Become a Member of JÁNUKA
Joining JÁNUKA is an honour.
Your age and prior dancing ability are not deterrent factors. The most important requirement is your motivation, willingness to learn and to engage in our groups’ activities.
You will be invited to attend 3 or more taster sessions, asked to agree the terms and conditions stated in our Group Pledge, promise to uphold our Aims and Objectives, and pay a low priced membership fee.
Once accepted, you will be taught to dance quadrille, and other cultural dances, in a relaxed and supportive environment. Your knowledge and understanding of its historical context and cultural significance will be enhanced.
Through regular practice and with time, you will develop the skills and confidence to perform publicly to a variety of audiences.
Below is a summary of comments from current group members about the benefits of being a member of JÁNUKA.
(1) Socially uplifting
- Enjoy the camaraderie, fun and laughter in a warm, friendly, caring, and prayerful group
- Bond with people who share a common African heritage.
- Belong to a supportive group of people with shared cultural interest and who love dancing in an elegant stylish manner.
- Belong to a group that encourages learning and respectful of individual differences and abilities.
Great opportunity to engage and connect with other like-minded mature individuals with integrity
Spending time together, dancing, singing and telling stories are socially uplifting.
(2) Educationally inspiring
- Gain knowledge and understanding of the historical context and significance of quadrille, and other traditional cultural dances.
- Opportunity to learn about our Black History that was denied and to educate current generation
- Learning the discipline, the repetitive dance movements and synchronisation requires concentration and commitment.
(3) Mentally liberating
Encouraged to reflect on our enslaved African ancestors’ lived experiences, and acknowledge their resourcefulness and determination to survive with admiration and pride. We love and enjoy dancing, as our ancestors did, feeling empowered by the freedom of mind, body and spirit that dancing inspire. Dancing is good exercise to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing I am proud to be a member of JÁNUKA Quadrille dance group.
(4) Self – developing
- Dancing in a group and as Couples helps us to develop self-awareness, patience and respect for each other.
- Helps to realise my dancing capabilities and limitations
- Unleashing my potential as a dancer
- Helps to focus, learn and communicate
(5) Opportunity for public performance
- Commitment to regular practice and learning the different dance routines increase confidence and skills to perform publicly
- Being in a group that has the same connection gives me the confident and aspiration to go and show- case quadrille to a wider audience
(6) Sharing our culture and history verbally and in dancing
- Opportunity to share our cultural history with the wider community including the younger generation
- Opportunity to inspire positive cultural awareness
- Keeping our inherited tradition alive through the medium of dance
- Leaving a legacy of hope for the future
Complete the form below to become a member of JÁNUKA
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For more information please contact:
Beverley Bogle
JÁNUKA Quadrille Group Coordinator
Thank you.