SHARING a love for dance with Australians has become Zawadi Rashidi’s greatest passion since moving to Mount Gambier in 2013.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and having spent 18 years in a Mozambique refugee camp, Ms Rashidi said she had always resorted to dance for self-expression.
“Life is camp was not easy,” she said.
“We received food monthly and sometimes we did not have enough to get us through till the end.
“Through those times we needed to work hard to find food to eat and look after ourselves.”
Ms Rashidi said sleeping in camp was difficult.
“In the refugee camp we had nothing and there were people just dying around me,” she said.
“You are up worrying about whether you will still be alive the next day.
“I think the memories from the camp will stay with me forever and have shaped the way I look on life.”
Although the weather was a big change from what she had become accustomed to, Ms Rashidi is grateful for her new beginnings in Mount Gambier.
“People have been so helpful and welcoming,” she said.
“Through Country Arts SA I have created my own African dance group called ZGirls Africana.
“Dancing is special to me is a strong part of my culture.”
Ms Rashidi said she had started taking classes with Australians and is looking for her own studio.
“I think every African can dance as we are all born with rhythm and music in our bodies,” she said.
“I think it might be more difficult for Australians to learn to dance in African style to begin.
“Just like everything once you practice and get used to it, it becomes easy.”
Ms Rashidi said she fell ill in her younger years which stopped her from dancing and playing sport.
“I eventually was able to dance again and taught myself in my bedroom,” she said.
“I was not very good at the beginning but now I am better.
“I have brought my passion with me here to Australia and dance more than I ever have before.”
Drawing her back to African memories, Ms Rashidi said she enjoys being on stage and showcasing her natural talents.
“It was boring in Australia to begin with due to language and cultural boundaries,” she said.
“I then started going to school and they asked me what I was good at and I said dance.
“When I am on stage dancing it feels like I am back in Africa.”
Ms Rashidi hit the stage at Mount Gambier’s City Hall on Saturday night as part of the inaugural Multicultural Evening event.
