Zulu Connection Will Kick Off the 2008 Summer Intensive on June 2

Zulu Connection, masters of the African form of stiltdancing and ancient mystical masquerades, will kick-off the 2008 program with a special performance on June 2. Zulu Connection spellbinds its audiences with colorful and elaborate costumes, tremendous heights, extraordinary acrobatics and magnificent dance moves. The highly rhythmic music that accompanies each performance has been characterized as captivating and invigorating, pushing most audience members to get up and dance. In the course of a concert the program entertains, but educates as well on African customs, history, musical instruments, masquerades and legends, dispelling commonly held myths.

Since its inception in 1990, the company has pioneered the emergence of works by both African and African-American choreographers and has been dedicated to preserving the rich culture of Africa, the Caribbean, and Haiti which are all inherent in the make-up of New Orleans culture. Founders Shaka and Na'imah Zulu are committed to exposing audiences to the cultural arts of these nations in order to foster cross-cultural appreciation and understanding across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Bermuda.

The Zulu Connection has regularly presented seasons at the Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Kuumbaa Festival in Knoxville, TN, Black Dance USA in St. Louis, Goombay Festival in Hamilton Bermuda, England Arts Festival, Liverpool, England and the Point After Fest in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Zulu Connection has a strong impact on youth, performing and teaching for many schools and community centers including: The Africana Studies Enrichment Program with New Orleans Unified School District, the Community Arts Center of New Orleans, and the Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Schools.

For more information on Zulu Connection, visit www.zuluconnection.com.