NAGO : DRUM TEACHING || E S S E N C E : HERE & NOW || Drum Workshop: Initiation of Lakou .

HISTORY
Nago is an ethnicity and language of Benin, term by which the Fon of the South of Benin refers to the Yoruba. The army of Yoruba included the cavalry, where the characteristics of the Nago dance or dance for Ogou* (divinities), mimicking the gallop of the horse and the gesture of the rider which holds the reins.
DANCE
Nago dance bears the same name as the rhythm that accompanies it. The movements of the Nago, which mimic war, express as much audacity, fearlessness and courage .
The thrust of the body forward, arms and breast, suggests a break of invisible barriers. With Nago dance we pay tribute to Ogou Badari, Ogou Saint jack, Ogun Feray, Osanj
etc.
VODOU
Un or Ogou, or Gou, is at rst an Orisha in the mythology Yoruba and a Lwa* of the Haitian vodou, who presents himself on several aspects. He’s associated with color red, and metal. As such he is the patron of the blacksmiths.
Loa * or Lwa : invisible Power, mysterious energy.
Vèvè * : is a kind of symbol corresponding to the house of a Loa, drawn to the ground with
corn our or wheat, ash, chalk etc