On Saturday, artist and UNM instructor Rujeko Dumbutshena opened the Blue Tribe School of Music and Dance, something she called the culmination of a life-long dream.
She said she intends that the new school will be a haven for students of all types of expression that has roots in African movement.
"I opened the school to get all the ethnic dancers in the state focused in one place," Dumbutshena said.
The space, opened with husband Chris Berry, a drummer and musician, achieves this goal.
The studio, which is at 111 Maple St., is painted in bright colors, with African art and tapestries adorning the walls. Alters are built into the walls, and candles, incense and statues of various deities and figures sit for inspiration.
The room may be small, but the size is not a hindrance for the dancers. The studio's homey atmosphere brings the dancers and the audience closer together for a more community feel.
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The Blue Tribe School is a place where dance and cultural expression thrive in
an uplifting, supportive environment. The instructors come from many backgrounds and countries and the school offers a variety of classes. Students can choose from drum, marimba and singing classes from different styles, including, Senegalese, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Samba, West African, Congolese and Zimbabwean.
In addition to traditional African Dance, courses are offered for tribal belly dancing and Hip-hop. Pilates, Afro-Yoganobics and Synergy classes are also offered to promote healing on an emotional and physical level.
"Movement is good for the mind, body, and spirit," Dumbutshena said. "It has been rejuvenative for thousands of years."
Future teachers at the school, the Blue Tribe dance troupe and other invited guests performed at the opening. The show was high-energy and full of the excitement that is usually customary at an African dance concert.
Drummers from Santa Fe danced and sang while playing large drums. Intensity was prevalent in the fantastic jumping and fast footwork of Kobiana Kakigan, the new Senegalese instructor. All the dancers were totally engaged, but not exclusive as they spoke to each other and the audience during the performance.
Apsara, the tribal belly dancers, displayed a unique style that empowers women to exhibit grace, strength, skill, and sensuality -- the piece came complete with swords. One of the highlights of the night was the Blue Tribe Troupe creating intricate rhythms with cans of dried beans strapped to their legs to keep time with the drummers. "Everything is coming true," Dumbutshena said. "We got the space we wanted and all of the theaters, too. It is really exciting because finding a space was a balancing act between size, cost and location that took a year of looking."
The name "Blue Tribe" comes from a Zimbabwean prophecy that speaks of a time when the people begin to share the strengths of their cultures with one another -- a time when we become like one tribe living together on our blue planet.
The philosophy of the Blue Tribe School can be seen as two hands that are interdependent. One hand holds the traditions of the past while the other holds creative vitality.
For a class and performance schedule visit www.bluetribeschool@panjea.org, or call 489-0144.
