Afro Swing Workshop & Mozambican traditional dance
13.10.2023

Xidimba

Xidimba is a happy dance that expresses the joy of young people. It is characterized by the songs and steps that symbolize the talent, and gift of each young practitioner, based on criticism and immoral acts to society.

Xidimba is originally from the province of Cabo Delgado and its practiced in times of ceremony parties, such as initiation rites, weddings, baptisms, and other events.

Afro Swing 

We’ll explore the connection between different swing dances and traditional Mozambique dance steps. The theme of Afro Swing is “life is rhythm and rhythm is life”. The jam circle – dancing in a circle – is of central importance in traditional African dance.

About their workshops: 

The purpose of our workshops is to share our experiences about Mozambican dance, music, traditional music instruments, languages and the history of the people through dance. We also explore different kind of Mozambican dance concepts, from ceremonial dances, festive and dances of resistance. Since the arrival of swingdances in Mozambique we have been researching about African influences into Afro-American dances, and see how we can contribute for better community and bring spirit and the values of dance to all dance lovers. We teach dance and percussion for adults, children, and everyone that is curious about dance, music and learning about African culture. Most of our classes are done with live music and singing.

About the Smile Trio

Elias Manhiça and Augusto Manhiça

Elias and Augusto are also known as “Gêmeos Manhiça” (the Manhiça Twins). They were born in a culturally rich family and started their first cultural group already in 2003 called “Crianças da Paz”(Children of Peace) where music, song and dance were inseparable. They soon joined the dance company Wuchene and later created Hodi Maputo Afro Swing where Elias now is a musician and general coordinator of Mozambique Afro Swing Exchange and Augusto the musical director. They are also the band leaders of Banda Hodi which is known for its growing popularity in Mozambique. During their career they have performed in Sweden, China, South Africa, Belgium, Denmark, Ivory Coast, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Brazil at Festival Folclórico de Passo Fundo and New York at the Frankie 100 celebrations.

They have attended some of the biggest dance and music festivals such as Herrang Dance Camp, Burning Swing, Gentse Feesten, Life Ful Festival Stockholm kultur Festival, Macau International Parede, Lusofony Macau Festival, Mother City Hop, Shangay World Expo and many others.

Eugênio Macuvel

Eugênio has been a choreographer since the age of 14 and the Artistic Director of Hodi Maputo Afro Swing since the start of the company in 2014. Dancing and singing was a natural part of Eugenio’s childhood and he was fast to develop his skills. He started “Crianças da Paz” (Children of Peace) together with the Manhiça twins at the age of 12 and became the young choreographer of Wuchene at the age of 14. During his time as choreographer he has trained many of the members of Hodi Maputo Afro Swing when they wer e part of “Wuchene Junior” that he initiated to create future dancers. He has through the years put together choreographies with up to 50 dancers on stage, been part of produ cing many artistic pieces on major stages and has performed and choreographed in different parts of the world such as South Africa, Sweden, China, Belgium, Denmark, Ivory Coast , France, Germany, The Netherlands and Brazil. As a dancer and dance teacher, Eugeni o had the honor of participating in major dance festivals around the world and collaborated with great dance figures such as: Fredrik Dalberg, Chester A. Whitmore, Remy Kouakou Kouame, Marie N’diaye, Valerie Salstrom, Angela Andrew, Lisa Josefsson, Mickey Davidson, Felix Berghall and many others.