Nama Step Dance Group
Dina Christiaans
Dina Christiaan is from Karasburg in Namibia. As a Nama speaker, Dina works as a translator as well as writing her own poetry in the Nama language. She also writes children’s’ stories in Nama.
Her capabilities allow her to do facilitatory work in Kimberley on an annual basis, as well as being a Nama radio presenter at with the local radio station Okiep Namakwaland 98.1.
Dina is also the leader of the Nama Cultural Dance Group in Steinkopf n the Northern Cape (South Africa).
Dina currently resides in Steinkopf (South Africa), a remote town in the Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape.
"Nama step dance is danced with the feet on the ground. The gliding dance highlights the woman’s finer posture, (such as) the calves of her legs and the balance of her feet. It also confirms her stately way of walking. It is deemed unfitting for women to extend their legs outwards. Women’s femininity is therefore accentuated in this way. There is also a link to health as women cannot jump during dances as the wind they might ‘pick up’ could cause them possible ill-health.
The circle dances depict the relationship that is forged within families, as well as the depiction of love, unity, protection and connectivity."
Other relevant links to Dina Christiaans:
Mail & Guardian 5 September 2021: Meet the queen working to keep South Africa’s Nama language alive
Contact details:
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