer also so I went over to talk to her. I could relate to her feeling of nervousness since it is always difficult to enter a new community of any type. After talking together, I realized I had known her mother years ago when we were both La Leche League leaders. Now she had brought her son to observe and perhaps join the ensemble. He had been to the concert the previous weekend and was very interested in drumming.Everyone seemed to arrive at the same time and we formed a large circle, seamlessly incorporating the newcomers within the group. The libation ritual began right away. This time I wasn’t the oldest person present so Akin gave permission to begin the ritual. Since it appeared the plant that was previously used had passed on over with the people we were honoring, a beautiful African violet took its place. Malik proposed the lead-in question this week: If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what would it be? This was an excellent question and caused a lot of deep thought. While some regretted the lack of time spent with family members, the majority of regrets were about not having studied hard enough in school and how that was now causing hardships. Surprisingly, a few of the students were fortunate enough to not have any regrets. Tyrone was the last to speak and he drove home the importance of living life in a way in which we will have no regrets. He pointed out how we should consider our behavior before we act, as our actions cannot be reversed. He then reprimanded the group for attitude problems they had exhibited while having their pictures taken after the concert the weekend before. He stressed the importance of the word “’ensemble” in the group’s name and how that denotes a cohesiveness among the group. Each member’s behavior is a reflection of all the others in the group. This image may be the only illustration outsiders have of the group as a whole so each member’s behavior in public is extremely important.The group broke up and after the usual flurry of activity a circle of drummers began practicing in the main rehearsal room. Mary Ann and I noticed that some of the students were missing so we went off to find them. In the room next door, the novice drummers were being taught by Julia and Tyrone. Julia graciously invited Mary Ann and I to join them so we set up a couple drums and started pounding away. At first I was having a difficult time establishing the correct tempo but then one of the lead jenbe drummers came by with two sticks and silently (not a word was spoken) demonstrated the correct technique and tempo and with body language invited me to join in with her. When she left, I was then able to keep pace with only a few minor mixups. Some of the drummers were quite young but they worked very hard to keep time with the others. There were several other new drummers there and everyone was accepting and patient as we all struggled to master the technique. As the lunch break neared, we were each asked to play solo and we all did surprisingly well. In the hall afterward, Julia mentioned how much easier it was to work with the little ones since Mary Ann and I were present. It was then that I realized I was not just a fly on the wall, but actually performed a silent function. How many communities are we a part of in which we don’t consider our importance but in reality we would be sorely missed if we weren’t present?
After being out of town for five days and missing the Back From Afrika concert, I felt somewhat out of the loop but was warmly welcomed. I had arrived early again but soon Dr. Cain showed up. While we were waiting for the others to arrive, I spotted what looked like a familiar face standing alone on the other side of the room. She appeared to be a newcomer also so I went over to talk to her. I could relate to her feeling of nervousness since it is always difficult to enter a new community of any type. After talking together, I realized I had known her mother years ago when we were both La Leche League leaders. Now she had brought her son to observe and perhaps join the ensemble. He had been to the concert the previous weekend and was very interested in drumming.Everyone seemed to arrive at the same time and we formed a large circle, seamlessly incorporating the newcomers within the group. The libation ritual began right away. This time I wasn’t the oldest person present so Akin gave permission to begin the ritual. Since it appeared the plant that was previously used had passed on over with the people we were honoring, a beautiful African violet took its place. Malik proposed the lead-in question this week: If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what would it be? This was an excellent question and caused a lot of deep thought. While some regretted the lack of time spent with family members, the majority of regrets were about not having studied hard enough in school and how that was now causing hardships. Surprisingly, a few of the students were fortunate enough to not have any regrets. Tyrone was the last to speak and he drove home the importance of living life in a way in which we will have no regrets. He pointed out how we should consider our behavior before we act, as our actions cannot be reversed. He then reprimanded the group for attitude problems they had exhibited while having their pictures taken after the concert the weekend before. He stressed the importance of the word “’ensemble” in the group’s name and how that denotes a cohesiveness among the group. Each member’s behavior is a reflection of all the others in the group. This image may be the only illustration outsiders have of the group as a whole so each member’s behavior in public is extremely important.The group broke up and after the usual flurry of activity a circle of drummers began practicing in the main rehearsal room. Mary Ann and I noticed that some of the students were missing so we went off to find them. In the room next door, the novice drummers were being taught by Julia and Tyrone. Julia graciously invited Mary Ann and I to join them so we set up a couple drums and started pounding away. At first I was having a difficult time establishing the correct tempo but then one of the lead jenbe drummers came by with two sticks and silently (not a word was spoken) demonstrated the correct technique and tempo and with body language invited me to join in with her. When she left, I was then able to keep pace with only a few minor mixups. Some of the drummers were quite young but they worked very hard to keep time with the others. There were several other new drummers there and everyone was accepting and patient as we all struggled to master the technique. As the lunch break neared, we were each asked to play solo and we all did surprisingly well. In the hall afterward, Julia mentioned how much easier it was to work with the little ones since Mary Ann and I were present. It was then that I realized I was not just a fly on the wall, but actually performed a silent function. How many communities are we a part of in which we don’t consider our importance but in reality we would be sorely missed if we weren’t present?
Moustapha Bangoura's Dance Class
Thursday, March 15, 2007
On Thursday evening, I went to observe Moustapha Bangoura teach a Community Dance class. I wasn’t sure how this would be different from the usual rehearsals since this was open for public participation. As I entered the building, Akin was bringing some equipment in. He asked if I was there to dance and while I was open minded about the possibility, I felt it might be best if I investigated just what I would be getting myself into. Also, on my way in I was able to finally meet Andy, the managing director of the group. He suggested the possibility of creating a link on the TRJE website for my blog. I decided I would have him read everything I’d written up to that point to see if he thought it would be appropriate.The format this evening did turn out to be different than the usual Friday and Saturday rehearsals. There was no opening circle; it was run in more of a class format. The drummers were already playing and Mr. Bangoura was on the dance floor, facing the mirrors. All the participants formed rows behind him and learned by closely following his verbal and physical leads. There was a warm up in which Mr. Bangoura reminded me of Gumby, the extremely bendable rubber toy from the 60’s. Then after a few new moves that were taught strictly by imitation, the students formed rows of three to practice and showcase their new skills. While some of the other TRJE members furiously drummed, Moustapha would move across the floor toward the drummers, demonstrating one of the new dance moves. Each row of three dancers would follow, imitating him as best they could. The energy and concentration levels were intense. I stood outside, observing through a window since the participants had paid for the experience. Several of the mothers stood in the hall with me. I spoke with the mother of a 30 year old woman who had studied dance for years and even studied under Mr. Bangoura when he taught the previous fall. While she and her daughter were not members of TRJE, they seemed to have become part of this community through this experience. Agatha had taken some time out of her busy schedule to observe and also explained some of the African trip photos that were hanging in the hall. She explained how happy everyone was to see Mr. Bangoura again since so many of them had tearfully left him and his family when they’d departed from Guinea in January. Apparently, the TRJE group had felt a genuine sense of community in just the short time they had been in Africa.The dancers continued their intense workout from 5:30 to 6:30 without much of a lull in the activity. Even the drummers had worked up quite a sweat. After a break in which everyone ran to the drinking fountain, they all formed a circle and volunteers moved into the middle to showcase their skills. There was much camaraderie and laughter. They all had a similar exuberance for the artform. While Akin had nonchalantly tried to encourage me to join in on the dancing, I realized I was definitely not in the same league. Here were people who had clearly studied dance and while I appreciate his assumption that I could participate, in reality I could no more do that than he could participate in any way in a chemistry lab with me, something I had studied for years. While we may want to become part of a community emotionally, the reality is that we may never fully realize this goal.
On Thursday evening, I went to observe Moustapha Bangoura teach a Community Dance class. I wasn’t sure how this would be different from the usual rehearsals since this was open for public participation. As I entered the building, Akin was bringing some equipment in. He asked if I was there to dance and while I was open minded about the possibility, I felt it might be best if I investigated just what I would be getting myself into. Also, on my way in I was able to finally meet Andy, the managing director of the group. He suggested the possibility of creating a link on the TRJE website for my blog. I decided I would have him read everything I’d written up to that point to see if he thought it would be appropriate.The format this evening did turn out to be different than the usual Friday and Saturday rehearsals. There was no opening circle; it was run in more of a class format. The drummers were already playing and Mr. Bangoura was on the dance floor, facing the mirrors. All the participants formed rows behind him and learned by closely following his verbal and physical leads. There was a warm up in which Mr. Bangoura reminded me of Gumby, the extremely bendable rubber toy from the 60’s. Then after a few new moves that were taught strictly by imitation, the students formed rows of three to practice and showcase their new skills. While some of the other TRJE members furiously drummed, Moustapha would move across the floor toward the drummers, demonstrating one of the new dance moves. Each row of three dancers would follow, imitating him as best they could. The energy and concentration levels were intense. I stood outside, observing through a window since the participants had paid for the experience. Several of the mothers stood in the hall with me. I spoke with the mother of a 30 year old woman who had studied dance for years and even studied under Mr. Bangoura when he taught the previous fall. While she and her daughter were not members of TRJE, they seemed to have become part of this community through this experience. Agatha had taken some time out of her busy schedule to observe and also explained some of the African trip photos that were hanging in the hall. She explained how happy everyone was to see Mr. Bangoura again since so many of them had tearfully left him and his family when they’d departed from Guinea in January. Apparently, the TRJE group had felt a genuine sense of community in just the short time they had been in Africa.The dancers continued their intense workout from 5:30 to 6:30 without much of a lull in the activity. Even the drummers had worked up quite a sweat. After a break in which everyone ran to the drinking fountain, they all formed a circle and volunteers moved into the middle to showcase their skills. There was much camaraderie and laughter. They all had a similar exuberance for the artform. While Akin had nonchalantly tried to encourage me to join in on the dancing, I realized I was definitely not in the same league. Here were people who had clearly studied dance and while I appreciate his assumption that I could participate, in reality I could no more do that than he could participate in any way in a chemistry lab with me, something I had studied for years. While we may want to become part of a community emotionally, the reality is that we may never fully realize this goal.
Jambalaya
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
“Are you going to that Jambalaya thing again tonight?” My husband didn’t know how accurate his slipup was. Jambalaya: any miscellaneous collection or gathering. TRJE is a wonderful miscellaneous collection of people who gather together for a unified purpose. While from the outside it looks like that purpose is drumming and dancing, the inside truth is that it is so much more.This evening I was a few minutes late but the circle always opens to let newcomers in. The lead in question was already being passed around. This time it was, “How many people have you greeted today?” I was surprised at the number of people we had all greeted. There were a few new people in the circle this time but they quickly learned by observation how to respond; “My name is ___________. I’m the daughter/son of _____________.” There was a new person sitting next to me who needed a little prompting but while she was shy in the circle she quickly overcame her shyness when she joined in the dance class. FeyFey expounded a little more on the importance of greeting people, especially in their own language. There’s that jambalaya thing again; I love it! The elders never miss a teaching opportunity. It certainly a whole lot more than drumming and dancing. He also discussed the upcoming events and broke the good news to us outsiders that tonight was a celebration in honor of Moustapha Bangoura’s return. After the dancing lesson, there would be plenty of food in the adjoining room and the next day would be a family fun day at a bowling alley. Following that announcement, everyone broke up to prepare for Mr. Bangoura’s dance class.The usual students gathered on the dance floor to do warm ups led by Joann, one of the dance instructors. Joanne has studied dance for years and has a daughter in TRJE. There were a few potential TRJE members out on the floor and also their parents waiting in the wings. The observers are always welcome whether they know anyone involved or not. While Joanne got everyone limbered up, the drummers took instruction from Mr. Bangoura. He would demonstrate a beat or call out instructions and the drummers played accordingly. Then Moustapha joined the dancers and went through a series of new dancesteps. One of his students from Chicago had driven all the way down to help. She was an accomplished dancer who obviously had learned under Moustapha’s expert eye. The format was identical to last week. The drummers kept up a steady beat while Moustapha’s protégé demonstrated the move they would be practicing. Then a row of dancers, usually three abreast, would dance toward the drummers, break off and circle around to try again while the next rows moved up. Their instructor kept a close eye on each dancer and demonstrated by example how to improve their technique.When class was over, we all headed next door to a wonderful spread of food that everyone seemed to have contributed to. There was chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese, salad, rice, vegetables, fish soup, and homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding. Before we ate, the parents stood around talking amiably and then we gathered for a blessing. While we ate, I talked with some of the parents.
“Are you going to that Jambalaya thing again tonight?” My husband didn’t know how accurate his slipup was. Jambalaya: any miscellaneous collection or gathering. TRJE is a wonderful miscellaneous collection of people who gather together for a unified purpose. While from the outside it looks like that purpose is drumming and dancing, the inside truth is that it is so much more.This evening I was a few minutes late but the circle always opens to let newcomers in. The lead in question was already being passed around. This time it was, “How many people have you greeted today?” I was surprised at the number of people we had all greeted. There were a few new people in the circle this time but they quickly learned by observation how to respond; “My name is ___________. I’m the daughter/son of _____________.” There was a new person sitting next to me who needed a little prompting but while she was shy in the circle she quickly overcame her shyness when she joined in the dance class. FeyFey expounded a little more on the importance of greeting people, especially in their own language. There’s that jambalaya thing again; I love it! The elders never miss a teaching opportunity. It certainly a whole lot more than drumming and dancing. He also discussed the upcoming events and broke the good news to us outsiders that tonight was a celebration in honor of Moustapha Bangoura’s return. After the dancing lesson, there would be plenty of food in the adjoining room and the next day would be a family fun day at a bowling alley. Following that announcement, everyone broke up to prepare for Mr. Bangoura’s dance class.The usual students gathered on the dance floor to do warm ups led by Joann, one of the dance instructors. Joanne has studied dance for years and has a daughter in TRJE. There were a few potential TRJE members out on the floor and also their parents waiting in the wings. The observers are always welcome whether they know anyone involved or not. While Joanne got everyone limbered up, the drummers took instruction from Mr. Bangoura. He would demonstrate a beat or call out instructions and the drummers played accordingly. Then Moustapha joined the dancers and went through a series of new dancesteps. One of his students from Chicago had driven all the way down to help. She was an accomplished dancer who obviously had learned under Moustapha’s expert eye. The format was identical to last week. The drummers kept up a steady beat while Moustapha’s protégé demonstrated the move they would be practicing. Then a row of dancers, usually three abreast, would dance toward the drummers, break off and circle around to try again while the next rows moved up. Their instructor kept a close eye on each dancer and demonstrated by example how to improve their technique.When class was over, we all headed next door to a wonderful spread of food that everyone seemed to have contributed to. There was chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese, salad, rice, vegetables, fish soup, and homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding. Before we ate, the parents stood around talking amiably and then we gathered for a blessing. While we ate, I talked with some of the parents.
International Day Performance at the Library
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I’ve just walked out of the art exhibit and into the main hall of the new library downtown. The distinctive sound of a jenbe drum reverberates through the main hall. Another drum answers the call from the opposite end of the hall. The two drummers “call” back and forth as they move toward each other. They’ve definitely got everyone’s attention in this space where quiet is usually enforced. When they finally come together in the center of the hall, they furiously beat out a song. When they stop, the sound still reverberates, then the crowd claps. My thought was Wow! But then I wondered where the rest of the ensemble was. My friend and I continued on our way exploring the booths that were set up for International Day. At the Korean table we had the woman spell out Welcome on paper with a brush and hand-mixed ink so we could hang the banners in our classrooms. After we’d checked out all the tables we continued exploring the new library. I was surprised to run into Akin hurrying out of a room with a young ensemble member who needed a bathroom. That was when I realized the performance twenty minutes earlier in the main hall was a call to the main performance in this room that seemed hidden away. There had been no announcement; we didn’t see any signs that would’ve directed us here to enjoy the performance. The day before my sons had come to see the Colombian dancers but had reported “there wasn’t anything going on”. Obviously, the dancing and music were taking place away from the main hall, in this room. Maybe next year this can be made clearer so that more people can enjoy them.
I’ve just walked out of the art exhibit and into the main hall of the new library downtown. The distinctive sound of a jenbe drum reverberates through the main hall. Another drum answers the call from the opposite end of the hall. The two drummers “call” back and forth as they move toward each other. They’ve definitely got everyone’s attention in this space where quiet is usually enforced. When they finally come together in the center of the hall, they furiously beat out a song. When they stop, the sound still reverberates, then the crowd claps. My thought was Wow! But then I wondered where the rest of the ensemble was. My friend and I continued on our way exploring the booths that were set up for International Day. At the Korean table we had the woman spell out Welcome on paper with a brush and hand-mixed ink so we could hang the banners in our classrooms. After we’d checked out all the tables we continued exploring the new library. I was surprised to run into Akin hurrying out of a room with a young ensemble member who needed a bathroom. That was when I realized the performance twenty minutes earlier in the main hall was a call to the main performance in this room that seemed hidden away. There had been no announcement; we didn’t see any signs that would’ve directed us here to enjoy the performance. The day before my sons had come to see the Colombian dancers but had reported “there wasn’t anything going on”. Obviously, the dancing and music were taking place away from the main hall, in this room. Maybe next year this can be made clearer so that more people can enjoy them.
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