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!
2020 Dance Courses & Drop In Classes
We offer studio based dance classes as well as social dancing events & special improvement workshops.Our dance instructors are experienced, trained and knowledgeable.Get in touch if you want to organise Kizomba/Semba teacher training in your area.
Scroll down for all updated info. Classes are fun and positive vibes only apply!
Mondays
Afro Cuban Jazz
4 Week Afro & Latin Movement Foundation Course with Iris De Brito
This course is specially designed for dancers looking to improve their body movement, rhythm and technique.
Iris will be working through shines, routines and exercises across the floor.
> Learn isolation, turn technique and arm positions
> Work on Afro moves, Cuban Rumba, Arara & basic Orixa
> Understand Caribbean movement & technique
> Shines & footwork ON1 & ON2
> Dance props such as long skirts & scarfs
> Online group support
Live drumming in some sessions
8:00 - 9:30pm / @The Place, Duke Street ( Euston) WC1
Tuesdays
Afrobeats 4 all
8 Week Course Led by Iris De Brito
Dates: 7th Jan - 25th February // 10th March - 28 April
Start with a energetic warm up full of isolations and footwork and then move into a routine, alternating between Afrohouse and Afrobeats styles. We do a 10 minute meditation at times at end of class. Feel free to stay.
MUSIC: Wizzkid, Tekno, Skales, Phyno, P.Square..you get the idea.
LEVEL: Open to all levels.
Beginners are welcome as long as they are ready to give it 100%!
7:30 - 8:45pm @ The Space studios, 31 Falkirk St, London N1 6HQ
Tube: Shoredich
£75 paid in advance
Drop in £12
Cash & Card accepted
Semba & Kizomba
Back 2 Basics Workshop
Next date TBC
We want to give you more. So we've decided to start the year well and offer you in depth workshops that gives you a chance to focus on the dance. You will get:
> Basic Semba foundation steps
> Difference between Kizomba & Semba
> Dance on Live drums for Semba
> Understand the rhythm on the drums
> Presentation on how Kizomba evolved
> African food available
Spend a Sunday afternoon with good food, good music and trying out your Semba moves.
1 -4pm @ place TBC
Monthly
FRIDAYS
BATUKE! Carnival community Project
Be part of the largest Carnival in Europe and second largest in the World!
Parade with us at Notting hill Carnival in 2019
Dates: 22nd Feb - 16th August 2019
Parade: 26th August 2019
This will involve:
> Dance routines
> Group meetings
> Learning basic costume skills
Sessions will take place Every FRIDAY