$20

Before colonization and religious conversion, Kongo's religious structure was based on the belief of the existence of ancestors and deities. Ancestors acquired supernatural power in the afterlife and joined spiritual entities to guard humanity. Communication between humans and the spiritual world was facilitated by an Nganga (priest). Come learn the sacred dances of Bâ Ngûnza with visiting master teacher Biza Sompa. Class begins with a warm-up with isolations and stretches to prepare the body to move. Next you will learn information about the ritual of burying the dead in Kongolese tradition along with associated songs. Then you will learn the dances going across the floor. Join us for this special way to celebrate our ancestors!

Biza Sompa began his dance and choreography career in 1970 with the Ballet Damar and the Congolese National Dance Company in Brazzaville, Congo. He toured extensively throughout France, Belgium and Germany with the Paris based Congolese dance troupes, Ballet Lemba and Ballet N’Kodia. In 1979, Biza founded the Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater Company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Under his proficient guidance as the artistic director for the company, the members of Bichini Bia Congo are trained in the technical and aesthetic elements of Congolese dancing, singing and instrumentation. Biza and his company travel the country year‐round and are nationally known for their dance and drum workshops, educational and cultural presentations, children’s and family performances, as well as large scale, community wide theater productions. Currently, Biza is a well respected instructor and lecturer in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at both the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.