coffee ceremony
FOOD AND CULTURE
Definition
|
The coffee ceremony holds a central place in the cultural traditions of Ethiopia. It is a daily ritual, serving as a means to gather with family, neighbors, or guests. When coffee is politely declined, tea becomes the likely alternative. The ceremony takes place on a floor adorned with loose grass, frequently embellished with small yellow flowers. During special occasions like the celebration of Meskel, composite flowers are often incorporated into the ceremony, adding a touch of festivity to this cherished cultural practice observed by both Eritreans and Ethiopians. This ritual has the potential to be celebrated worldwide, given that coffee is a universally enjoyed beverage.
|
sign up for our programs
frequently asked questions
WHAT KIND OF CLASSES DO WE OFFER AND how much do they cost?
WE OFFER:
Kids and youth Dance Classes – Give your children a gift of a lifetime hobby and let them join thousands of kids already involved in the competitive Dance sport. Whether taken seriously or just for fun, dancing will benefit your children in many ways: great exercise, helps to develop good posture, grace and balance kids become more confident, they gain good social skills dancing develops musicality and love for music.
Group Classes – Learn to dance Amharigna, Tigrigna, Guragigna Welaytigna, Oromigna, Afarigna, Ashenda, Agewigna and more traditional dances and live performances. Our Beginner Classes are very popular and enjoyable. We also offer traditional instrument lessons, for those students that want to do it all! With this class you don’t have to choose between dance classes or learning one of Ethiopia’s unique instruments, you can do both! The classes are fast paced high intensity traditional Ethiopian dances that will increase the students’ physical strength levels.
COST:
FREE, every individual or family can enjoy learning the traditional dances of Ethiopia without worrying about cost.
Kids and youth Dance Classes – Give your children a gift of a lifetime hobby and let them join thousands of kids already involved in the competitive Dance sport. Whether taken seriously or just for fun, dancing will benefit your children in many ways: great exercise, helps to develop good posture, grace and balance kids become more confident, they gain good social skills dancing develops musicality and love for music.
Group Classes – Learn to dance Amharigna, Tigrigna, Guragigna Welaytigna, Oromigna, Afarigna, Ashenda, Agewigna and more traditional dances and live performances. Our Beginner Classes are very popular and enjoyable. We also offer traditional instrument lessons, for those students that want to do it all! With this class you don’t have to choose between dance classes or learning one of Ethiopia’s unique instruments, you can do both! The classes are fast paced high intensity traditional Ethiopian dances that will increase the students’ physical strength levels.
COST:
FREE, every individual or family can enjoy learning the traditional dances of Ethiopia without worrying about cost.
what should i wear?
You can wear anything you feel comfortable in. Jeans, T-shirts, skirts, leggings are all right. Wear something that won’t restrict your movements but not too loose so the instructor can see if your body is moving correctly. You can wear costumes as well. During performances we will be providing students with traditional outfits, so that we perceive the overall culture of Ethiopia.
what kind of shoes do i need?
Shoes are very important for a dancer. You can wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes. Please, try not to wear the same shoes you have worn outside, or if you must – just wipe them really well.
how seen will i feeL COMFORTABLE WITH THE DANCES?
At beginner level classes you learn five basics traditional dances Amharigna, Tigrigna, Oromigna, Guragina, and Welaytigna. New students will be placed in the beginner level and based on their performance they will then be transferred to the next level. You can then continue learning at the intermediate and advanced levels, which will include more than the five basic dances.
The only secret is practice. The more you dance, the more confident you will feel dancing and the more you will enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to ask more experienced dancers for a help. Dancing is a social hobby and those good dancers are thrilled to help and welcome new faces on the dance floor.
The only secret is practice. The more you dance, the more confident you will feel dancing and the more you will enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to ask more experienced dancers for a help. Dancing is a social hobby and those good dancers are thrilled to help and welcome new faces on the dance floor.
Can i watch my child dance?
Yes you can. In fact we encourage parents to stay and see their child’s progress during their training and encourage them to do their best!