Shonah
Honeyhill Sonko is renowned for her unique athletic Afro dancing
style in ensembles such as Short Circuit, Wazuri, Colours of Pulse and
‘ZAZU’. Within her business, ‘RAFETNA, center for dance,
music and cultural education’ she offers classes in West African
Dance, Jazztap, Jazz vocals and a specialized children’s program
called ‘African Village’. Highlights of her career include
studies with ‘La Ballet National Du Senegal’, prominent and
internationally recognized West African dance ensemble, solo performances
at international cultural conferences in Dakar, Senegal May 2003. She
has performed alongside artists such as ‘Valanga Khosa, Bob Sedergreen,
Jean Paul Wobatai, David Jones and Wala.
Her tap dancing credentials are long and include studies with Dein Perry, Brenda Buffalino, Grant Swift and Jason Samuels in New York. She’s recorded her feet alongside Bob Sedergreen on keys. She is passionate about the African contribution to music and dance worldwide. The African thing is an attitude; it’s unstoppable. Last year, (January 2003 – August 2003) she spent another 6 months studying and performing in Senegal, West Africa. While she was there she did much research into African roots in music and dance in The USA, and found that this was one of the hottest topics for African artists. As a tapper she believes herself to be a percussionist, and in African dance she believes herself to be a communicator. African and African derived art forms share a common vibe, and it is that vibe that is so appealing. It teaches us about humanity, community and art as something fun and not just for the exclusive, but for all people to create interact and enjoy.
Recent highlights include ‘Love for Sale’ a jazz musical’, ‘The Melbourne Grand Prix’, ‘The Wala/Zazu concert’ at The Corner Hotel, ‘Hakuna Matata Day’, ‘Sumnation World Festival’ in Springvale, ‘performance alongside Sydney band ‘Mohata’ at The Esplanade Hotel, ‘The Globe to Globe festival’ and regular performances at Barbukka throughout 2003 & 04.
Her tap dancing credentials are long and include studies with Dein Perry, Brenda Buffalino, Grant Swift and Jason Samuels in New York. She’s recorded her feet alongside Bob Sedergreen on keys. She is passionate about the African contribution to music and dance worldwide. The African thing is an attitude; it’s unstoppable. Last year, (January 2003 – August 2003) she spent another 6 months studying and performing in Senegal, West Africa. While she was there she did much research into African roots in music and dance in The USA, and found that this was one of the hottest topics for African artists. As a tapper she believes herself to be a percussionist, and in African dance she believes herself to be a communicator. African and African derived art forms share a common vibe, and it is that vibe that is so appealing. It teaches us about humanity, community and art as something fun and not just for the exclusive, but for all people to create interact and enjoy.
Recent highlights include ‘Love for Sale’ a jazz musical’, ‘The Melbourne Grand Prix’, ‘The Wala/Zazu concert’ at The Corner Hotel, ‘Hakuna Matata Day’, ‘Sumnation World Festival’ in Springvale, ‘performance alongside Sydney band ‘Mohata’ at The Esplanade Hotel, ‘The Globe to Globe festival’ and regular performances at Barbukka throughout 2003 & 04.
