Footscray Community Arts Centre

Weyreap's Battle: Traditional Cambodian Dance Workshop

Lakhaon Kaol (classical masked dance) is one of the oldest forms of Cambodian performing arts, dating back to the religious conflicts between Hinduism and Buddhism in the 13th century. It was considered a sacred dance form and was traditionally performed in rain and exorcism ceremonies, and to honour important Buddhist ceremonies and palace rituals.

This exciting free workshop is an introduction to traditional Cambodian Lakhaon Kaol, and includes a demonstration of the main dance roles of this form, including the monkey and the giant.

This workshop is at Footscray Arts on Sunday 9 October, from 11.00am to 1.00pm. The workshop is free but bookings are essential. For information or to book, email workshops@melbournefestival.com.au or phone 03 9662 4242.

Germaine Acogny and artists from Jant-Bi: Workshop in modern African dance

Compagnie Jant-Bi was created in 1998, under the guidance of one of the pioneers of African dance, Senegalese dancer and choreographer Germaine Acogny. In Melbourne to perform their acclaimed show Fagaala (meaning ?genocide? in a Senegalese language) for the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Germaine Acogny and the Jant-Bi company will present a free workshop exploring Germaine Acogny's techniques of modern African dance.

This workshop is at Footscray Arts on Sunday 16 October from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The workshop is free but bookings are essential. For information or to book, email workshops@melbournefestival.com.au or phone 03 9662 4242.