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!
ONGOING EVENTS
2017
7 Weeks Kizomba STARTS 12th JUL
7 Weeks Kizomba STARTS
13th SEP
Só Kizomba (formerly Afro Latin Central) is London Kizomba hotspot since 2008. Organised by the team behind BATUKE! Festival, Ginga and many other events, Só Kizomba gathers all Kizomba enthusiasts for a chilled out evening where they can learn, improve or practice in a non competitive environment, meet people or simply listen to the best Kizomba, Semba & more till midnight!
We have re-introduced courses to help students improve faster in a strutured environment and a real group dynamic. Courses for all levels resume every 8 weeks (see below). DROP-INS ARE WELCOME but it's on them to choose the right level and pick up. If you are not sure about what level you should be joining: come earlier for the FREE taster / induction / intro class and teachers will help you! Courses students are also welcome to the taster to ask questions or simply practice!
7.15pm: FREE Kizomba Class with Iris De Brito and Studio Afro Latino (www.StudioAfroLatino.com for more info about this awesome team)
8.15pm: Evolutive KIZOMBA Classes (3 levels) w/ Studio Afro Latino
No partners needed / Beginners welcome / Fun guaranteed
PARTY:
Club opens from 9.15pm with London's top DJs on rotation!
Arrive early, the magic ends at MIDNIGHT!
ADMISSION:
> FREE Class (7.15pm) + REGULAR Class (8.15pm) + Club: £10
> REGULAR Class (8.15pm) + Club: £10
> Club Only (from 8.30pm): £6
or
> SAVE ££'s by joining our next course:
EASTER cycle STARTED Wed 8th March - ENDS Wed 26th April
SPEAK TO US IN PERSON IF YOU WANT TO JOIN THIS CYCLE
(or come as a drop in and book your next course online below)
NEXT 8 WEEK KIZOMBA COURSES THIS YEAR:
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
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Kizomba UK Team
VIDEO
Só Kizomba: Kizomba Classes & Club on Wednesdays @ 229 The Venue
PHOTOS
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