High-energy pop beats and West African grooves sent the mercury soaring inside the dance pavilion at the Woodford Folk Festival yesterday.

Despite the sweltering heat, 800 ecstatic people crammed into the pavilion to sway their hips and learn vibrant African moves from dance duo Yenenesh Nigusse and Nicholas George-Coker of Fabulicious Fambool.

The second day of the six-day festival, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, proved just as hot and dusty as the first but attendees took it in their stride and immersed themselves in all the music, dance, art and theatre on offer.

To the rhythms of modern Ghanaian dance beats, Nigusse and George-Coker demonstrated their blend of hip-hop moves and traditional West African dance.

Nigusse is Ethiopian-born but moved to Australia 11 years ago when she was adopted by an Australian family, who live at Salisbury in Brisbane’s south.

Nigusse said she is happiest when sharing her fusion of afro-hip-hop dance with others. “I love sharing my culture and teaching people what I have learnt,” she said. “Last year we went back to West Africa and did a month of intensive dance training.”

Dance pavilion co-ordinator Pat Symons said afro-hip-hop was just one of the dance workshops available at the festival. Others include Middle Eastern belly dance, Indian dance, Cuban Latin dance, and fast and furious folk dancing.

Dance is an important part of the festival – people are introduced to other cultures, which they can experience through dance, Symons said.

Overnight camping tickets for New Year’s eve have sold out but all other festival tickets are available at the gate.

Source: Natalie Gregg, The Courier- Mail