Contact: Jacqui Corsi, Director of Marketing, jacqui@thelmaarts.org
Students to learn movement and rhythm in African
drumming and dancing class at THELMA
Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA) announced today that master drummer dancer, singer and composer Edi Gbordzi of Fond du Lac will conduct drumming and dancing classes at THELMA.
The class is Timbukale! Traditional Music and Dance Lessons from Ghana, West Africa. Gbordzi is originally from Ghana.
“This is an incredible opportunity to experience a global art form in Fond du Lac,” said Kevin Miller, THELMA Executive Director.
Students will learn movement and rhythm as they study the traditions of drumming and dancing with Ghanaian songs.
Two 45-minute classes will be offered Thursdays from March 3 to April 7. The 5 pm class will be held for children and their parents or guardians. The 6 pm class will be for adults only. The fee for all six classes is $60 ($48 for Friends of THELMA) per person.
Gbordzi said he has never strayed far from his roots
“The powerful rhythmic language I acquired as a young child is still the driving force behind all of my creative projects,” he said.
Gbordzi has performed since he was a child, leading a youth choir as a teen before embarking on his professional career. As a member of Ghana’s National Music and Dance Ensemble at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana he was able to bring his talents to a broader audience, performing across West Africa, Europe and the United States.
As visiting faculty, he worked at Howard University in Washington D.C., Temple University in Philadelphia, and the A & T University Greensboro, NC. He later accepted a permanent adjunct faculty position with the University of Wisconsin – Madison and taught for three years. During this time he continued performing, teaching
workshops, leading residencies for K-12 schools, libraries, community centers, festivals, other events and founded Atimevu Drum and Dance Ensemble which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
His current and most exciting creation is the versatile and multi-talented band, Edi Gbordzi & Timbukale, featuring his original compositions, traditional Ghanaian songs with fresh new arrangements and the traditional drumming and dancing of Ghana.
THELMA is located at 51 Sheboygan St., in the heart of Downtown Fond du Lac’s Arts and Entertainment District. THELMA is a privately-funded non-profit dedicated to providing experiences not readily available in the area. Intimate concerts in the Great Hall, street concerts with major performers, indoor films, and art from world-renowned artists are available at THELMA. The Contemporary Wing has free admission and is open to all. THELMA also offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, meetings and all social and corporate gatherings.
Learn more about THELMA at thelmaarts.org, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
