Find Your Groove with Mufaro Chakabuda

“It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t have rhythm. As long as you have a heartbeat, you do!” These words of encouragement come from Mufaro Chakabuda, a dancer, author and business owner in Halifax.

For the last 21 years, Mufaro has been helping Nova Scotians find their groove through traditional and modern African dance styles at her dance studio, the Maritime Centre for African Dance (MCAD). “Learning about a culture doesn’t have to just be from behind a desk anymore,” says Mufaro. “Through dance, you can learn, have fun and experience African culture firsthand.”

Mufaro arrived in Canada from Zimbabwe to study at Dalhousie University and has since made Halifax her home. Having taught more than 600,000 children and adults through schools, community centres, camps and programs in Nova Scotia and further afield, Mufaro’s dance school has significantly contributed to the cultural fabric of the province and beyond. Since its inception, MCAD has expanded to each province and internationally, with locations in Zimbabwe, Dubai and the United States. Mufaro believes that the art of African dance can help anyone connect to the continent – even without visiting it. “When I dance, it takes me back to Africa and makes me happy!”

In addition to dance classes, MCAD provides an opportunity to learn drumming. “Drumming brings people together,” says Mufaro. “The rhythms are reminiscent of visiting my village in Zimbabwe and synonymous with powerful ceremonies, like weddings.”

For those that may not feel confident taking that first step in a group of people, Mufaro says that African dances celebrate all body types. She encourages those who are curious to try something new and says, “You will love how your body moves and responds to the music.” To get a taste of what Mufaro offers, click this YouTube link that shows how African dance can even be used as a movement break – you can’t miss the smiles on the participant’s faces.

People who have participated in Mufaro’s classes tell her how much fun they had. Some start the class feeling scared or intimidated, but when the dances are broken down step-by-step, students find them easy to follow. Making time to partake in an activity like dance is an opportunity to step out of our busy, stress-filled lives. Mufaro says, “For that one hour of class, my students focus on nothing else but the dance.”

Movement has the power to be transformational, and Mufaro has seen the effect African dance has on her students. “It starts with curiosity, and that curiosity turns into complete silence as the students are absorbed in the movements. When the music comes on, I see a deeper focus as students concentrate on making sure that they have the movements down. Then come the smiles!” Dance is a universal language, and no words are needed for Mufaro to teach. She relies on motion and signals to communicate new moves.

If you’re looking for a good starting point to learn African dances, Mufaro recommends trying Afrobeat classes, as the style can vary regionally, from east, west, north, central and south Africa. She says, “I encourage people to try an ‘Amapiano’ class, a South African style accompanied by music that Rolling Stone Magazine calls ‘bright, jazzy dance music culled from local house flavors and global R&B.’”

To learn more about MCAD’s workshops focused on traditional and modern African dance and drumming, be sure to visit the MCAD website. And if you have a little one in your life, you may want to share the gift of reading with them – Mufaro has written a series of children’s books, called “Mapfiwa” (Mufaro’s childhood nickname) based on her experiences growing up in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Mufaro also offers theoretical workshops focused on improving students' experiences in the classroom and for employees in the workforce. These workshops are focused on cultural diversity, anti-racism and cultural competence.

To get connected to all these offerings and more, visit MCAD’s website or you can find Mufaro on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. If social media isn’t your thing, you can always reach out to Mufaro via email.