Rhythmic Odyssey: Joh Camara Brings West African Drumming and Dance to Curry College

Curry College's World Dance History class was recently treated to a captivating performance and interactive session led by renowned West African drummer and dancer, Joh Camara. The event, held at the Alumni Recreation Center, immersed students in the rich cultural traditions of Mali, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rhythms and movements that have been passed down through generations.

Unlocking the Vibrant Tapestry of West African Music and Dance

Rhythmic Roots: Joh Camara's Musical Journey

Joh Camara's passion for West African drumming and dance stems from his upbringing in a musical family, known as a Griot, in Bamako, Mali. From a young age, he was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of drumming, singing, and dancing, which ignited his lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing these cultural traditions.Camara's expertise extends far beyond the local stage, as he is recognized globally for his work in touring and collaborating with various artists. His connection to Curry College runs deep, as he has previously taught at the institution and has maintained a close working relationship with Professor Christine Bennett, who organized this captivating event.

Immersive Experience: Bringing Mali to Curry College

The World Dance History class was captivated by the rhythmic beats and graceful movements as Camara led them through a dynamic exploration of West African dance. Students eagerly participated, dancing and giggling along to the infectious beats, while also learning about Camara's personal experiences growing up in Mali.Professor Bennett expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the profound impact it would have on the Curry College community. "It's definitely going to bring an in-depth, immersive experience into Malian music and dance," she said. "We're going to learn dance that comes from Mali, probably a little Cynical, maybe some Ivory Coast."

Connecting Cultures: Students Embrace the West African Tradition

The students in the World Dance History class were eager to engage with the new dance styles and cultural traditions presented by Camara. Amalia Jemerin, a junior Criminal Justice major, expressed her excitement to apply Camara's teachings to her existing dance knowledge."For a while I've been learning about all the different dances trying out," Jemerin said. "But I had never done the West African type of dance before and I really wanted to know what it was like."Jovera Rice, a first-year Criminal Justice and Psychology major, also found a personal connection to the event, drawing parallels to her own Cape Verdean heritage and early experiences with dance."I did a little bit of dancing growing up and my siblings all danced," Rice said. "I'm Cape Verdean so I feel like this is good to kind of just touch into the roots."

Continuing the Legacy: Preparing for the Homecoming Arts Brunch

The event at Curry College was just the beginning of a deeper exploration of West African music and dance. Professor Bennett revealed that the students would have the opportunity to learn an entire dance from Camara, which they would then perform at the upcoming Homecoming Family Weekend Arts Brunch."Joh will teach these students in World Dance History an entire dance that then will be performed at the Homecoming Family Weekend Arts Brunch," Bennett said. "So whatever they learn here, they're gonna take it forward, and Joh will return to campus one more time on the 29th of September for the Arts Brunch."This collaborative effort not only enriches the students' understanding of West African cultural traditions but also allows them to share their newfound knowledge with the broader Curry College community during the Homecoming celebrations.