Instructor: Vintani Nafassi
Entrance: 1 day — €35 / 2 days — €60
Exploring Limbondo — Workshop on Makonde Traditional Dance
with Vintani Nafassi
Multidisciplinary artist and researcher from Mozambique
Friday 23 October, 17:00–20:00 / Saturday 24 October, 10:00–13:00
@Studio Bodlabot, OT301 — Overtoom 301 1054HW, Amsterdam
Limbondo is a traditional unisex dance of the Makonde people of Mozambique, celebrated during festive seasons as a symbol of community unity and cultural pride. In Makonde culture, music, song, and dance are inseparable — it is difficult to say which came first, the song or the dance. All Makonde dances begin with a song, followed by the drums, and then the steps: a living tradition in which rhythm, movement and voice are one.
In this workshop, Vintani Nafassi invites participants into the rhythmic world of Limbondo: its circular formations, symbolic gestures, and the pulsating rhythms of the traditional Ntoji and Likuti drums. Through hands-on instruction and shared practice, participants will learn the basic steps and movements of Limbondo, and gain an understanding of the cultural and historical context from which this dance emerges. The workshop also offers an introduction to the traditional instruments that accompany Limbondo, weaving together movement, rhythm and cultural exchange in a space for discovery, connection and celebration.
The workshop is open to all — no prior dance experience or knowledge of African culture is required. Whether you are a dancer, a musician, or simply curious, Limbondo welcomes every body and every level.
Vintani Afonso Nafassi is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, musician and researcher from Maputo, Mozambique, holding a Master's degree in African Music Performance from the University of Cape Town. He has taught and performed internationally across Africa, Europe, South America and Asia, dedicating his practice to preserving and sharing the living heritage of African music and dance. www.vintaninafassi.com
1 day — €35 / 2 days — €60
Info and registration: manuelaluciatessi@gmail.com / vintaninafassi.com
photo: Lindsey Appolis