African storytelling, body movement and dance will be the subject of a lecture-demonstration that will open the Arizona Senior Academy's 2012 lecture series.
The program will feature Praise Zenenga, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, and Uzo Nwankpa, a registered nurse and certified fitness instructor.
The presentation, free and open to the public, is titled "The Language We Dance In: Story, Identity and Healing in Africa." It will begin at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the great room at the Arizona Senior Academy Building at Academy Village, an active-adult community off Old Spanish Trail six miles southeast of Saguaro National Park East.
Nwankpa said the speakers will use the audience's energy to provide rhythmic accompaniment to the dance demonstrations by nodding, clapping or using other body movements.
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Zenenga is an assistant professor in the Africana Studies Program at the University of Arizona. Before leaving his native Zimbabwe, he toured with the Iwisa dance troupe as a dancer, manager and choreographer.
He came to America to study at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where he received his master's degree. He later earned a Ph.D. degree in theater and drama from the UA. His research and teaching focus on interdisciplinary approaches to understanding issues of identity, social change and social justice in the literature and performance of African communities.
Originally from Nigeria, West Africa, Nwankpa came to the United States in 1998. After gaining 50 pounds during her first year in America, she made a commitment to learn how to become healthier and enjoy what she calls "a life journey of healthy living."
"Dancing has saved my life," she said. "Dance is my joy, my hope and my inspiration."
Nwankpa is a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree and is in the process of obtaining her graduate degree. She earned her fitness instructor certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and is also a certified nutrition consultant and a motivational speaker.
She is currently developing the Uzo Method, a program that uses dance, music and movement as tools for holistic healing. As an educator, Uzo is constantly seeking creative ways to foster a dynamic learning environment and to promote holistic practices in the community as well as in clinical settings.
If you go
• What: Program by Praise Zenenga and Uzo Nwankpa
• When: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday
• Where: Arizona Senior Academy at Academy Village, 13715 E. Langtry Lane
• Cost: Free; contributions welcome
To contribute a story, go online to azstarnet.com/east
