Being a fan of classic movies especially those featuring big bands, swing, jazz and dance I couldn’t miss the opportunity to watch the Jazz Tap Ensemble at HIFA. The ensemble was established in 1979 by three dancers and three musicians. They have shared the stage with such tap legends as Savion Glover and Gregory Hines.

Tap dance originated in the 1800s, and has its roots in African-American dancing and Irish step dancing. It is believed to have arisen in minstrel shows which gained popularity at that time where white performers would satirize southern african-americans dances, and black performers in blackface would imitate the white performers imitating black dances. Likewise Jazz is also born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. Both art forms are quintessentially American, and symbols of the beauty that can overcome a painful past.

Chen Guangcheng, whose given name means “Light, Truth,” has become a powerful symbol of a common man standing up to the state. The following collection of Chen images, many widely circulated online, vividly illustrates the powerful emotional reaction his situation elicited from many Chinese netizens. Despite widespread censorship, Chinese Internet users are skilled at evading the controls and expressing themselves with creativity and humor. Since Chen was released from prison and placed under de facto house in 2010, numerous cartoons, drawings, photographs, and other images created by supporters have helped bring his story from rural Shandong province to millions of people in China and around the world.  (Source: Foreign Policy Magazine)

Check out the funky slide show that includes a spoof of Nike.

…’what is HIFA?’

Yesterday during the First street performances I asked some people in the crowd if they knew that HIFA had begun. None of the people I asked knew about HIFA. There were just happy to see a different kind of entertainment on First Street.

I watched this with my ‘other’ yesterday… I don’t think we’re deep art people. Part of the show was spent wondering if he was in a trance, since as the programme says the choreography is based on the whirling rituals of Sufi dervishes.  The skirt the dancers wear during the performance had a magical way of growing longer all by itself, which delighted me no end. The ‘other’ being a supremely logical being was unimpressed and killed it by explaining the physics. The show provided great material for my camera on the other hand, such beautiful visuals.

Thanks HIFA!

Two minutes with…Aubrey Stanley

Aubrey Stanley has performed at HIFA since 2006. This year he was performed in the Opening Show as a backing vocalist.

How did you get involved with HIFA?
I’ve been a part of HIFA since about 2006, performing every year. I started when I was 16, and I was part of the Prince Edward School Jazz Band. My last year to perform with them was in 2009 I was captain of the band. This year Vimbai Mukarati was directing, we had worked together before, so he called me and asked me to perform.

What has been the best part of the festival so far for you?
I enjoyed everyone on stage for the Opening; we’re all friends. We just have a good time. At the end of it we were a bit depressed because we knew that it was the end.  The bonding is the best part for me, we get closer as friends. After rehearsals we didn’t want to go home!

What keeps you coming back every year?
It’s the atmosphere. I think it’s the greatest event that we have in this country especially since they bring in artists from all over the world. There’s so much going on, and it’s so well coordinated over so many venues. I haven’t seen anything run so well that’s this big in Zimbabwe.

Two minutes with … Maria Wilson

Describe yourself in five Words
Bloody minded, tenacious determined, stubborn courageous.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you believe in something fight for it to happen.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My greatest extravagance…erm…Clarins face products.

What were you like at school?
Quite quiet, shy and reserved. I loved school. I’m not sure I liked the people I went to school with.
Are you friends with them now?
No.

What are you doing next?
The next HIFA.