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Show THE Page 10 OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume XIV Issue II October 15, 2006 Exhilarating African Dancing, Awesome Paintings, and a Good Cause Made it Worthwhile to Weather the Storm By Drienie Hattingh The pouring rain and flooding in parts of Ogden and Salt Lake City could not keep guests from attending the Faces of Africa Arts Exhibition at the Eccles Community Arts Center on October 6. Extraordinary paintings of African men, women, and children adorned the walls in the historic Eccles home that houses Ogden’s art center. Guests (still wet from the earlier downpour) were then drawn next door to the Community Art Center’s dance venue where rhythmic drumming sounds spilled out into the wet autumn night and into Ogden’s beautiful old neighborhood adorned with century old Victorian homes. Soon, young women dressed in colorful wraps a African beads moved onto the shiny w floor, bare feet stomping and potinding, arms and legs flying and flowing in graceful yet energetic movements to the rhythm of the intoxicating, pulsating drums. Deja Mitchell and her students then spent the next hour entertaining the guests with exhilarating African dance movements. In 1995, Deja Mitchell, now of Eden, was introduced to African dance by her dance teacher Kim Strunk at Utah State University. Kim has been teaching African-based dance for many years, and currently teaches community classes at Salt Lake City’s RDT (Repertory Dance Theatre). Deja was immediately drawn to the exhilarating music and the liberating feel of the dance movements. Tr She says that she felt a deep connection with it and went on to seek out African dance and drum teachers at every opportunity for the next 11 years. Some of the teachers she says she has been fortunate to study with are Chuck Davis, Babatunde Mabiba aes Koumbas: and Rujeko Dumbutchenaall highly regarded in the realm of dance. Deja currently teaches African dance at the Eccles Community Art Center in Ogden and at the Eccles Bullen Center in Logan. Her classes are open to all ages of men and women. No prior experience is required. When teaching African dance, Mitchell explains that she breaks the movements wn in to accessible parts and it doesn’t take long to learn a few entire dances. “The music is infectious and gives the class an exciting energy. It is fun to get into these dynamic movements and to feel the drum rhythms, not to mention that it’s a great workout!’ African dance is very high-energy and exciting. The music and movement is NorthernUtahRealEstate.com Specializing in Ogden Valley polyrhythmic, meaning that there are different rhythms going on at the same time in the song and the body. The dances and movements have special meanings and purpose. Many are celebration dances, and it feels like a joyful celebration of life to dance them. Deja says that the dances and songs come from a deep and rich cultural heritage. “It is rewarding to learn about them and, at the same time, I think we have a duty to help improve the lives of the African people. We are rich and able to benefit from many cultural experiences here in the United States and also while traveling. I am thrilled to bea part of the gallery reception for the Faces of Africa artwork, helping to raise funds for the Ouelessebougou medical mission. It is such important work. I am inspired by these women, who have normal jobs and families, and who save their vacation time and their own money to go to Africa and change lives.” She added, “I admire these courageous women who go yearly to Mali to do medical work. Their stories are incredible, inspiring, and heart-wrenchin The Faces of Affi ica exhibit began when a up, including a nurse and two surgical technicians, shared photos from their medical mission to Africa with local artist Jerry Hancock. Jerry was so intrigued by the colors and patterns of the African attire and the faces of the people, that he borrowed the pictures and created a fantastic exhibit of oils and pastels for the Faces of Afr ‘a on display at the Eccles Community Art Cen Julie Madsen, Michelle Matto, ad Diane Ercanbrack belong to the small medical team what travels to the ‘village of Ouelessebougou n Mali, West Africa to perform gynecological surgeries for women in Ouelessebougou and its surrounding villages. Julie explains that the women in Ouelessebougou have no other medical resources and need surgery for such things as fistulas and prolapsed uteruses. They are social outcasts because of these horrific problems. The surgical expedition helps them so they are able to return to their families and villages. This expedition is self-funded; the volunteers pay for their own transportation, medical supplies, and medications needed to perform the necessary surgeries. They work 12 to 16 hour days in 100 degree weather with no running water or bathroom facilities. Each the team returns’ to Ouelessebougou where they become part of the village. These women feel that the expedition is a life changing experience. Julie says that while they are women from separate continents speaking different languages, they are brought together for two weeks—sharing, laughing, and crying together. Julie says that she feels that even though they are from completely opposite cultures, they are essentially the same and oe is why this group retul to cuslesciougeu each year to help these disadantaged women and children. The Ouelessebougou Alliance is a non-profit organization, which rks cooperatively with villagers i Ouelessebougou and surrounding regions of Mali, Afririca. West Founded in 1985 by a group of Utah community leaders concerned about the devastating drought in North Africa during the 1980s, the Alliance was structured to give individuals, foundations and corporations the opportunity to serve a specific African community, knowing that their assistance was going directly to those in need. Make a Difference Ouelessebougou accepts ongoing project. can make a difference! in the following areas oe ieee d Projects are ongoing Health Education Economic Development Please send SISTER COMMUNITY your donation Attorney at Law 2590 Washington Boulevard, Suite 200 Ogden, Utah 84401 Local: 801 791-1092 Office: 801 612-9299 Email: ccanninglaw@aol.com $529,000 Updated and close to recreation. Ski-in ski-out Powder Mtn from $729,000 Three lots available slopeside! 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