Program Descriptions
Mbongi
for Children programs include school assemblies, lecture/demonstrations,
festivals and camps designed to instill the values and principles
of the "village life." This means that young people
learn how to respect each other, their elders, their teachers,
and their place in the community.
For over 15 years, Mbongi
Dance Theater Project has exposed thousands of school-age youth
to the songs, dances, musical instruments, customs and rituals
of African cultures. These mediums of communication captivate
children into heighten attention and awareness, so that powerful,
positive messages can be understood and absorbed.
Youth Classes -- Assemblies -- Workshops -- Concerts
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Mbongi
for Colleges and Universities bring African culture and arts to
the university setting. Programs in this environment include
master classes and workshops in dance and drumming, concerts,
and lecture/demonstrations.
Audiences are introduced
to the social and cultural contexts of dance and music in Africa
and how they are incorporated into everyday life. Students and
faculty also learn about the links between African and African-American
cultures.
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College Classes -- Residency
Programs -- Workshops -- Concerts
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Mbongi
for the at-large Community includes activities such as on going
community classes in dance and drumming, camps, concerts and
performances.
These activities create
an environment where people joyously learn about community life
through song, dance, and music - bonding and sharing takes place
in the context of the village model.
Classes -- Concerts
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Mbongi
for groups and corporations
are designed for executives,
professionals, community leaders and members of groups to instill
values of community-building and self-care.
Workshops help participants center themselves,
reconnect head to heart, refresh their minds and restore relationships.
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Journey
to the Congo is a month long adventure to the heart
of the Congo, exploring traditional African villages and the
communities that bind them together. It is a unique opportunity
to experience the dance, drumming, singing and rituals of living
Congolese masters in the context of authentic, on-going village
life. This adventure will provide an intimate exposure to the
survival of a traditional African community and an understanding
of the deep roots which are the key to that survival.
- The trip is lead by Titos Sompa, Congolese drumming master and one-time resident
of Loukoua village.
- Trip lengths are flexible,
from 2-4 weeks!
- Trips leave twice a year,
once in summer and once in winter
Proposed Itinerary: (trip dates will be set soon)
Day 1: Leave NY for Brazzaville,
Congo
Day 2: Arrive Brazzaville; travel to Loumou
Day 3: Orientation: Getting to know each other
Day 4: Spend time with host family
Day 5: Drum and dance workshops begin
Day 6: Drum and dance workshops
Day 7: Free day, family day (no workshops, a day with your host)
Day 8: Drum and dance workshops
Day 9: Drum and dance workshops
Day 10: Troupe performance by teachers from the previous days
Day 11: Field Trip
Day 12: Drum and dance workshops
Day 13: Drum and dance workshops
Day 14: Free day, family day
Day 15: Drum and dance performance
Day 16: Drum and dance performance
Day 17: Field Trip to Fulakari or Brazzaville
Day 18: Field trip down Congo River
Day 19: Drum and dance workshops
Day 20: Drum and dance workshops
Day 21: MATANGA, party/celebration including student performance
Day 22: Free Day
Day 13: Leave Brazzaville for NY
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Cost: $3,500 (discount
if received early)
This fee includes all of
the following:
A. Direct round-trip ticket
B. Daily meals, vegetarian or non-vegetarian
C. Group transportation to and from Loumou and the airport
D. Cultural events and performances by a traditional Congolese
troupe
E. Intensive Workshops in Congolese dance, drumming and singing
F. Living accommodations with a host family in Loumou, Linzolo
and Point-Noire
G: Group excursions to historical and cultural sites
H: Leisure time to provide opportunity for exploring the country
Individual transportation
can be arranged for private travel if we receive advance notice.
Coming in June! Danzas y Percusiones del Congo
Travel to Mexico
for a two week workshop on traditional Congolese dance, drumming
and culture! This incredible international event will take place
every year in the spring.
Coming
in July! The Spirit of
Africa Festival celebrates and recognizes the global cultural contribution
that the African continent has brought to our world. The Festival
celebrates the unity and cultural gifts of the Earth's people
that is possible in the world today.
During the festival week,
members of the community have an opportunity to explore the visual
and cinema arts, master classes in dance and drumming, and lecture/demonstrations
dedicated to African culture. The week is culminated by a concert
featuring ethnic artists of music and dance celebrating African-influenced
forms such as reggae, gospel, blues, and jazz. In addition, and
to link these forms to their roots, audiences will be taken through
a journey of the traditional music and dance from the regions
of Africa.
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