Media Release – Sunshine Coast Daily
IT’S Tuesday at about 7pm and the rhythmic beats of djembe drums echoing from Palmwoods Memorial Hall announce it’s time for the dancers to gather.
Mostly women and a couple of men of all ages, shapes and sizes are jovially stretching limbs, waiting for the lead dancer to signal. Then, off they go.
Immediately, smiles and laughter rise from the troupe as they shuffle and stomp from one side of the wooden floor to the other.
Accompanied by the intoxicating blend of drums, bells and regular calls from the head drummer, the energy in the room is captivating.
With every new song, the tempo and intensity of the drumming and dancing increase. The dancers match the beats with their feet and soon everyone in the room is smiling.
Curious passers-by pop in and one leaves her shoes by the door and joins in.
During the hour the dancers move, shake, stomp, dance and clap their way around the floor. They intermittently reach for water bottles and wipe sweat off their brows.
Their rosy cheeks and increased breathing are signs this is no ordinary dance class but a decent aerobic workout. Leading the troupe is dancer and organiser Bec Mount, who, at almost six months’ pregnant, dances every week no matter how she feels.
“After dancing I’m bursting with energy and I’m in a fantastic mental and physical space,” she said.
“I can’t recommend it enough to everyone.”
Bec has danced for as long as she can remember, trying a variety of styles including tap and dance but African dancing captured her soul.
She has experience in various styles of African dance, learning from renowned dancers such as Lamine
Sonko, who introduced her to West African dance.
“The drumming is contagious and the high-energy dancing is addictive,” she said.
About a year ago, Bec started the African Dance Co-op as a way to share her passion with the public. And at Earth Hour celebrations at Cotton Tree Park last night, the group – Rhythm Culture – performed to an audience.
“It’s called a co-op because we encourage ideas and suggestions from all the dancers,” she said.
In the background, the drummers are led by Bec’s partner, professional drumming teacher and performer, Nathaniel Combs.
“The drummers are students of Rhythm Culture and every five weeks, they learn a new West African rhythm. They are played weekly at the co-op and dancers learn the respective dance,” Bec said.
Whether it’s to increase your fitness, make new friends or delve into African culture, people of all ages, fitness and dance levels are encouraged to join the co-op. Usually, those with African dance experience lead the dance, and the others simply follow.
“It’s a no-pressure class where you can get fit.”
This article was written by Tani Du Toi. See full article here
AFRICAN DANCE CO-OP
WHERE: Palmwoods Memorial Hall, Palmwoods.
WHEN: Tuesdays 7-8pm
COST: Gold coin donation
INFO: For dancing and drumming class info, go to www.rhythmculture.com.au or phone: 0434 585 992
