Our class was themed around the rainbow. We had our first hour to introduce the theme and lead different warm up songs to get the students thinking about colors and rain. We used the songs, "the itsy bits spider", "rain, rain, go away", "if all of the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops", "yellow duck", "once there was a snowman", and a Ugandan song titled "enkiba etonnya". We also played a really fun color game. All of the students stand in a line and you designate one side of the room to be things that are red and the other side of the room to be things that aren't red. The teacher stands at the front of the line and says different things and the line has to either move to the left or the right depending on if they think the item is red or not red. We rotated through all different colors as well as land and water, which was really fun for the kids and got them thinking about different items and what color they are.
Class Description: (Mostly for me to have a record of my lesson plan)
We separated the class into five different groups for the colors red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. As the teachers Brian, Tacha, and I modeled what we wanted them to do using indigo and violet. They were given different papers with their color already written on them and had to brainstorm different items that were their designated color. Then they had to choose two things that were the groups favorite items. After that they had to use those two items as inspiration for movement and create a short phrase together as a group. We pieced all of the groups together by entering the stage making different rain noises with our hands, feet, and mouths using snaps, claps, stamps on the floor, patting your shoulders, or even clapping with a neighbors hand. Then each group was able to go out of the rainbow arch and into the center and perform their phrase. Once every group had performed their phrase we ended by singing "If all of the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops", then exited the stage making the same sound noises slowly getting quieter as we left the stage. I think class went overall pretty well. Our feedback was that we all worked well together, were very calm with the students, and clear.
After class we went back to Nakasero again for snack, lunch, and our afternoon class. We ran through our dances again, learned more of Deb's western dance, and practiced some songs as well. Also, today I got the other drum I was wanting to get while I was here. My Ugandan professor at NYU, Mabingo, uses this type of drum in class all the time and I've been dying to get one for when I teach. It is absolutely beautiful and the sound is incredible. I can't wait to use it with my teaching.
We barely had time again to run home and drop off our drums then head back on the bus. Tonight we went to an art studio called Art Life. Our friend Bukenya makes nice jewelry in order to fundraise as well as take photographs, make masks, clothing, and bags. I bought one necklace from him for less than $20 and was able to speak to him all about the stone, a Florentine, and the process of making it and keeping the stone's energy. It is best to leave it outside for 24 hours when there is a full moon in order to "recharge" the stone's positive energy. The necklace is beautiful and the stone is a blueish green.
There was a Mexican restaurant right next to the art studio so I was able to pick up a cheese quesadilla, and others got dinner as well. We had to eat in the bus so we could get to Breakdance Project Uganda to say hello before it got too late. We stayed for about 20 minutes and said hi to all of our friends, as well as picked up our Breakdance Project Uganda t-shirts. It was a lot of fun to go back to the center and see all of the boys and girls learning breakdance. It was also awesome to see Abramz, the founder of this group right there mixed in with the rest of them. I feel like it is so unusual for people in his position who have gotten so much publicity from his film Bouncing Cats, and could be in so many other places fundraising and meeting with important people but instead chooses to come to their sessions every week. It is a true testimony of what kind of a person he is and how much he believes in his project. He told us at the screening of bouncing cats last week that Nike tried to sponsor them, but he denied their funding. He said Nike wanted to use the money on things that they didn't need the funding for so he refused to accept it. Now THAT is incredible. I love Breakdance Project Uganda. I hope to collaborate with them sometime in the near future.
When we returned back to the hotel Krissy and I went straight to our room. We ordered a little bit of room service since we didn't want to leave our hotel room. It was an exhausting day since we both had to teach and just keep going all day long. Luckily we were back at the Fang Fang with enough time to shower, blog, eat, and relax before it got too late. I am hoping tomorrow I will feel very refreshed for our last day of classes.
Teaching class:
Bukenya and Me with the necklace I bought that he made, such a happy guy! He is also going to be our photographer at our dress rehearsal on Friday. He is an incredible artist!
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