Kenyan Dancer doing magic in Denmark - Interview with Akinyi Nyawade

Kenyan Dancer doing magic in Denmark - Interview with Akinyi Nyawade
Akinyi is passionate about helping people discover or rediscover their inner strength that comes from getting in contact with their own needs, values and the joy of life. Working with the body, voice and rhythms are shortcuts to get connected with that inner strength and helps bring out the best in people.
She loves it when people let go of their mask and laugh deep-felt from the heart. This relaxes the body and allows the brain to enter into the creative space. In this space, we discover that we are much more and able to do more than we think.
”I was born in Kenya and being grounded in the Kenyan culture I dance because it's my gift from birth. I want to inspire more people to dance every day and feel the well-being, greater self-esteem and confidence with their life. Being present in relationships and having a positive approach to life is important to me.”
“In my native language, Luo, Thum means song, dance and music all in one word. Thum is the foundation of Akinyi African Dance, where my methods are Playful Corporeality and Present Interaction.
“When I use Thum, I am able to create the space where we “speak” the same language of body and music, are present, inflow and free. To create this very space is my special competence.”
Akinyi’s background
Akinyi is a Dancer, Speaker and Performance Coach. Since 1986, she has performed and taught individuals, groups, companies and institutions. She has performed with the Calabash dancers, the band Zebra, Corona Danseteater and latest with the theatre group, Bantaba and more.
Akinyi has developed her own concept, Rhythmic Play Training, for infants and their parents and has taught singing, dancing and music at among others; Zebu, Rhythmic Music Conservatory, Department of Sports in Odense, Gøsselskolen at Rhythmic Center, Church Crusade, Salto Family Activities, Geelsgårdskolen, Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired Residence Bøgelunden, and Lykke Marie Center.
Currently, Akinyi is working as a freelancer with Master drummer, Sylvester Agbedoglo.