West African Rhythms and Drums

A course based on the traditional rhythms, songs, dances and drums of the different peoples of Ghana.

The forenoons begin with a joint dance session whereupon you continue with either dance or drum sessions, according to your choice, up to the lunch break.

The afternoons begin with an hour of joint rhythm practice and then again proceed with two separate sessions according to choice.

We will work with basic playing techniques on the special Ghana drums - both with our hands and with sticks. We will also use the djembe and rhythmic, musical and ensemble comprehension in general.

The drum ensembles can be Agbadza or Bodobor, for example, or Ga's Kpanlogo, with bells, Calabash drums and a wide variety of other hand drums. The djembe classes will focus on technique and ensemble practice in the creation of new compositions.

Ghana dances range from very subtle to explosive so bring clothes that you are comfortable with and can more freely in. Dancing will be bare foot.

The instructors will be Florence Etse from Ghana and Kristina Aspeqvist from Sweden. They both have their own techniques of teaching rhythmic comprehension and they use movements, dancing and coordination during their classes

Florence is a dance instructor and a member of the Odehe Dance Company.

Kristina has played drums for 24 years and travelled and studied in West and East Africa. She represents the cultural bridge, based five years of study at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. She is conductor of the female drum orchestra Ohemaa, she has played percussion instruments in several bands, and she also arranges drum and dance trips to Ghana every winter.

Both Florence and Kristina have an uncontrolled passion for the magical world of rhythms.

All participants need to have access to a djembe, conga, kpanlogo or similar. Drums can possibly be hired from the instructors. Let us know on your application form if you have drumming, dancing or other musical experience.


Fee 2 600 SEK

| monday - friday |

For additional information:
kurser@falufolk.com