The African Dream
Dance. Resilience. Hope. The African Dream tells the story of my journey as a young man in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda. I wanted to create a powerful testament to the resilience and hope of the Black community in the face of oppression and racism. Through a blend of African dance styles, including Rwanda's traditional dance and African street dance, text and storytelling, The African Dream explores the transformative power of art, and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit through uplifting Rwanda and Africa's rich cultural heritage.
Isaac Gasangwaa
IZO Dreamchaser
Isaac Gasangwa, also known as Izo Dreamchaser, is a distinguished educator, creator, and ambassador of African cultures in Vancouver. With a passion for promoting African heritage, he founded Afro-Beats Van in 2017 to introduce, educate, and inspire Vancouverites to connect with African culture and history while addressing pressing social issues such as racism and police brutality. Afro-Beats Van also offers dance classes and performance opportunities to Black artists.
Hailing from Rwanda, Isaac embarked on his professional dance journey in 2007 and, with the support of his community, organized Rwanda's first-ever dance festival in 2011. Additionally, he established the country's inaugural dance studio at Club Rafiki, a community center. This dance studio played a significant role in the post-genocide rebuilding efforts of Rwanda by providing a purposeful outlet for orphans and keeping them off the streets.
Upon relocating to Vancouver in 2014, Isaac took it upon himself to create opportunities and establish a platform for African dance enthusiasts.
One of the notable events he initiated is the annual BVAN (Black Vancouver Artistry Night), an awards ceremony celebrating local creatives in dance. Isaac also premiered his first full production in Sept 2023, titled "The African Dream,"co-produced in partnership with Afro-Beats Van, The Dance Centre, and Dance West Network with a grant from the City of Vancouver.
Continuing his role as a pioneer of African dance in Vancouver, Isaac currently teaches weekly drop-in dance classes and trains his professional dance team known as the "Elite Squad”.
Photo: Joey
Contact Information
Isaac Gasangwa, gasangwa.isaac@yahoo.ca
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/afrobeatsdancevan/home
Details on the work:
Choreographer: Isaac Gasangwa aka Izo Dreamchaser
Performers: Isaac Gasangwa and community members
Year of creation: 2023
Length of work: 30-60minutes
Preparation time required on site: 30 minutes
Technical requirements required on-site, briefly: Sound system and presence of a technician (sound assistance, connection, editing) or the artist can bring a portable speaker to play a pre-recorded of Afrobeats and Rwandan drums.
Space required (specify size of area and floor type ): Clear, flat surface, indoors or outdoors. Any type of floor.
Community Engagement, The African Dream
The "Sobanukirwa" dance workshop is a unique and transformative experience that explores the transition from the traditional Rwandese dance known as "Intore" to the vibrant and energetic dance style of "Afrobeats". This workshop delves into the nuances and histories of these two dance forms, highlighting how the newer "Afrobeats" dance still pays homage to the traditional dance form.
African dance, much like any other dance form, requires technique and practice. However, what sets African dance apart is its emphasis on self-expression and the freedom for individuals to follow their own "body knowing" or body language. This allows dancers to truly connect with their inner selves and express their emotions through movement.
In African dance, every innovation and creation is rooted in a deep understanding of technique. However, once this knowledge is acquired, it is not rigidly adhered to. Instead, it is embraced and then "forgotten" in order to allow for spontaneous personal variations. This essence of continual creation and solo improvisations is what makes traditional African dance so captivating and empowering. It enables each member of the community to tell their own unique life story or convey their deepest emotions through the art of movement.
The Sobanukirwa (understand) dance workshop serves as a bridge that connects different communities together. It brings people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to learn and appreciate both the traditional Rwandese dance and the modern Afrobeats dance. By understanding the rich histories and cultural significance behind these dance forms, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and beauty that dance can bring.
The Sobanukirwa dance workshop offers a transformative experience that not only teaches the technical aspects of African dance but also encourages self-expression and personal exploration. By bridging the gap between traditional and modern dance styles, this workshop fosters a sense of unity and understanding among participants from different communities. It is a celebration of culture, creativity, and the power of movement.