Alphonso ‘Phonso’ Henry told MiyVue.com that he will be coordinating the workshop to train the participants in African dance techniques and to bring awareness to the African culture and to promote local culture as well.
In an interview with MiyVue.com, Henry explained that the workshop basically is to promote African dance in St. Kitts and Nevis and to give young people, not only females, but also males, a chance to broaden the aspect of the genre within St. Kitts and Nevis because most dance groups here are not African based.
He added that it was always an ambition of his to host such a workshop but thinks the time is now right for him to launch it.
Henry added that he was inspired to organize the workshop as a way for him to give back to the people of the federation, having done dance training in Jamaica and the United States.
He also indicated that one of his goals for the workshop, is to get new dancers to come out and dance, especially males, whom he indicated are subjected to negativity whenever they dance but he is still encouraging them to shun that negativity.
The workshop will be held from the 20th – 25th of August, at the Youth and Community Center on Victoria Road, and participants will be divided based on age and dance experience.
The targeted age range is 10-16 years.
Henry also stated that registration forms can be collected from the Ministry of Culture which he explained has fully endorsed the exercise. The registration fee is $50.
The dance tutor said it is his hope to run the workshop on an annual basis and he is soliciting the support of the public for this new venture.