By Yunus S Saliu
Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dances Academy in collaboration with the World Federation of Acrobatic and Swing Dances will today kick start a three-day Rock N Roll Acrobatic and Swing Dance Master Classes for the interested people that want to improve and become a professional Rock N Roll Acrobatic Swing Dancer.
This master class dance “is a fast, athletic, physically demanding form of partner dance. It originated from Lindy Hop but has evolved into a choreographed sport, often done in formal competition. It is danced by both couples and groups.”
The Master Classes training of this famous Rock N Roll Acrobatic Swing Dance taking place at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) kicks start on the 8th and will end on the 10th of January 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Banjul on Thursday, Mamat Sallah, Assistant Director of Museum and Monument representing the Director General of the NCAC noted the importance of this Rock N Roll Acrobatic Swing Dance master class training which he described as a platform not only meant for entertainment but provides different physical and mental health benefits.
Among the potential physical and mental health benefits are stress relief, increased flexibility and strength, exercises, and among other.
Oumy Sene, Director of the World Federation of Acrobatic and Swing Dances accompanied by famous dancers in the world of the acrobatic evolution made an introduction to the Rock N Roll Acrobatic Dance Master Classes training, ongoing at GTHI.
She said they are couples and champions who have been dancing together for over 20 years, saying “they are honoured to be here” (in Gambia) and be part of the Master Class training.
The World Federation of Acrobatic and Swing Dances President outlined their objectives which including to give a little glimpse into what acrobatic rock’n’roll dance and sport, explaining that “It is a dance that’s true, it’s a sport, as well, and it is probably a new opportunity or an opportunity that existed for many years everywhere else. And in Africa, for young people to learn, to teach, to embrace, to train in and perform. In that perspective, have a new way of moving forward and making that talent being discovered and fulfilled.”
She noted that today, there are lots of technology that’s available that can help to know, to see more about it, but if you do not know about it, it’s difficult to apprehend it and to see what it can do for you.
“The second thing that we aim to do during this short stay is to help and train a little bit of young people who will become the Gambian team to represent the country, hopefully, in international competitions,” she expressed with strong determination.
Ndey Fatou Jabang, CEO Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dance Academy thanked the World Federation of Acrobatic and Swing Dance for partnering with Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dance Academy, while expressing confidence on producing competent group that will become Gambia Team to participate in both national and international Rock N Roll Acrobatic competition.
Dilating on the Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Dances Academy activities, she expressed delight in having the President and delegation of the World Federation of Acrobatic Swing Dances in the Gambia to participate in this one of its kinds training.
Meanwhile, she called on every interested pupil to come forward and register for the training which comes with enormous opportunities, while applauded the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for its unflinching support Flex Fuzion Entertainment and Academy and in an extension, to all performing groups.
Ivan Yadin and Olga Sbitevna, Rock N Roll Acrobatic couple dancers among others made vibrant remarks at the briefing.
