Every year RHYTHM KONNECTIONS celebrates the Summer and Winter with a week long camp of drumming, dance and ceremonies in a beautiful natural setting. These camps are always an unforgettable opportunity to experience a passionate week of ancient African culture. Together we will learn new rhythms and dance new dances, make music, share meals, care for the children, laugh, swim and create community.

if you love to drum and dance or want to learn come and join us these camps are awesome

 rhythm konnections 11th annual African drum and dance camp.

January 6th-11th 2008

This Summers 10th annual Drum and Dance camp was a great success. Many thanks to our drum, dance and singing teachers. Senegalese master dancers & drummers Lamine Sonko & Pape M’Baye from West Africa, Congolese drummer, dancer and singer King Bell from Central Africa, and from South Africa, the golden voice, Valanga Khoza. Thanks guys for sharing your culture and positive community vibe  through the drums, dance and song. The camp was an unforgettable  experience a passionate week of ancient African culture. Together we shared meals, created ritual, made music, laughed and sang.

the progam

Each day consists of two 1 ½ hour drum, dance & singing classes. Students may choose to enjoy a couple classes & enjoy the lake or play on the beach or all classes. The first & last days are half day classes for 2HRS. Teachers will cater for beginners to advanced and classes will be separated. The evenings will be spent jamming, M’Bongi ceremony, celebrating the camps 10th anniversary & the talent night. Bring your unique talents as everything & anything goes! Entertain & be entertained. On the Jan. 13th in the evening, tutors will perform in Byron
students will be invited to join in. so bring your colourful African gear & invite your friends & family to enjoy an ecstatic evening of African music and dance. (Details to be confirmed)

m'bongi ( healing circle)

One of the most ancient Zimbabwean traditions is a community gathering that is focused on healing & celebration using music, dance and storytelling. It will take place around a fire under the stars. This is an opportunity to experience the music in it’s true cultural context.

Check in is from 3pm dinner at 6pm
Check out is 10AM on the 13th Jan.
The last class is a combined class. Well BBQ lunch and closing ceremony leaving by 1:30PM.
Looking for ward to connecting with new and old friends & a warm welcome to this years awesome line up of teachers .

location

The camp will be held at Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre. Which is superbly situated on the shores of the beautiful freshwater tea tree lake and only 50m from the expanse of the Pacific Ocean & white sands of 7 mile beach. The centre is 2 km from Lennox Head, 20mins south of Byron Bay.

comments from past participants

"For me this African drum and dance camp was wonderful!! The progress each student made in class was astounding. The time with other students and teachers outside of class was valuable. Thank you so much!!”  - Susannah Breaden, from Victoria. WALA camp 2002

“The highlight of the camp for me was to find something recreational to do during the holidays for the whole family. I loved the music and being in a community that enjoys the same passion for African music. The food was terrific!!!”  - Allan Mourad from QLD WALA camp 2002

“Had an absolute ball, the people, the food, and memories of the most awesome drum tuition and tribal living will stay with me forever! Thank-you! Looking forward to the next!”  - Jan of Crows Nest WALA camp 2002

“What I enjoyed the most about the African drum and dance camp was the wonderful healing energy through the sense of community. Everyone is so open and generous. I love the way the children became everyone’s children. This is powerful healing. This is how I dream the world could be. I can not thank-you enough for such a valuable experience on so many levels. It has changed my life!!!”  - Julia from QLD PANJEA camp 1998  

in every heart their beats a drum in every drum their beats a heart

since the beginning of time humanity has danced in joys physical response to the beat

to induce states of ecstasy trance and celebration

we hope that you will join us to really experience the joy and ecstasy of African drumming, dance and singing.