Charleston at Dzaleka refugee camp

One hour outside Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi (a country of twenty million in Southern Africa) is Dzaleka refugee camp. Originally built in 1994 to home 10,000, the camp now holds over 50,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Burundi, and Rwanda. The camp is known for its incredible Tumaini festival held in November each year; Tumaini means 'hope' in Swahili and this is definitely what I experienced when I held a Charleston dance taster class there.

Some of the refugees generously shared stories of how they were forced to leave their homes as children, without knowing where their parents are, if they are still alive and if they could ever find them again. They explained how they are not legally allowed to work in Malawi so instead 'volunteer' for a stipend or trade services and skills. Fire (our host, whose name definitely mirrors his dancing skills!) told us how important the arts are for people in the camp. He volunteers with the refugee-established Dzaleka Dojo, a group who support the refugees to be physically and mentally healthy. They have a team of trained yoga teachers, as well as karate, ballet and acrobatics classes. The age range in the room was beautiful to see; young children dancing alongside their parents and elders.

"Most refugees passed through overwhelming situations such as conflicts, wars, violence and death. In the same camp, refugees may live with the very people who caused violence in their home countries and made people flee. Our activities are inclusive; everyone can join us regardless of their background. When refugees meet together it builds a peaceful coexistence and allows them to collaborate and foster compassion."

I loved how his ethos reflected what I learned from my dear friends at MyCharleston. I spent two wonderful years dancing with Elena and Fiona in Brighton and over Zoom and it is amazing to see their focus on mental health and the positive social impact of dance reflected in such a different context here in Malawi.

I wish everyone could experience dancing the Charleston with this group of refugees; their whooping, posing and facial expressions would show Josephine Baker a thing or two! I am also joining the MyCharleston team of teachers and starting classes in the capital city- Lilongwe, where I live- but I think the highlight of my teaching experience will be visiting this talented crew of dancers and performers. 

Thank you to Fire, Elena and Fiona for inspiring me!

Written by Rachel Dixon

To find out more about Rachel’s work in Malawi, please visit her Facebook page