Mihi ki te Whaea: Gratitude to the Mother

A short dance theatre performance that draws on the concept of call and response traditions of African music and the pōwhiri in Aotearoa. Traditional chants of Aotearoa performed by three women (Heather, Monique and Bridget) called for peace, love, and faith; and traditional chants of Guinea responded with gratitude to the Mother.

 

Choreography, while creative in nature, drew on indigenous gestures including whiri (Māori) and Sorsornet (Baga Mask Dance, Guinea).

 

Much gratitude is offered to the indigenous people of Aotearoa and Guinea, to Ojeya Cruz Banks for sharing Sorsornet with me, to Monique and Bridget who made this a performance of sisterhood, and to Camp Samatou for providing the performance opportunity and venue,  and to Mouminatou Camara for your critical feedback (post performance) that made me grow into a better dancer.

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- Stay tuned for film clip -