Ethiopian Dance @ Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival 2008

It's an unfortunate reality that when people think of Ethiopia the images that first spring to mind are those of its recent past, images of famine, rather than images that highlight the culture of this proud nation, a nation that may well have held the cradle of humanity, as many believe that Homo Sapiens first evolved in Ethiopia. From the earliest times, then, Ethiopia has had a strong cultural and artistic identity and this unique cultural heritage is found most prominently in Ethiopian Dance.

The Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, which is this year celebrating 17 years of bringing the Arts and Culture to the people of Kerry, is showcasing Ethiopian Dance as part of its upcoming celebrations.

"Our theme this year is Planet Earth," said Jason O' Mahony, Artistic Director of Samhlaiocht. "We're celebrating the artistic history and culture of the whole world this year and so having a rich cultural diversity throughout our many events is key to having a vibrant and successful festival. Ethiopian Dance is an art form that is moving, both figuratively and literally, while being just beautiful to watch. Irish Dancing is renowned world wide so we at Samhlaiocht feel it equally important to unearth an exciting alternative dance style for an Irish audience."

Ethiopian dancers move the head and shoulders back and forth as though they are only temporarily attached to the rest of the body. The movements are so uniquely beautiful to Ethiopian Dance that they invariably elicit gasps from the audience which often gives way to sheer delight at the pure virtuosity of the flowing movement.

And while the event will provide an opportunity for the audience to watch an energetic and inspiring performance it will also fashion an opportunity for them to learn, what is sure to be for most audience members, a brand new style of dance.

Betesaida Hailegeorgis, who hails for the Ethopian capital of Addis Ababa , and has resided in Kerry since 2000 will teach the Master class. "It will be a pleasure to share such an important part of the culture of my home country with the people of my new home," said Betesaida with a smile that's as beautiful as the traditional dance which she practices, "I'm really looking forward to performing the dance routines and then teaching the Irish audience how to Ethiopian dance."

The dance focuses on the shoulders, which seductively gyrate and undulate in a frenzied display of almost competitive energy. The workshop takes place on Easter Monday, March 24th at 4:00 pm in the Siamsa Tire Rehearsal Room. Those interested in taking part should get in touch with Michele Sheehan of Samhlaocht on 066 712 9934 or by emailing michele@samhlaiocht.com
For more info on Ethiopia please log onto http://www.dci.gov.ie/ethiopia.asp