Send Heather to Camp Samatou

I'm passionate about making rhythm and joy visible through dance! I've been experimenting with rhythm since an early age, mostly through the practice of a diverse range musical instruments. As a young adult, I have welcomed and embraced Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and West African Dance somatic knowledges which taught me to utilise and understand my body as an instrument and capable of incredible musicality and improvisation. Today I continue to develop a deeper appreciation and respect for this taonga and a desire to share it with my fellow Aotearoan brothers and sisters.

As part of my dance development, exposure to and instruction from the best dancers is vital! One such opportunity that is relatively close to home is Camp Samatou, held near Melbourne, Australia. This year, Camp Samatou will host master dancer Naby Bangoura from Guinea, West Africa; master drummer Mohammed Bangoura from Guinea, West Africa; and more.