A Sense of Belonging at Ipswich Karibu Centre
The Ipswich Karibu Centre offers a weekly movement-based session. The creativity, and cultural expression is tailored to include local vulnerable and minority populations. Rooted in accessible dance and diverse musical traditions, the Thursday morning gatherings function as much more than a class—they have become a participatory cultural club, co-created by facilitators and participants alike.
Ethos
The Ipswich Karibu Centre is a multi-purpose charity. Among its range of participatory classes is a unique weekly session held every Thursday from 11:00 to 12:30. Originally conceived as a drop-in dance lesson, the session has evolved. It is a vibrant, informal cultural space where participants engage in accessible dance and listen to music from many traditions.
The project was initiated by the Centre’s founder-manager, Lara Uzokwe, and is facilitated in rotation by a team of practitioners supported by volunteers. I am one of several facilitators who help guide the sessions. My dance sessions also incorporate live music and song, plus improvisational drumming, using Karibu’s wonderful collection of African djembes and smaller percussion instruments.
Structure and Participation
Participants attend as they are able—there is no obligation to stay for the full session, and the atmosphere is intentionally flexible and relaxed. Entry is priced affordably at £3, or £2 for those eligible for concessions, making the session financially accessible to a wide demographic.
The ethos is one of co-creation and openness. People are invited to request their favourite music and songs, join in or observe, and explore movement within their own comfort zone. The space intentionally welcomes individuals who may struggle to participate in other group settings due to physical limitations, social anxiety, or mild learning difficulties.
Embodied Belonging and Social Learning
What distinguishes these sessions is not only their artistic content but the depth of their social and emotional impact. The movement activities are not framed around correctness or pressure to perform. The focus is participation, choice, and pleasure. Whether dancing, drumming or socialising, we remind each other that there are no mistakes—only variations.
The session becomes a learning ground for trust, where participants stretch their perceived limits, gain confidence, and discover joy in movement. The social aspect is as central as the dance itself. For some, verbal communication may be limited—but here, presence and participation speak volumes. We learn everyone’s names, celebrate their birthdays, and gently enable people to connect.
Participants often describe their experience as safe and deeply affirming.
Conclusion
The Karibu Thursday dance sessions exemplify inclusive community arts practice that fosters wellbeing, cultural expression, and deep social connection. In an increasingly fragmented world, such spaces offer not only physical movement but movement toward belonging.
For full details visit the website karibuawsg.com
Written by Ipswich multi-instrumentalist and internationally celebrated choreographer, Stefan Freedman, author of Dance Wise : www.dancewise.org
The Ipswich Karibu Centre offers a weekly movement-based session. The creativity, and cultural expression is tailored to include local vulnerable and minority populations. Rooted in accessible dance and diverse musical traditions, the Thursday morning gatherings function as much more than a class—they have become a participatory cultural club, co-created by facilitators and participants alike.
Ethos
The Ipswich Karibu Centre is a multi-purpose charity. Among its range of participatory classes is a unique weekly session held every Thursday from 11:00 to 12:30. Originally conceived as a drop-in dance lesson, the session has evolved. It is a vibrant, informal cultural space where participants engage in accessible dance and listen to music from many traditions.
The project was initiated by the Centre’s founder-manager, Lara Uzokwe, and is facilitated in rotation by a team of practitioners supported by volunteers. I am one of several facilitators who help guide the sessions. My dance sessions also incorporate live music and song, plus improvisational drumming, using Karibu’s wonderful collection of African djembes and smaller percussion instruments.
Structure and Participation
Participants attend as they are able—there is no obligation to stay for the full session, and the atmosphere is intentionally flexible and relaxed. Entry is priced affordably at £3, or £2 for those eligible for concessions, making the session financially accessible to a wide demographic.
The ethos is one of co-creation and openness. People are invited to request their favourite music and songs, join in or observe, and explore movement within their own comfort zone. The space intentionally welcomes individuals who may struggle to participate in other group settings due to physical limitations, social anxiety, or mild learning difficulties.
Embodied Belonging and Social Learning
What distinguishes these sessions is not only their artistic content but the depth of their social and emotional impact. The movement activities are not framed around correctness or pressure to perform. The focus is participation, choice, and pleasure. Whether dancing, drumming or socialising, we remind each other that there are no mistakes—only variations.
The session becomes a learning ground for trust, where participants stretch their perceived limits, gain confidence, and discover joy in movement. The social aspect is as central as the dance itself. For some, verbal communication may be limited—but here, presence and participation speak volumes. We learn everyone’s names, celebrate their birthdays, and gently enable people to connect.
Participants often describe their experience as safe and deeply affirming.
Conclusion
The Karibu Thursday dance sessions exemplify inclusive community arts practice that fosters wellbeing, cultural expression, and deep social connection. In an increasingly fragmented world, such spaces offer not only physical movement but movement toward belonging.
For full details visit the website karibuawsg.com
Written by Ipswich multi-instrumentalist and internationally celebrated choreographer, Stefan Freedman, author of Dance Wise : www.dancewise.org
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