The story of BATUKE! Festival
The Batuke! Festival started out of our passion for the music and dance of Afro - Portuguese countries. We realised that there is a special rapport and connection between all the Portuguese speaking countries, a recognition of common experiences through music and dance. In 2010, when we started there was no platform in the UK where Afro - Portuguese artists were represented, the community could experience their culture in a professional space, young and old, and share their common heritage. So, we decided to just go ahead and do it ourselves! We self produced initially through our regular events. It was very risky, but we believed in it so we made it work! The team derived from Iris De Brito social dance school at the time - Studio Afro Latino. Roles were delegated, artists contacted, plenty of volunteering support and voila! We became the go - to festival in the UK representing Afro-Portuguese culture, created a space for artistic development, cultural exchange and research. Guest artists came from the USA, France, Senegal, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and the UK. We were founded by the Arts Council for 5 years and developed creative partnerships.
In 2019 we achieved a fantastic milestone with our 10th Anniversary and decided to have a break.
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We are now looking towards developing a new event, investing in organisational development and research. Make sure you continue to follow us and connect with us through Afro - Portuguese culture!
8 Week Kizomba STARTS 8th MAR
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In the runner up to BATUKE! we run regular Kizomba courses in Central London every Wednesday at 229 The Venue from 7pm.
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Led by Iris De Brito and delivered by Studio Afro Latino team (www.StudioAfroLatino.com) the courses run for 8 consecutive weeks and we have 3 levels at any given time!
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Each cycle is preceded by a DROP IN ONLY session which allows students to try before they commit! We also have a free taster every Wednesday at 7.15pm sharp.
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Finally, if you are not able to commit for any reason, drop in students are still welcome: they just need to choose their level right and catch up!
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Wednesday 1st March it’s Taster week // Drop in only week!
EASTER cycle STARTS Wed 8th March - ENDS Wed 26th April
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Wednesday 3rd May it’s Taster week // Drop in only week!
SPRING cycle STARTS Wed 10th May - ENDS Wed 28th June
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Wednesday 5th July is taster // Drop in only week!
SUMMER cycle STARTS Wed 12th July - ENDS Wed 23rd August
(Summer cycle 7 weeks only due to www.BatukeFestival.com)
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Wednesday 6th September is taster // Drop in only week!
FALL cycle STARTS Wed 13th September - ENDS Wed 25th Oct
8 Week Kizomba STARTS 10th MAY
​
In the runner up to BATUKE! we run regular Kizomba courses in Central London every Wednesday at 229 The Venue from 7pm.
​
Led by Iris De Brito and delivered by Studio Afro Latino team (www.StudioAfroLatino.com) the courses run for 8 consecutive weeks and we have 3 levels at any given time!
​
Each cycle is preceded by a DROP IN ONLY session which allows students to try before they commit! We also have a free taster every Wednesday at 7.15pm sharp.
​
Finally, if you are not able to commit for any reason, drop in students are still welcome: they just need to choose their level right and catch up!
​
Wednesday 3rd May it’s Taster week // Drop in only week!
SPRING cycle STARTS Wed 10th May - ENDS Wed 28th June
​
Wednesday 5th July is taster // Drop in only week!
SUMMER cycle STARTS Wed 12th July - ENDS Wed 23rd August
(Summer cycle 7 weeks only due to www.BatukeFestival.com)
​
Wednesday 6th September is taster // Drop in only week!
FALL cycle STARTS Wed 13th September - ENDS Wed 25th Oct
7 Weeks Kizomba STARTS 12th JUL
​
In the runner up to BATUKE! we run regular Kizomba courses in Central London every Wednesday at 229 The Venue from 7pm.
​
Led by Iris De Brito and delivered by Studio Afro Latino team (www.StudioAfroLatino.com) the courses run for 8 consecutive weeks and we have 3 levels at any given time!
​
Each cycle is preceded by a DROP IN ONLY session which allows students to try before they commit! We also have a free taster every Wednesday at 7.15pm sharp.
​
Finally, if you are not able to commit for any reason, drop in students are still welcome: they just need to choose their level right and catch up!
​
Wednesday 5th July is taster // Drop in only week!
SUMMER cycle STARTS Wed 12th July - ENDS Wed 23rd August
(Summer cycle 7 weeks only due to www.BatukeFestival.com)
​
Wednesday 6th September is taster // Drop in only week!
FALL cycle STARTS Wed 13th September - ENDS Wed 25th Oct
7 Weeks Kizomba STARTS 13th SEP
​
In the runner up to BATUKE! we run regular Kizomba courses in Central London every Wednesday at 229 The Venue from 7pm.
​
Led by Iris De Brito and delivered by Studio Afro Latino team (www.StudioAfroLatino.com) the courses run for 8 consecutive weeks and we have 3 levels at any given time!
​
Each cycle is preceded by a DROP IN ONLY session which allows students to try before they commit! We also have a free taster every Wednesday at 7.15pm sharp.
​
Finally, if you are not able to commit for any reason, drop in students are still welcome: they just need to choose their level right and catch up!
​
Wednesday 5th July is taster // Drop in only week!
SUMMER cycle STARTS Wed 12th July - ENDS Wed 23rd August
(Summer cycle 7 weeks only due to www.BatukeFestival.com)
​
Wednesday 6th September is taster // Drop in only week!
FALL cycle STARTS Wed 13th September - ENDS Wed 25th Oct