Children shake to the African rhythms

From the archive, first published Tuesday 15th Nov 2005.

ST CATHERINE'S School in Upper Stratton turned from a place of study to a place of dance and drumming as the Black Umfolosi Band from Africa hosted a workshop for the whole school.

The Zimbabwean band believe that teaching children can help them realise the importance of their culture and help people remember their roots.

Rosalina Brock, a teacher at the school, said: "This was such an unusual opportunity, the children were looking forward to it very much".

The band split the children into groups to give them a taste of the Zimbabwean culture to teach them the moves of the gumboot dance, a South African tradition, and the harmonies of their singing.

Mrs Brock said: "It was so vibrant the children were so absorbed, they enjoyed it very much".

The Black Umfolosis performed at the Wyvern Theatre last night following their afternoon rehearsal at the school.

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