Adventures Post-Dagbe

Greetings,

The rest of our trip was time in Ghana was a whirlwind and now that things have calmed down a bit and we're all comfortably back in the U.S, I'd like to catch everyone up on some of our adventures post-Dagbe.

We left the center bright and early on Sunday the 11th to head to our next destination and several hours later, we arrived at Elmina Castle. Built in 1482 and originally named St. George's Castle, Elmina Castle is the oldest European building in that part of the world. However, Elmina Castle has a far more important place in history as one of the key stops of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. There we saw the squalid slave dungeons, the opulent governor's quarters, and all of the other assorted evils of the slave trade. Despite its macabre and dark history, it was a necessary experience for anyone visiting Ghana.

Our next stop after a long day of travel was the Ko-Sa beach resort. There we were able to get some much need relaxation and to mentally prepare for the return stateside. However, we had one more adventure before we set out.

The following day we went to the Kakum national forest. Complete with columns of busy ants, nesting spiders, and a myriad of other unseen wildlife, Kakum was a beautiful green change of scenery. Its main attraction is a canopy walk and the video below will show more than I could ever write.

Sadly, all that was left after the canopy walk was to head to our hotel in Accra and prepare for our flight home. Even so, Elmina Castle and Kakum were a welcome addition to our time in Ghana and helped to give us a more full picture of what the country has to offer. They're two more reasons to go back.

Peace,
Nate

Catching up - and going home

We've been a bit off-radar, sorry!  Here is a summary of our adventures up to now:

Saturday, August 10th we woke, ate breakfast (as much as we could, at least, with our nervousness!) and gathered in the "summer hut" - the round pavilion where we were taking classes - to wait for Dagbe's director, Emmanuel, and our teachers to come and help us prepare for the last and most important element of our two weeks at Dagbe.

Some context:
Our original plan had us leaving on the morning of the 10th.  However, planning for this kind of trip happens so far in advance that it's impossible to know all what is happening around the village.  This time, our departure fell on the same day that a large funeral celebration for a very wealthy man who was born in Kopeyia, but who had lived most of his life in the city of Accra (3 hours or so away.)  Hundreds of people were coming in from all over the area to partake in the wake on Friday night and the main funeral during Saturday, and our teachers were very much part of all the community-related duties, including music and dance, that are part of such events.  Leaving on Saturday wasn't really viable all of the sudden, because the staff who were were hoping to travel with to Elmina and Accra were unable to come then.  AND - the SMC students had done so well in their learning of Atsiagbekor that we were invited to perform as one of the musical groups at the funeral - a very high honor.  "Perform" is perhaps the wrong word, as most groups serve as the foundation for community dancing and ceremony, and there is no audience or performer.  Rather, we were asked to contribute what we'd learned in honor of the deceased man and his family, and we were happy to do that.  So we decided to delay our departure by one day and play/dance.

Back to Saturday: we dressed in proper style for the Atsiagbekor repertoire, consisting of wide mid-calf pants that allowed for movement layered with a fabric piece around the waist and a couple scarves to secure and decorate it.  Additionally, charcoal was crushed and designs painted on the faces of the dancers to represent the marks and designs used in battle.

Once dressed, we were so nervous!  We'd been anticipating this moment and working very hard to polish all of what we learned, and we were well aware of the importance of the event.   When it was time, we moved to the front of the village, set up the necessary times in the area where we'd be performing, and all the sudden it was time to process in.

The "master drum" - Atsimevu - was placed upon the head of one of the dancers, and the other drums
were carried and played as we walked, sang, and danced.  Lines of people started to form in front and alongside us as people started to realize we were not locals from Kopeyia - rather, American students and their teachers.  (A personal aside here: I have never seen so many cell phones pointed at anything I've ever participated in like I did in this moment. There must have been hundreds of them pointed at us.)

When we arrived at our set location, we moved in to place and began the slow section of the dance. Not including the procession, the students danced and played for more than 30 minutes straight, and we didn't even finish our full set of repertoire, as we drew too much attention and it was decided we'd make our time more brief.

It all happened so intensely - the heat, the crowd, the importance of the event and our participation - and we were all a mix of elated, exhausted, in a bit of shock, and relieved when it was done.  We walked back to the center, took some photos, and most of the group collapsed for naps while the staff went back to the main funeral proceedings, which would last until early evening.

After we'd recovered somewhat and had lunch, we ventured out to engage with the goings-on of the funeral (dancing, watching more musicians play, etc.) until we felt ready to be done with the day.  We also had a very early morning departure coming up so after some final games of Uno with our amazing friend Jackson, we were all in bed and out cold fairly early.

We will catch you up on our final 2 days in Elmina and Accra after this!

All is calm before the storm. This morning we completely our final dress rehearsal and things are beginning to shape up for our big performance tomorrow! While things are looking good, it is important that we all are able to keep our cool and maintain a constant energy leading up to the performance. After a much needed meal of yam fries and fried chicken, a nice relaxing day of reading and cards is exactly what the doctor ordered. Looking good yet again! Later today, we will be having a meeting on how to get dressed properly for tomorrow. Then we will be having a humdinger of a party with all of the Dagbe staff members. Later tonight we were also given the option to attend a wake, prior to tomorrow’s funeral. At this point it is now time to rest up and stay sharp, for tomorrow holds an unopened jar of surprise and fun! Still looking good! 

Jump straight to ludicrous speed!!! 

Our time here at dagbe has been flying by and while time seems to have been short, the amount we as a group have accomplished is nothing short of remarkable. We didn’t do it all by ourselves of course, the dagbe cultural center’s incredible staff/ teachers are incredibly determined to use every minute we have left to polish our work. I personally, have not soaked up so much knowledge so quickly in my life. Being able to focus on a single aspect with the staff, a minute detail breakdown of ever rhythm, of every dance step has made drastic improvements to the groups performance. 

The environment we are in has only helped our learning progress, a focus on the dance, music, and culture without any distractions besides a gamble on what’s for lunch that day.  

I have been learning the lead drum to one of the more complicated pieces named Togo Atisa (pronounced a-cha). This song has many intricate rhythms that follow each other in a specific sequence, one after another. Just after 4, one hour private lessons with Wisdom, the assistant lead drummer, I have learned almost the entire thing. I could not have guessed I would have tackled so much in a short period of time. 

Since arriving at dagbe we have been more than welcomed by everyone, even at the market. We would wander around looking for fabrics or other items we might want and I would regularly hear “Yevu! Mia fue!” Which means how are you in ewe. People we so happy that I knew how to respond to them. 

Every single day I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of this trip. I feel lucky to be a part of such an open community, here at dagbe and back at SMC. I think lunch is ready, I bet it’s going to be pasta with red sauce

Answers to some questions

This post is in response to some of the questions that we've received here on the blog.

My motivation here in Ghana is time. I have been given two weeks to grab all the knowledge I can, straight from the source, before I have to leave. I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually experience a culture I had previously only interacted with indirectly. If I don't absorb all I can here and now, I wont get another chance for awhile, perhaps never. I want to fly home content and confident that I could not have spent my time here more wisely.

In regards to whether or not being in ghana makes a difference, I would definitively stand on the side that says it does. Back in the States, I didnt have the context and history behind the music. But here, I can learn about the meaning of the music, rather than just how to play it. Knowing that, I can begin to incorporate that history into my dancing, rather than just copying the moves an instructor gave me, I'm dancing and retelling history.

A moment from our drumming class - wish we could articulate how difficult this is!  Story about our coming performance soon.

My Answers to Questions Posed by Peggy Imai

Hi All,

I'm here to respond to the questions that were posted by Peggy a few days ago. I'll try to keep my answers as concise as possible. I'll answer the questions in the Oder of which they were asked. I'll start with answering the question about what motivates me here.

In general, there are multiple factors, both internal and external, that have motivate me here to learn and stay concentrated. Internally, I've always been a very self motivated person to learn things well and to perform well in my life. This is largely due to the fact that ultimately, I don't want to fail at things that I do. This doesn't mean I can't fail in the process of learning and growing as a person, it just means that in the end i want to be as successful as I can be with what I'm doing. This also doesn't mean that everything has to go or end perfectly, but the perfectionist in me works hard to see that the end produce of my work or my actions are as close to perfect as possible. Another internal motivator for me here has been the goals that I have set for myself to achieve before leaving here. Having goals, especially when it comes tp improving on something can be a key to staying motivated. For example, in my time here, I've been working everyday for for hours a day trying to learn the dance to fast Agbekor. it is a very fast dance that requires a lot of skill and stamina. So, to stay motivated to learn a dance that I do everyday I set daily goals for myself. For instance my goal for today was to get through five of the seven variations with no mistakes in the entrenches and exits, and I did and that felt great. Tomorrow, I will strive to build on that and that will help me to keep motivated to work. One final internal motivator has been my passion for this music. if you don't have passion for what you are doing, then you are less likely to even want to stay motivated to improve, so I am thankful for my passion. Now for some external motivators. Four me, external motivation usually come from other people like my peers, my teachers, and my family and friends. Here, my peers are very motivating because we are all learning, and growing, and going through this experience, together. Our teachers, both Joss and the Dagbe staff, also help to motivate me. Here, Joss is our group leader, but is very much a student along with us as well. She motivates me because I want to make her proud and I want to prove both through my actions and performance to the Dagbe staff, her original teachers, she has taught us well. Similarly, I want to prove to the Dagbe staff that their efforts to teach me have not gone to waste. Finally, my family and friends at home motivate me because they were the ones who supported my decision to come here and in some cases even made generous contributions to get me here. So, they motivate me because I want to learn things well enough to bring back and show them.

My answer to the second question is very similar to what I just said, so I'll just briefly address it. Basically, my answer is yes, I am a natural overachiever, although i prefer the term naturally self motivated. But, I suppose in a way everyone on this trip could be classified as an overachiever because we all took the opportunity to travel all the way across the world to learn what we are learning, when we could have just settled to be satisfied with just learning in the classroom back at school. Of course, we are all so blessed and fortunate to have been able to have this opportunity and have enough support to get us here, but I think to actually get yourself here goes to show at least some trait of someone who wants to achieve more out to the experience then they were getting at home. Even if we are all at least part overachievers, the Dagbe staff here are just exceptional motivators and educators, so that also plays a big role. Before we even started our lessons here, they made such a strong, natural effort to connect with us as human beings before connecting with us as teachers. For me forming these connections are particularly impactful because I feel like the more of a personal connection i share with someone, the more motivated  I am to work hard for them and strive to get to that next level to please them. The way the Dagbe staff made here feel so welcoming and homey, defiantly has had a major impact on my motivation to work harder everyday to improve my skills.

I'm actually going to skip the next two questions and move onto the question "what makes a good teacher?". Both Joss and Dagbe staff here have been nothing but good examples for what it means to be a good teacher. A good teacher for me, is someone who connects with students on a personal level to help build a trusting and healthy learning environment, but also has the ability to draw the line when it comes to keeping and gaining respect and attention from students. A good teacher is open to questions from students and the opinion of students even if they are different from their own. A good teacher doesn't use their power, knowledge, or skill as something they hold over student or as a tool to make students fell shameful if they are not yet at the level the teacher expects yet. A good teacher is someone who is willing to show students that they don't know everything and are willing to learn along with student and learn from student. Finally, a good teacher makes it apparent from the first day that they want to see hard work, growth, and success from their students both in the classroom and in life, and helps students work towards that. (A good teacher also is willing to put in the work to bring their students across the world on a trip to help them better themselves, their skills, their world knowledge, and their role as a human being. Thank you Joss!). 

The final question feels like it was asked with the intention of having a definite answer. "Does being in Ghana make a difference?" OF COURSE IT DOES! Just being able to wake up walk out the door and see a whole new and welcoming environment makes a difference. Being in Ghana adds a whole different level of depth, intensity, and pace to our learning. Being able to drum and dance with the winds of Ghana blowing in your face, there is just no way to simulate that in a classroom.Being here also gives us the unique chance and opportunity to learn about the areas, people, and culture that the music we learn comes from is a blessing and a remarkable educational opportunity. So, yes bing in Ghana makes all the difference.

I know that was a very long winded response to som of those questions, but i felt everything was very necessary to give my complete and honest opinion. As always, thank you for reading and following along with us on our journey.

Talk Soon,

Liz V.

In response to Peggy Imai:

In general I am extremely motivated when I play music. It is the one area in which I feel I always excel when I put my mind to it, as much of it comes naturally to me without much thought. I am able to grasp complicated rhythms easily, and then assist classmates in doing the same.

A good teacher does their best to understand the student’s existing knowledge and contribute more to it without reteaching what is already known. They are patient and they nurture the environment that the student requires for learning.

Teachers here are different from back home in that they are extremely well versed in the material from a young age, and therefore find it much easier than we do. This is beneficial in that they make concepts easier to grasp, but can be challenging when something feels far more complicated than they make it out to be.

The physical location of being in Ghana is not as important as the teachers who happen to be located here. However, one could argue the opposite for the reason that the teachers would not have the level of knowledge that they do had they been born elsewhere.

     What motivates me to do well is being given this opportunity and not wanting to waist it, along with my love of the music. Our teachers are really good at relaying information and making sure we understand it regardless of the language barrier. I can honestly say I've never had teachers that were so good at showing how much they want us to do well. I think that being in Ghana does make a difference in how in how see my teachers and how much I want to do well. One might think that there's more pressure to perform when in a new place and they may be right with another place but not here. The teachers here don't add any pressure to us, they make it feel as though performing is like second nature. There's a connection alot like that of a mother or father nurturing their child. 

Thanks, 

Charles 

Lauren Kelly Responding To Peggy:
In terms of motivation and what is pushing us in our classroom here in Ghana, i think there is a lot of self motivation. As an alum, I haven't interacted with the repetoire in over a year, but I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to come on the trip. The fact that I'm not the only alum on this trip proves that this class touches upon much more than just an academic subject matter.
The motivation also really is backed by being in Ghana and what were doing having an ever present context surrounding us.
I don't think it's over achieving because what we're doing here is solidifying the correct ways of doing what we've done. Seeing Joss learn alongside us shows the lifelong learning that is to be found within this subject. It's a privledge to be here and we're very thankful and part of that is shown by really engaging with the learning here. Our teachers are unconditionally supportive and expect a lot out of us and doing right by them really moves me. This is their everyday, not a class. Thats also why being here in Ghana makes such a difference.
A good teacher can transfer the eye for opportunity and instills the gusto to take opportunitues when they come. This trip has been an amazing opportunity for authentic learning and gaining first hand experiences. We're being pushed and supported in amazing ways and we show our gratitude through working the hardest we can.

In response to Peggy!

Traveling to a different place or working in the field has always been one of the greatest motivators for me to learn, grow and experience things as fully as possible. I have come to know how I learn best over my years going through the whole system of schooling; hands on experience. Discussion of a concept can only get me so far, I need to really experience, understand first hand and put into practice what it is I am learning. The classes that were most difficult for me were the ones where there wasn’t any action, when I say action I mean putting what we are learning into practice. So classes like band, drumming, creative writing or philosophy were always my favorite. 

Here in Ghana we are learning by doing. There are no concepts to be read up on and memorize for a test, just drumming and dancing to do in preparation for a performance. Being in this place makes me feel motivated because #1 I am here, we are doing straight up experiential learning and also the passion of our teachers is contagious. They love what they do and want us to do better and be better. I feel motivated to try my hardest by challenging myself and the group because it feels like the right thing to do and our teachers have made it clear to us that we are capable. Not to mention the music is pretty badass and getting to the point where it just becomes muscle memory would be a major accomplishment and all around pretty epic. 

There is also a level of terror being thrown into the fire that is this music-it is intimidating yet I’ve found that the times I learn best are the times I am thrown into that space and have to adapt. It’s like I NEED to get this pattern or I won’t be able to progress, nor will my group mates. There’s no other option! Which is terrifying, yet there is no better way to learn for me because once I’ve gotten it I know what I am doing and most importantly I know now what not to do. 

Stepping outside my comfort zone is where I’ve learned the most about myself and the world around me-so I’m more than willing (though anxious) to take any opportunity that will allow me to breach that zone of comfort, take on a challenge and see how myself and those around me can figure it out. 

The pace quickens...

Hello readers,

As we go into the 2nd of our two weeks here at Dagbe, our studies are deepening, along with new experiences and a couple of field trips out of the center.

We are very grateful that we have the weekend to rest from our classes, which are intense in nature - 2 hours per lesson twice each weekday.  It is a good thing to rest the hands, feet, and mind, so this weekend we traveled just a few minutes over to the small town of Denu, where the local market happens every fifth day.  Students looked for fabric for any remaining pieces of clothing they wanted to have made before we leave, and I went along with our teacher's amazing wife, Gloria, to purchase the raw ingredients for an Indian dinner I'd like to cook for the cooks.  We have 3 women making us amazing food three times each day - Rose, Mamuto, and Elizabeth; they are so gracious and kind, so we'd like to offer something in return.  I love cooking Indian and the ingredients for a basic saag were easy to find here, and I think they will appreciate the taste.  At least, I hope so!

Today we left the center early to travel just a bit deeper into the remote part of the area to visit a Brekete ceremony.  Brekete is a local religion also called Kunde, and was brought with those who migrated years ago to the coastal area from the Desert region of Ghana/Togo.  We were welcomed into the area where they play music and dance, and then taken into the main room to be greeted formally.  The head priest of this group led prayers for us, asking for our health, safety, and solid learning.  It was a beautiful thing for the students to experience!

The remainder of the day is open for the students, so they are going to sit on the beach and just rest a bit (we do not swim here, as the Gulf of Guinea is known for immense currents and it's pretty rough) - but getting some ocean breeze and a bit of time to watch the fishing boats is always relaxing.

More soon!

Blisters

Greetings friends,

Of the many things Dagbe can teach, I think one of the most important is how to use your body. This first week has demonstrated that there are parts of my body that I underutilize in my day to day life, which has inevitably led to a myriad of aches and pains, bruises and blisters. Despite this, it shows me that I can be more mindful of how I walk, stand, sleep, sit, and most importantly, dance. It is a hard lesson, but a good one.

As others have mentioned, we are performing the dance Agbekor and below are some of the things I have learned to pay attention to:

1. Sit on your waist when dancing
2. Use your chest to throw your arms out
3. Don't stamp on the ground
4. Take smaller steps
5. Protect your toes
6. Keep your head up

... and many more.

I hope to incorporate these into my life back stateside and if I am lucky, help others to do so too. Ultimately, I think we all need to get back in touch with how we carry ourselves and Dagbe is the perfect place to learn that lesson.

Peace,
Nate

Hello everyone,

     So far, my time here in Ghana has been amazing and so educational. From getting here and just taking in the scenery to actually beginning the drumming and dance lessons, I have already learned so much. I don’t have many negative things to note but I have noticed some things that I need to work on with the courses. I have noticed that I have trouble with remembering which rhythm or which dance step is coming next even though I know what to do. For example, with this rhythm called Fast Agbekor, one of the drums called the kidi changes its rhythm and its hard for me too remember when the rhythm changes. We went over it about 25 times and its still hard but I guess it will come with time.
     Other than that, I’m learning that I have trouble just relaxing or finding something to do that doesn’t involve technology. Being in Baltimore (where I live), I can’t think of a time I am without technology. I even leave the TV on to go to sleep at night and listen to music when I walk around the city. Being without technology is hard but I like it. It makes me more aware of my surroundings and I feel like I’m better able to relax and just take in this beautiful place and all its wonder.

Thanks for listening,
Charles