|
On Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Umbadu Dance Company performed at the Performing Arts Center.
From beginning to end, the show was filled with energy. The group consisted of three male dancers, a female dancer and a drummer.
Throughout the show, the group members communicated with each other through the Zulu language and wore traditional outfits. This allowed for a truly authentic, traditional-feeling atmosphere for the performance.
Steps in the dance included stomping, jumping and high kicking. All of the dancers acted in unison, except for the female only routine, but the differences in styling were still apparent. The subtle differences between the dancers made the performance seem more natural and free-spirited.
In between dances, the lead dancer and founder of the group, Johannes “Jomo” Xulu, taught some of the history of Africa and the Zulu tribe. He described some of the different situations for dancing and life for the Zulu people.
“To make sure people understand one thing that is missing in this universe, because we are the residents of the world. We are all one people.” said Xulu. He also taught some syllables of the San language, which is famous for its use of “clicks.”
Towards the end of the show, and the female dancer enacted the story of Shaku Guru, where the prince of the Zulu tribe who fell in love with Nandi, a woman from a neighboring tribe which the Zulu were forbidden from wedding with.
“I’m not sure how many students are aware of the story of Shaku Guru, so the fact that he went over the story, I was impressed,” said Consuela Ward, director of the Multicultural Student Center.
The highlight of the show was the audience participation. About halfway through the show, the group taught the audience some of the basic movements in Zulu dancing.
This brought up the energy in the entire audience and enforced the group’s theme of unity of all people.
The audience was also encouraged to speak some of the San language. At the end of the show, the audience was again asked to dance with the group.
“I loved it. It was really energetic and I want to go home dancing tonight,” said Christina Brooks, a friend of Georgia Southern student Tasha Williams.
“Sometimes people forget that learning can be fun,” said Ward.
Xulu, a Zulu who danced since he was 4 years old, began the group in 2000 after working with other dance groups around the world, including England.
The Umdabu Dance Company provided a fantastic, energetic show that left every audience member satisfied. “It was so culturally fused and interesting,” said Janelle Clarke, a Judicial advocate and member of the Adrenaline Show Choir.
|
