Bàtá Workshops

About Bàtá:
Bàtá is a Yoruba cultural dance and musical tradition from southwestern Nigeria, particularly associated with Oyo. The Bàtá drum has a distinctive rhythmic language and plays an important role in communicating with the dancer. Rather than simply accompanying the dance, the rhythms can guide and stimulate the dancer’s movement, creating a dynamic relationship between musician and dancer. Bàtá has deep historical and cultural connections to Yoruba traditions and has also developed into social and performance contexts beyond its ritual origins.

What to expect:
This workshop offers an introduction to Bàtá through movement, rhythm and music. Participants will explore basic Bàtá movements and rhythms, developing an understanding of how the dancer responds to and communicates with the drum. The session will also introduce some of the cultural context behind the dance, with opportunities to experience Bàtá through movement in a welcoming and practical way.

About Fatima:
Fatima is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, choreographer, teacher, actor and theatre producer, and a Yoruba Cultural Dance Maker from Southwestern Nigeria. Her relationship with Bàtá began during her time at the Oyo State Arts Council, where she developed a deep connection with the form and its relationship between dance, rhythm, music and cultural expression. She has continued to develop her practice through performing, teaching and creating work rooted in Yoruba Cultural Dance.