Dear Friends of The Ojas Centre,
I hope you are feeling safer, better and happier than my previous blog and that you have been able to take some time off to rejuvenate over the summer holidays.
Yesterday, I was in New Addington teaching Dance Fitness and Pilates; it was so pleasant to be back in the dance studio after nearly a month off!! We had group hugs and selfies; it was absolutely fantastic!! I do sincerely apologise that the covers my managers got were unable to cover the dates and you ended up not having classes. Thanks for your lovely and positive messages you sent me while I was away recovering; you are so thoughtful, loving and kind!
This summer I have not been preparing the 'Fly With Me' project due to the current circumstances in the UK and due to my health conditions; so I sincerely apologise this year we did not go ahead, we would have needed security and a number of trained volunteers to support with this event; perhaps next year, depending on funding and who will contact me to assist with the project. Actually, I do have new partners, but if this project goes ahead, that would not be in Croydon but on very posh grounds... (TBC)
In the meantime, I am so excited to have been able to have the energy and to have the time to focus on the Summer Afro Dance Fusion workshop and guess what a number of Young Female Refugees have been the ones eager to join the dance workshop. After discussing the matter with my son in regards to separating the Young People to the Adults, we came to the conclusion that from now we will be creating an Afro Dance Fusion workshop just for Young Refugees, especially Female Refugees!! Of course, you might be thinking, it makes sense because I have been working with three different Refugee organisations and including Croydon College for the last couple of years... But it is amazing how things can work out so smoothly when working in partnerships or with people willing to support with events like mine.
The Afro Dance Fusion is a project that will be held once a month. I am still looking for the right venue especially somewhere that will be located more central. This month we will be dancing for peace and to celebrate life of people of all origins.
With the current crisis,
Clouding the UK,
Polluting the atmosphere, our minds, our streets, even our summer...
Because living in fear is not living!
And since it is difficult to love haters,
And since the haters don’t love my kind;
Let's get up, stand up and show kindness & solidarity
To people of various walks of life...
And who wish to expand their ‘Circle of Peace’ (Ziggy Marley)
Let's celebrate our multicultural backgrounds through REGGAE, Brazilian, Belly Dancing, African & Hip Hop Heritages.
My family has been in Europe for generations,
They fought for our rights
So we could make our dreams come true!
I’ve been dancing since the age of 3
Because my mother was a dancer
I grew up in the Performing Arts
That is the gift my family
And I have been offering so far only in the West;
That’s the only thing we know,
And that’s what we do best!
I believe in Society Change;
Just like I believe in Positive Changes!
I believe in Conscious Music;
Just like I would like to offer
Conscious Dance
Through
Afro Dance Fusion!
Because I am proud to be
From the African Diaspora
And I would like to empower
Women
Who sacrificed their
Lives,
EDUCATION,
Childhood,
HEART,
Careers
To raise their children,
To seek safety
And to find a ‘Circle of Peace’
Among Mindful & Conscious Humans,
I am inviting female participants to my dance workshop
It is FREE for Female Refugees, ESOL Female students from Croydon College
& Croydonian Mums on Child Benefits.
Afro Dance Fusion Workshop: Sunday 18th August 2024 4-6pm. Croydon
The address will be confirmed once you have completed your booking.
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR WOMEN ONLY!
Book your spot now: https://www.theojascentre.com/book-online
I look forward to dancing with you!
With Loving Kindness, Peace & Harmony!
AWA!
Movement Practitioner
Founder of The Ojas Centre
CROYDON, London, UK
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