Workshops
Venues
Thursday & Friday:
GL-salonki,
Satakunnankatu 28 B, Tampere
Saturday:
Nekalab kulttuurikeskus,
Lounaantie 2, Tampere
Sunday: GL-salonki,
Satakunnankatu 28 B, Tampere
Workshop prices
Fanta’s singing workshop 15 € / 75 min
One dance workshop: 25 € / 90 min
Two dance workshops of your choice: 45 €
Three dance workshops of your choice: 60 €
All dance workshops in total 120 € (7 workshops)
Sign-up
Sign-up by filling out this online form.
Payments
In advance by Tuesday 28.7. to the account:
Fest Afrika ry
FI52 1146 3001 0946 94
reference number: 3528
Please note that you have secured you place in the class only after making the payment to the account.
GL-SALONKI
THURSDAY
30.7.2026
Kizomba solo /
Riikka Maria
16.30 – 18.00
Kizomba is a dance style that originated in Angola in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Its roots lie in Semba, which is generally considered more energetic, as well as Caribbean Zouk. Kizomba is typically danced with a partner, and the music is usually slow-paced. The dance emphasizes natural movement, connection with your partner, and musical interpretation.
In this Kizomba solo class, you will learn the basic step patterns of Kizomba, stepping technique, musicality, and expression. You do not need any prior experience in Kizomba to join. The class is danced solo (without a partner), and you are welcome regardless of whether you usually dance as a leader or a follower. You can dance barefoot, in socks, sneakers, or high heels, whatever feels most comfortable for you. Welcome to join!
GL-SALONKI
THURSDAY
30.7.2026
Afrohouse /
Riikka Maria
18.00 – 19.30
The Afrohouse workshop brings us to Angola, where Kuduro music and dance was born in the early 1990s and was followed by Afrohouse in the 2000s. Afrohouse is a more chill dance style compared to the fast and electric Kuduro, but similarly to Kuduro includes a lot of footwork. The music gives you energy even if you would feel tired. During the workshop we will practice Afrohouse steps, footwork, and build a small choreo. We will proceed according to the level of the participants.
Riikka has just returned from Angola a few days before the workshop, so you can be sure to hear some fresh beats and learn fresh moves. Bring along comfortable clothes and a bottle of water!
GL-SALONKI
FRIDAY
31.7.2026
Odi dance /
Joshua Yoga
16.00 – 17.30
Odi Dance comes from Kenyan urban youth culture, especially from creative street communities known for producing very energetic and expressive styles. It’s a form of movement storytelling that blends groove, attitude, and freestyle expression. The word “odi” comes from slang meaning “ordinary,” but the idea behind it is to turn that “ordinary” into something powerful, confidence, uniqueness, and self-expression through dance. The style is grounded, playful, and high-energy, with influences from Dancehall and street freestyle culture. The class is best suited for people with some previous experience in afro dance styles.
GL-SALONKI
FRIDAY
31.7.2026
Traditional West African dances / Outi Kallinen
17.30 – 19.00
Traditional West African dances are often fast-paced and challenge the whole body. They are usually performed to live drumming. The movement language of each dance is influenced by both the accompanying rhythm and the purpose of the dance or the celebration with which it is traditionally associated. In Outi Kallinen’s class, the focus is on the traditions of the Malinke and Susu peoples of Guinea. The class begins with a warm-up that prepares the body with movements typical of West African dances. Then, participants learn a choreography set to a specific dance rhythm, movement by movement. Outi selects the dance to be taught with the participants in mind and also tells about the dance’s cultural background. The class is suitable for dancers of all levels. Live accompaniment is provided by N’Fanly Camara and Tarja Zukale.
NEKALAB
SATURDAY
1.8.2026
Songs from Guinea / Fanta Yayo
11.30-12.45
In the singing workshop, Fanta teaches traditional West African songs that are known across large parts of West Africa, particularly among the Mande peoples. In Guinea, singing is not just entertainment but plays an important role in preserving oral tradition, recording history, and reinforcing social identity. The songs may, for example, tell of historical figures and events significant to the communities, but solo singers often improvise and adapt the lyrics to the present moment. Many songs feature a call-and-response between the soloist and the choir, which is easy to join in on. During the workshop, Fanta also explains the background of the songs, what they are about, and for whom they are sung traditionally.
NEKALAB
SATURDAY
1.8.2026
Dances from Guinea / Fanta Yayo
13.30 – 15.00
In this energetic dance class, led by Fanta Yayo, participants will learn traditional dances from Guinea. Fanta is an experienced and well-liked teacher who enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge as a dancer. She pays close attention to the quality and dynamics of movement, helping students learn the distinctive style of each dance. The class is best suited for participants who already have some experience in West African traditional dance styles. The live accompaniment is provided by musicians Tapha Ndiongue and Lamine Faty from Fanta’s band, both from Senegal.
NEKALAB
SATURDAY
1.8.2026
Afrofusion /
Joshua Yoga
15.15 – 16.45
This beginner-friendly Afrofusion class is designed to introduce participants to the foundations of African dance styles in a fun and supportive environment. The class starts with a warm-up that helps students become familiar with Afro rhythms, grooves, and body coordination, build confidence and connection to the music. Then we learn a choreography that blends different Afro styles, such as Afrobeats, Azonto, Amapiano, Coupé-Décalé, Ndombolo, and maybe a touch of Dancehall. The focus of the class is on musicality, energy, and expression. No prior dance experience is needed, just come ready to move and enjoy the vibe!
NEKALAB
1.8.2026
DJ Workshop /
DJ Le Noir
xx.xx – xx.xx
NEKALAB
1.8.2026
Youth dance workshop /
Siku Mponda
xx.xx – xx.xx
GL-SALONKI
SUNDAY
2.8.2026
Afro dance & body care /
Annina Tuhkunen
12.30 – 14.00
In Annina’s workshop, you will explore the rich movement language of West African dance, which envigorates both body and mind. Balancing the energetic and dynamic dancing, the class also includes restorative and relaxing body care exercises on a mat. The workshop is suitable for participants with basic fitness and some prior experience in dance or dance-based movement. It is recommended to take a water bottle with you. Exercise mats are available at GL-Salonki, but you are welcome to bring your own for the body care section if you prefer.