African circus art dance team visits Northland during African American History Month

February 6, 2012

ZuZu African Acrobats will visit Northland College on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. in the Kendrigan Gym as part of celebrating African American history and heritage during the month of February. The five-member team will perform a 45-minute routine of tumbling, limbo, and dance native to East Africa. The event, another offering in the Northland College Community Connections series, is free and open to the public.

Three members of ZuZu appeared last year on NBC-TV's show "America's Got Talent" as part of the group Zuma Zuma. In addition, ZuZu has performed at a variety of sports events, including most recently the Superbowl.

"Africa has such a rich culture that most people are not aware of," said Stephan Huller, ZuZu representative and president of talent production agency World Star International. "This is the culture of East Africa embodied in a 45-minute show. This is the kind of show that people perform at weddings in Kenya...it is a symbol of East African culture, which is part of black history."

A question and answer session with the members of ZuZu will be held after their performance. Circus arts have been a part of African culture for hundreds of years, according to Huller. The Kenyan dance group has trained in circus arts by word of mouth and tradition passed down through generations since group members were children, Huller said.

"We live in a world full of diverse cultures and sharing the traditions of African American history helps to enrich our lives, educate one another and provide for more vibrant communities," said Katrina Werchouski, coordinator for Multicultural Programs at Northland College.

In addition, Noel Cockney, a Northland student, will demonstrate the Northern Games prior to ZuZu's performance. The Northern Games hail from Inuit culture and tradition. Games are intended to develop strength, endurance and enhance skills for survival.

The event, coordinated by the Northland College Multicultural Office, is part of an initiative focusing on a new theme each month that celebrates history, heritage and awareness of diverse cultures. The event is sponsored by the A.D. and Mary Elizabeth Andersen Hulings Distinguished Chair, Native American and Indigenous Culture Center, Northland College Multicultural Office, Office of Residential Life, Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Admission, and the Athletics Department.