Part 1 of 3 - Afro Urban Dance Workshops Vol. 11
About this Event
Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre Inc. presents Afro Urban Dance Workshops (AUDW) Vol. 11: Traditional Ethiopian Dance & Kuduro.
Join us for a vibrant celebration and recognition of popular Afro-diasporic dance forms. This workshop series invites participants to explore movement, history, and cultural context through African traditional, street, and social dances that continue to shape urban culture in Calgary.
In this eleventh installment of the AUDW series, we are excited to spotlight dynamic modern and traditional styles from Africa and the Afro-diaspora. Participants will have the opportunity to engage deeply with both Traditional Ethiopian Dance and Kuduro, learning not only the movements but also the cultural stories and influences behind them.
We look forward to welcoming you for an energetic, educational, and inspiring dance experience!
Mekbul Jamal Tahir - Traditional Ethiopian Dance
10 am - 12 pm
Class Description: Explore the rich cultural diversity of Ethiopia through its traditional dances. This dynamic class introduces movement styles from the Amhara, Gurage, and Oromo communities, each with its own unique rhythms, stories, and expressions. Participants will learn vibrant shoulder isolations, energetic footwork, traveling patterns, jumps, and partner-based movements while gaining insight into the traditions and everyday life reflected in Ethiopian dance. Suitable for all levels, this class offers a joyful and immersive cultural experience.
Blue - Kuduro
1 pm - 3 pm
Class Description: Experience the energy and rhythm of Kuduro, a vibrant dance style from Angola that blends African movement traditions with contemporary urban influences. This high-energy class focuses on dynamic footwork, powerful body isolations, musicality, and self-expression. Participants will learn foundational Kuduro movements while building coordination, stamina, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Suitable for all levels, this class offers an exciting introduction to one of Africa’s most electrifying dance forms.
TICKETS:
One Workshop (Either Traditional Ethiopian Dance & Kuduro): $30
Both Workshops: $50
NOTE: This is one of three AUDWs that are happening in July. The other dates are July 18 and 25, and the guest dance artists are teaching Traditional Cameroon dance - Bikutsi, Coupé-Décalé Foundations, Coupé-Décalé Evolution and Azonto.
Contact Aissatou at [email protected] if you have any questions or for more information.
Mekbul Jemal Tahir is an international choreographer, dancer, and teacher. He is one of the founding members of Adugna Community Dance Theatre Company, which is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Since completing a five-year training program accredited by Middlesex University (UK) in 2001, he has been performing and teaching African contemporary dance, contact improvisation, and community dance and theatre in Ethiopia and abroad. Among others, his projects have included the 2005 Kin-Addis Project in the DRC, Ethiopia, and France, and the 2006 Can Do Can Dance Project in Hamburg, Germany. In 2007, he performed a lead role in As the Mother of a Brown Boy, which opened at Chickenshed Theatre Company in London and later travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it was nominated for two awards.
Most recently, he was an invited participant in two international dance workshops at L’Ecole des Sables, Toubab Dialew, Senegal, under the direction of Germaine Acogny. He is also one of the dancers who were selected to study Germaine Acogny’s dance and certified to teach her technique. Now a resident of Massachusetts, he divides his time between work with Adugna in Ethiopia and projects in Africa, Europe, and the United States.
Diese Vieira, known artistically as Dy Blue, is an international dancer, choreographer, and creative director of Angolan and Portuguese roots, currently based in the UK. With over 15 years of experience, she has collaborated and performed with major artists including Richie Campbell, Plutónio, Nelson Freitas, Titica, Runtown, and Ruger, among others.
Specialising in Afro-diasporic dance styles such as Kuduro, Afro House, Ndombolo, Azonto, and Coupé-Décalé, Dy Blue also blends Afro Fusion and Street Dance, creating a distinctive movement language rooted in culture, power, and storytelling.
Her career highlights include performances on major stages and festivals such as Sudoeste Festival and Altice Arena, appearances in international music videos, and live productions across Europe, Africa, and beyond. She has also been consistently active on the battle scene for the past two years, with notable achievements including Winner of RDE Battle Manchester 2024 and Top 8 placements in Belgium Netherlands, Czech Republic and London battles.
As an educator, Dy Blue’s specialty lies in teaching Afro House, Kuduro, and Afro Fusion. She is deeply committed to empowering dancers through movement, encouraging cultural awareness, creativity, and confidence. She has delivered classes and workshops across Europe, America, and Asia, working with dancers of all levels and backgrounds.
She is a proud member of the Roots & More Collective, continuing to grow artistically through collaboration, research, and community-based work.
Dy Blue’s mission is to connect people through dance celebrating Afro-diasporic culture while inspiring the next generation of movers worldwide
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 33.40 to CAD 54.73
