This Saturday September 25, 2010 : African Dance Class " BiKUTSi " African dance is diverse. Bikut-si music is historically rooted in the cultural traditions of the Beti people. The Beti today comprise roughly one half million people, divided into the Ewondo, Bulu, and Eton clans. Despite subtle group differences, the Beti language is the common thread that unites these groups with a common Cameroonian identity and history. The Beti have historically inhabited villages spread throughout the equatorial forest region surrounding urban Yaoundé, and further South into neighboring Equatorial Guinea. Bikut-si is characterized by its intense and instantly recognizable 6/8 pounding rhythm. It's a beat that grabs you, grooves you, and finally overpowers you into stomping your feet rhythmically to the beat. Bi is a term used by the Beti to pluralize whatever word happens to come after it. Kut is the Beti word meaning to "hit" or "pound vigorously" a solid surface in a continuous fashion. Si is Beti for the ground - or more literally cultivable land. Put together, Bikut-si means to beat the ground continuously.2 Bikut-si has traditionally been used as a form of communication, culturally tying together the Beti people through performances that exhibit tradition, group pride and solidarity.
This class will be taught by Mambo Tse from Cameroon at Dancewave located at 45 4th Ave on the corner of Dean. Please register at www.cameroonpikin.com Seats are limited. Class starts at 4pm. Saturday.
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