What's Happening in Colchester, VT…

A dance troupe from Burlington is inviting everyone to learn the beats and rhythms of Africa at an upcoming Colchester event.

Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater performs traditional music and dance from West Africa. In Bambara, a language spoken in Mali, “Jeh Kulu” is defined as “community,” which is what the troupe hopes to do—build a community with their audiences. Jeh Kulu was established in 1993 to bring people from all backgrounds and ages together to learn about West African tradition.

The group’s vision is to create kinship, raise cultural awareness, and have fun, all at the same time. The artists of Jeh Kulu share traditional dances and rhythms from Mail, Senegal, and Guinea, all located in West Africa.

In these countries, music and dance are part of everyday life, where they celebrate the harvest, marriage, death, birth, and other milestones. Jeh Kulu uses its performances to illustrate this society, and offer an insight into a fascinating culture that is unfamiliar to many people. Everyone is encouraged to join the Jeh Kulu artists in singing and dancing.

The dance workshop will be held at the Burnham Memorial Library on Main Street in Colchester, on August 14. The event is scheduled from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Admission is free, and the workshop is suitable for participants of all ages. Organizers of events like this could user brochure printing to create an informative booklet that explains some of the traditions behind the performance.