BRATTLEBORO >> Georgette Adjie Beighle was born in small village on the Eastern border of Cameroon, West Africa. When she was 9 years old, she was hit by a motor bike on her way to school. The accident broke her leg very badly.
Her parents devoted all their time to caring for her, and by the time she was able to walk again they could not send her back to school. Instead they needed her to make money to help support the family so she sold vegetables at the local market. During that time she became very interested in dancing despite her injured leg. Her passion gave her strength and she began dancing traditional dances with the elders in her village and learning about many of the customs of her people.
Beighle moved with her husband to Brattleboro where they lived for 12 years. She started a dance troupe and organized many classes and performances to share her culture and raise money for home. In 2006 the family moved back to Cameroon. Georgette started a dance troupe there called Singo Dance Troupe to teach youth, many of them street kids, new skills and show them how they can use their talent in drumming and dance professionally. She began performing with her troupe and soon gained local recognition.
In 2010 she joined the National Ballet of Cameroon, and that year had the honor of touring 21 major cities. Being in the Ballet she learned many more traditional rhythms and dances from around the country and got to experience the joy of performing her traditions for people around the world.
Now back in Vermont Beighle is hoping to continue her work through teaching, performances, and educational tours. Join Beighle for a class on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Brattleboro Stone Church, 210 Main St., from 7:15-8:45 p.m. All levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and bring a water bottle. Class will be accompanied by live drumming.
Fee is on a sliding scale of $12-$15. For more info call 802-258-6475, or visit www.africandancevt.com or find us on facebook.
