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.
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!
WORKSHOPS
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With Akram Bocuhiba & Iris De Brito - Sunday 12th November
☆ Do you love SEMBA? Want to learn the root of Kizomba?
In Angola all Kizomba teachers say you should learn Semba before you learn Kizomba!
☆Would you like to have more dance experience, learn more steps, style and technique?
Then this is the workshop for YOU!! ☚
☆If you missed Akram at BATUKE! Festival this is a chance to learn with one of the rising stars in the Kizomba/Semba dance scene! Spend an afternoon with us packed with Semba, music and food!
☆ WHAT
Semba workshops, dancing, meeting people and african food
☆TIMES
12:30 - 13:30 Semba intro with Iris De Brito ( Level 1/2)
13:30 - 14:00 Afro lunch ( purchased in the premises as long as stock lasts)
14:15 - 15:45 - Semba workshop with Akram (Level 2/3) assisted by Iris De Brito
15:45 - 16:15 - Photos and practice.
☆HOW MUCH
1 workshop with Iris = £15
1 workshop with Akram = £30
2 Workshops = £35 online £40 at the door
Lunch will be:
> Feijoada ( Afro portuguese style of rice and peas)
- Vegetarian / No pork option available
Between £5 - £7
☆ WHERE
Acland Burghley School
93, Burghley Road London NW5 1UJ
Tube: Kentish Town or Tufnel Park on the Northern line / Zone 2
*** Nice airy dance studio in school.
