WEST African Drum & Dance Experience

Africa is a huge continent of over 50 countries. West Africa contains around 17 of these countries - so there is no one kind of West African drumming and dancing! Even one West African country - Ghana - contains 40 different ethnic groups each with their own language, drumming and dancing styles. Nigeria has more than 500 languages!

This is a 6-12 week project where children have an experience learning a taste of West African drumming and dance styles. They have the chance to develop their drumming and dance skills at their own speed in the classroom and at home from online videos delivered by tutors from Ghana. Traditional drumming patterns from Ghana and Guinea are learnt from video using voice and body percussion. Then linked traditional dances are learnt - also from video.

In addition children explore their creativity and expression through taking call and response drum solos, and  freestyle dancing during their performances.

The programme involves two visits to the school by the fantastic Thomas & Adie from Ghana with the second one culminating in a joyous performance to the school with children doing things neither they, nor their teachers, would have believed they were capable of at the start.

This is a tried and tested transformative project - to deliver a range of music and movement outcomes BUT ALSO personal social development and global citizenship outcomes - that is very inclusive for children of all ability and confidence levels.

"The ABC West African Drum & Dance Experience brought our Malawi Partnerships theme to life. Hands on training and step by step learning videos gave teachers the confidence to engage learners.

The programme made the intricate art form of West African drumming accessible, without diluting its integrity.  The children were highly motivated and loved working with the ABC trainers on the traditional dances and drumming.

They then went on to amaze an audience of their parents and our community as they showcased what they had learned.Staff,
Parents and children of St. Andrew’s primary would highly commend this project.

It brought beat to St Andrew’s kids feet and parents off their seats!"

Jennifer Flanagan HT. St Andrew’s Primary Airdrie

"An opportunity to have a shared experience which has bonded us as a class.  It has also raised self esteem and given 
pupils an increased sense of ability – this project very much had a ‘can do’ approach which worked so well with these pupils.” 

Jennifer Goodall P5 teacher Niddrie Mill Primary
 

 "Children who haven’t performed particularly well academically really shone during the rehearsals and performance.  
The class loved meeting Okoe and Adie and raised the level of performance as a result.  They also really enjoyed being
 able to perform in the setting of the bandstand.”

Rachael Quinn P5 teacher, Fox Covert RC Primary

For more info and prices contact us aT or on 0131 510 0099.