The Yata dans’ association, which promotes encounters between African dance, Afro-Brazilian dance and contemporary dance, had a strong desire to introduce a younger public to these diverse physical languages.

This introductory dance class aims to explore the different possibilities of a body in movement by linking it to natural elements such as water, fire, earth – the elements form the common thread. Classes draw inspiration from Afro-Brazilian dance and those of African origin, which, from their strong symbolic component and their rich gestural language, bestow a particular meaning to movements and are characterised by their direct link with the everyday. They also lend themselves readily to imagery and narratives.

Classes are structured and based around the Silvestre Technique, which was devised by the pedagogue and choreographer Rosangela Silvestre. This method creates a link between nature, symbolic elements and dance, in a progressive programme that allows for the development of awareness of the body, as well as the exploration of its mechanics and its expressive capacity.

Through the symbolism of Afro-Brazilian dance, this workshop explores the elements of nature by stimulating children’s creativity through movement. The programme includes tales, costume making and short dance performances.