February Black History Month – African Connections

Photo of Tania Amaral
February Black History Month - African Connections Tania Amaral
Tania Amaral Dance Instructor Mozambique

February 2022

Stories that Move! That is the theme of Crimson Coast Dance Society’s 24th season of presenting extraordinary dance events in Nanaimo and as we step tap our way into this month of celebrating the successes and talents of people of the African diaspora.

AFRICAN CONNECTIONS, 2nd annual, is brought to us through the vision of Tania Amaral, a pharmacist turned dance artist from Mozambique and who now lives in Nanaimo with her husband, physician, Geraldo Ndeve. This event reveals the dynamic and diverse continent of Africa by highlighting intriguing stories by individuals whether through dance, history, writing, storytelling.

Tania, passionately positive and adamantly optimistic, shares this favourite quote, “If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” -Maya Angelou, The Heart of a Woman

Curated by and co-Produced with Tania Amaral, African Connections continues the annual tradition of shining a light on the skills and accomplishments of artists from the African Diaspora. This year’s event was planned to be in person with artists based in New York, Montreal, Portland and Nanaimo. However, due to the unpredictability of Omicron, Tania and Crimson Coast Dance re-organized and will bring these special guests this coming summer while pivoting others to online streaming for Black History Month celebrations!

Our feature event this year, February 14 to 28, offers Karingana Wa Karingana which translates to Storytelling for children.  Lethy Makwenge returns to share delightful lessons and tales from African Countries.  Lethy offers two sessions each with stories in English, French and Lingala and Swahili!

Be transported to climates, cultures and histories that pulse with hard earned life, love and joy. Visit African Connections at crimsoncoastdance.org beginning mid February to take in a diverse catalogue of presentations representing a multitude of individuals and countries.

Scroll down for Stories for Children in multiple languages: French, Lingala, Swahili, English and Kizomba University presentation by Rui Djassi Moracén!
Click the button or use this link for stories by other local individuals representing a variety of countries in Africa : https://crimsoncoastdance.com/event/celebrating-africa-day/
Photo of Lethy Makwenge

Karingana Wa Karingana, stories told by Lethy Makwenge
(video footage and editing by Brighton Mbilinyi)

Photo of Brighton Mbilinyi

Brighton Mbilinyi is conservation and tourism professional who worked with the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, Serengeti and Tanzania Parks. Holds a Master degree in Arts, Sustainable Leisure Management from Vancouver Island University-Canada, a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, a certificate in digital arts and professional commercial drone operation and photographing.

Crimson Coast Dance Society is pleased to present Karingana Wa Karingana [Storytelling For Children] stories told by Lethy Makwenge. Video footage and editing by Brighton Mbilinyi.

Lethy Makwenge returns to share delightful lessons and tales from African Countries. Lethy offers two sessions each with stories in English, French, Lingala and Swahili!

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