Vasco André Wate (Mitó)
dancer and performer
Teacher of traditional African and Afro-contemporary dances.
About me
Vasco André Uate (known as “Mitó”) was born in Tete, Mozambique and is an artist and choreographer of traditional Mozambican dances, contemporary modern dances and afro-swing. Mitó currently lives in Leipzig, Germany. Mito has been a professional dancer since 2008. His professional career includes performing at dance and swing festivals in Mozambique, participating in international festivals and conducting unique workshops. He continues to collaborate with artists, choreographers and musicians from around the world. Mito teaches highly physical and dynamic techniques influenced by the diversity of traditional Mozambican dance, postures, shapes and movement designs, aesthetic feelings and interpretation of people and the environment. Her classes include physical coordination exercises, strength, smiles, joy. Dance is like a garden, where I plant my emotions and feelings through movements and body awareness. Mito is one of the main representatives of the Afro-Swing movement, Afro Amapiano, Pantsula, Mozambican and Afro dances that combine swing and Lindy Hop with their African roots.
All of these combinations relate to each other as a specific social occasion, creating necessary ruptures for the deconstruction of some theories of the “classic” Western tradition and also valuing the Contemporary African Cultural Form that means a lot to us Africans. The Afro-Swing initiative mainly has a perspective that is linked to traditional dances from Mozambique, but also to other African dances. It highlights the importance of this historical lineage and represents a way of connecting Lindy Hop with its African roots.
Dance and
always smile
Dancing with a smile for me is the way I express my love for life and I always dance with a smile on my face for the love of dancing,
There is nothing that makes me feel more alive than dancing, and my love for dancing is what inspires me to keep going, when I dance, I feel like I embrace the world with my body through my steps and movements, it's an exploration of history (of art) and cultures that continues to this day, in three sentences, dance and always smile. venturing beyond the limited research field of art history and classical culture, in this case connecting means to bring together
repressed past events and current issues and organized in collaboration with associations and initiatives, invites visitors to talk, listen, interact and escape ideas of how to be happy dancing
When I teach my dance classes or workshops, I feel as if I am on a journey through time, where my body is the compass that guides me to the next movement, Dance is art; Dance is freedom, Dance is music, Dance is spark.
Amapiano
Is a mix of house and kwaito, a South African musical style. It is characterized by its percussive bass line, drums, soulful melodies and viral dance moves. These viral dance moves incorporate elements of local dance styles from South Africa and neighboring countries, including Mozambique. The Amapiano dance workshops aim to connect the Afro-Pa community with the Amapiana community through dance and music. We will show participants the influence of Amapiano and South African culture on our respective origins. The collaboration combines music and dance. We intend to hold the courses once a week here at the cultural center.
Traditional Dances
What is traditional dance for me?
Folk dances are typical dances that carry popular manifestations and meanings of a particular people. They also serve as a tool for sharing heritage and its historical-cultural heritage. Folk dances are present all over the world, with the particularities of each culture.
but we can also find it in other neighboring countries, such as South Africa and Swatini
African song, dance and life are intrinsically linked to traditional musical instruments. These perform functions that circulate in different domains, whether social, spiritual, magical or religious. The drum is present in the daily life of communities, being played to announce the meeting to dance and to bring joy
There is a great need to understand the cultural forms that very precisely delineate human experiences in this world. Recognize that this open form exists in musical performances
What is traditional dance for me?
Folk dances are typical dances that carry popular manifestations and meanings of a particular people. They also serve as a tool for sharing heritage and its historical-cultural heritage. Folk dances are present all over the world, with the particularities of each culture.
but we can also find it in other neighboring countries, such as South Africa and Swatini
African song, dance and life are intrinsically linked to traditional musical instruments. These perform functions that circulate in different domains, whether social, spiritual, magical or religious. The drum is present in the daily life of communities, being played to announce the meeting to dance and to bring joy
There is a great need to understand the cultural forms that very precisely delineate human experiences in this world. Recognize that this open form exists in musical performances
Are you interested in a workshop, group classes and individuals, or do you want me to participate in a festival?
Get in touch with me
