Guest Artists Every year we have a different focus with guest artists. This is a weekend journey of soulful and global rhythms from some of the best African arts practitioners resident in Australia or on tour.
The idea of the African Diaspora Camp is to give you the experience of learning from indigenous teachers who have been passed this ancient knowledge and skill through their bloodlines and professionally work as cultural ambassadors with the responsibility of sharing their wisdom outside their mother country with the rest of the world. So the words, rhythms and moves that you will be learning are representative of celebrating life’s rites of passage from an African perspective.
We then branch out into the African Diaspora to witness how this ancient groove has influenced the many music and dance styles and genres of the New World. We do this in honour of Michael Jackson. For these workshops, as artistic director, I carefully select very experienced teachers who have studied and performed extensively in several cross-cultural styles and are constantly developing their teaching, making and performing practices by transcending borders and cultural boundaries. They may not have any African blood in them at all. However, all their practices have their roots in the ancient mother rhythms of Africa. The styles and teachers are chosen according to their availability, requests from students and balancing a weekend that is fun filled whilst still being able to maintain your energy. All the teachers have a strong professional relationship with Wild Moves and are very mindful of our Surf Coast culture and identity. Check this year’s program and then go to the Artists web site to learn more about their skill and experience.
The Venue Eumerella Camp is set in the beautiful lush bushland of Anglesea on the Surf Coast. There is plenty of wildlife and that is why you can’t bring your dogs to the camp or leave any food outside your cabin. You only need to walk a short distance from the cabins at dawn or sunset and there will be lots of kangaroos with their joeys. Sometimes people need to escape from the intensity of the drums and 5 minutes of standing in the bush silently surges you with another afternoon of revitalized energy. Others just need to be around drums for a whole weekend to feel revitalized. There are quick walks around the camp or longer half hour treks to the cliff and beach. If it’s sunny we always take the drumming workshops outside.
Apart from the outdoor Chapel where we hold our Wild Moves Closing Ceremony, all classes are held at the Environment Centre. It has a great floor for dance both with bare feet for African or high heeled shoes for Salsa. It also has a fully equipped kitchen with lots of tables and chairs for eating and sharing a chat. I highly recommend if you are coming with a group of friends or family, that you organize who is cooking at each meal. Best option is to pay directly to the cook on the day for our beautifully prepared wholesome meals.
LOCATION From Melbourne approx 1 ½ hours: take the Princes Fwy to Geelong, and head for the Great Ocean Rd, just before Anglesea. From Torquay approx 20 mins: take Great Ocean Rd to Bellbrae roundabout and turn left to Anglesea.3 kms before Anglesea, Eumerella Camp is on the left, look for the big wooden arches. Follow the dirt road, Hurst Rd to the closed gate. Open it, drive thru then close it again. Turn left into Centre Rd to the Environment Centre and park at the back of the kitchen hall. In the event of an emergency this car park is our meeting place.
Accommodation & what to bring Cabins with bunk beds for 6 people on first in first served basis. Shared bathrooms.
BYO mat for stretching, sleeping bag, pillow, water bottle, thongs for shower, towel, warm clothes, rain coats, runners, gumboots, all food & drink – fully equipped kitchen.
For large families or groups that require bigger lodges, please call Jacqui for further arrangements. Camping is also available.
Investment
$200 Full program Friday, Saturday, Sunday + 2 nights accommodation
$180 Early payment discount, 1 week before
$100 Whole day workshops + performance
$50 Half day workshops
$20 Evening performances
$20 per workshop
$30 per bed.
$15 per night per person for camping, BYO all your gear
Drums available with pre-booking.
Wild Moves members, kids and family prices negotiable with pre-booking only.
All children will need to be supervised at all times.
Bikes allowed, no dogs - sorry it’s the bush with lots of kangaroos and wildlife.
CDs, films, Tshirts, African artifacts and instruments available for purchase.
