(Aug 1)
Today marks the first full day of our formal studies at Kopeyia. With just a few exceptions, each day will scheduled similarly: breakfast at 8, dance class from 9-11, lunch at 12, free time after lunch (private lessons, exploring the village, rest, etc), drumming class from 4-6 followed by dinner. Both dance and drum class are physically demanding, and Jeremy is constantly reminding us to hydrate. Since our arrival we have been encouraged to drink 3 to 5 liters of bottled water every day. Speaking of which.
There is no running water in Kopeyia; the center has a water capturing system that collects rain water for the showers and toilets. Most water is drawn and carried by hand from wells in the village. We try to "be kind" with how we use water.
I (Laura) would describe the accommodations at Dagbe as a super deluxe camping... without camp fires or smores. So according Mark, this can't be camping without smores, but you get the idea.
During our free time after lunch and then again after dinner, we can take private lessons with the instructors. In addition to dancing and drumming, we can study singing, weaving, cooking, tie-dying and batik making. Other than that, our time is our own, but there is course related reading to do, laundry to clean, and don't forget blogging. Today I (Mark) took a "group" Djembe course. There were five of us and they worked our hands to the bone. One of the percussion majors in our class was playing so hard he split his hand open, quickly ran and got a bandage and wrapped it up, and was back playing within a few minutes. Talk about dedication!
This evening, I (Laura) joined up with two of the dancers on the trip for a private dance lesson. We worked on the "Tokoe," and I must say I didn't do too bad for a bassoonist. Many of the movements are foreign to my body and at times it's difficult to manage both the upper and lower body movements... but IT'S SO MUCH FUN! Following my lesson a group of us relaxed under the Summer Hut in the middle of the center. One of the village boys showed us some new rhythms. Someone got a guitar and we had an impromptu jam session... guitar, voice, gayngokwoi, sogo, kidi, and kagan! As I write this Mark is busy playing cards. Well, it's time for bed.
Thank You and Good Night!
Laura and Mark
I graduated from Derby in 2006. I am now at The College of Wooster and I work for a non-profit organization called The Akaa Project that focuses on education, healthcare, and micro financing. Akaa is a village located in the eastern region of Ghana (about two hours from Accra. Ghana is truly an amazing place and I hope you have many great experiences!
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