Tanzania Culture: Festival aims to boost cultural appreciation for dance

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Tanzania is trying to improve its dance skills by making the art form more culturally appreciated. Dar es Salaam's yearly Haba-na-Haba Dance Festival aims to train local dancers by connecting them with international professional artists. Many believe the festival, which has been running since 2011, is taking a step in the right direction. As CGTN's Daniel Kijo reports.

Controlling their bodies and stepping towards better movement. These dancers are hoping to improve not only their individual skills but also the appreciation of dance in the country. The 3-day affair brings together traditional and contemporary performances from local and international artists and dance groups.

ISSACK ABENEKO, FOUNDER HABA NA HABA FESTIVAL "So this idea is to start a festival, a dance festival. Whereby we encourage ourselves everyday to build our dance scene. Where the contemporary dancers and choreographers and traditional dancers and choreographers can share their work and bring the audience together and the community to unite and celebrate the power of our culture."

The festival aims to bring contemporary dance to new audiences within the local community, provide professional training to local dancers, and celebrate contemporary dance in Tanzania.

DANIEL KIJO, DAR ES SALAAM TANZANIA "Haba na haba means slowly but surely in Swahili. In its third edition, this year's show aims to promote local dancers by connecting them to professionals in workshops. And later they get to showcase those new skills on stage."

The show this year is supported by the Swiss embassy, the Goethe Institute, Nafasi art space and Pro Helvetia from South Africa with support from Basata Arts Council Tanzania.

FRANK WERNER, DIRECTOR GOETHE INSTITUTE "The culture scene is very small, so when new things develop, it's quite natural that all partners come together and try to make it a success. Because apart from us there is no official support."

Professional dancers Musa Hlatshwayo from South Africa and Maura Morales from Germany have been coaching the dancers on creating their own identity. Happiness is a Tanzanian dancer who has been dancing for over 3 years. She says it is a career that can be challenging.

HAPPINESS MAJIGE PROFESSIONAL DANCER "As a dancer, a professional dancer to really have your own space and your own audience is really a privilege. Haba na haba has done a great job. I am really proud of Haba na haba."

The organizers say Tanzania still has a long way to go in progressing dance as an art form compared with other African countries. But through this yearly festival they hope dancers and fans will be inspired to keep appreciating the power of dance. Daniel Kijo, CGTN, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.