Arts organisation Black Artists On The Move takes cultural dance to dozens of Bristol children and families for Black History Month.
Through a National Lottery fund, the international organisation with roots in Bristol, has delivered more than 40 performances and workshops.
A particular highlight has been the work with May Park Primary School.
Former vice principal at Fairfield High which along with May Park is part of the Excalibur Academy, Vanetta Spence took over as Head at the start of the academic year.
Keen to give students a rich cultural experience, Ms Spence jumped at the offer of having visiting artist Fofoo Attiso lead dance sessions across the school.
Based in Ghana and from the Ewe tribe of Benin, Togo and Ghana, Fofoo is a renowned dance artist specialising in both traditional and contemporary African dance forms with his group Saha Dance Rhythms.
He said: “I live in the greater Accra region in Ghana which is a lively centre where many different tribes and cultures mix. From the age of say five to twelve every child had to learn the traditional dance called ‘Kpatsa’.
“This dance is a lot of fun but it is also a rite of passage dance that children learn and then perform as they reach puberty. It is important in our society and it is something that binds the community together,” he added.
Black Artists On The Move director Cleo Lake, a former Lord Mayor and pioneer of dance in the city, said: “It’s been amazing having Fofoo here. I met him on my first dance holiday in Ghana over 10 years ago.
"He has taught the whole school the Kpatsa dance and I have to say that of all the schools and workshops we have delivered - this is one that really stands out.
“To see the joy on the children’s faces - all children, of all backgrounds, it is quite special and I know everyone has enjoyed the dance because everyone got involved. This is a brilliant counter to all the external negativity and divisions that are going on in the wider world.”
One parent participant commented “I don’t remember ever smiling for 20 minutes solid - that was fantastic.”
Dance Instructor Fofoo enjoyed his time in the city and was pleased with the impact it has had.
He said: “I have really enjoyed my time in Bristol and the UK, sharing my rich culture through dance.
"Before I head home, I will also be leading a weekend dance workshop covering traditional forms from Ghana and Togo and more creative movements too.”
At the end of November he will be returning to Ghana, where he organises an annual tour across the country, encouraging people to learn dance, drumming and go on cultural excursions.
Similar events and cultural experiences for pupils of the African and Caribbean traditions have taken place throughout Black History Month in October, and plans are in place for more of this to be embedded all year around.
The workshop takes place on November 16/17 1-4pm at Piloxercise LA Combat 7 Easton Road.
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