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Drumming Up Culture

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 1, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - Want to learn a bit of African history and culture without leaving the country? Check out the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers on Sunday at the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

The dance troupe presents a look at African culture through time with dance, music and oral history. The repertoire includes performances found in Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Cameroon. The dances are combined with storytelling, art and African ceremony.

Every pound of the drum reveals a story from the past. Audience members are treated to dancers in colorful costumes leaping and twirling, every movement having a meaning. Wearing traditional African garb, storytellers share tales told in Africa to pass on pieces of wisdom.

The local nonprofit troupe features a range of performers from seasoned dancers to young children. The dance company was founded in 1980 by husband-and-wife team Myron and Natalie Jackson.

The performance begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for center members and $15 for nonmembers. For information, visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org or call (813) 269-1310.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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