Kung Fu master for Uganda show
Jun 10, 2010
THE dance scene in Uganda may be swept over by martial arts. The mere presence of the Shaolin master, Dominique Saatenang, was enough to excite contemporary dancers who have mastered ways of incorporating other techniques to African movements.
By Emmanuel Ssejjengo
THE dance scene in Uganda may be swept over by martial arts. The mere presence of the Shaolin master, Dominique Saatenang, was enough to excite contemporary dancers who have mastered ways of incorporating other techniques to African movements.
He held Tai Chi and Wushu (commonly called Kung Fu) workshops with dancers and general public at the National Theatre.
But for those who missed the Master’s workshops, curse not. Along with the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet dance company, Saatenang will hold shows at National Theatre (June 18 at 7:30pm, June 19 at 3:00pm) and Theatre La Bonita (June 19 and 20 at 7:00pm). The show, The Middle Way, is a call against violence.
Jeffrey Harrison from the Kampala Amateur Drama Society will write the score to the production, while Herman Ssewanyana will be on the percussion.
The show will prove how martial arts has changed techniques of professional contemporary dance.
Saatenang is highly respected the world over, but despite that fame, his humility will win you over. And when you get his attention, you will know why he is only one of four non-Chinese Shaolin masters.
Saatenang was born a prince in Cameroon 35 years ago. At school, he was enamored by Bruce Lee movies.
Chasing his dream, he left Cameroon and for six years, learnt through other practitioners in Gabon until he met a Shaolin master who introduced him to the Chinese Embassy.
Through hard work, Saatenang was chosen to visit the Shaolin Temple in China, every Chinese martial artist’s dream.
The holder of a master’s degree in accounting, Saatenang sold all his property to pursue martial arts. He is currently a member of the 34th generation of the Shaolin Temple, appointed by the Superior Monk of the Temple, Abbot Shi Yang Xin.
He is also a comedian, film fight choreographer and a judge of the International Wushu Festival. He is also in Cameroon’s Hall of Fame.
THE dance scene in Uganda may be swept over by martial arts. The mere presence of the Shaolin master, Dominique Saatenang, was enough to excite contemporary dancers who have mastered ways of incorporating other techniques to African movements.
He held Tai Chi and Wushu (commonly called Kung Fu) workshops with dancers and general public at the National Theatre.
But for those who missed the Master’s workshops, curse not. Along with the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet dance company, Saatenang will hold shows at National Theatre (June 18 at 7:30pm, June 19 at 3:00pm) and Theatre La Bonita (June 19 and 20 at 7:00pm). The show, The Middle Way, is a call against violence.
Jeffrey Harrison from the Kampala Amateur Drama Society will write the score to the production, while Herman Ssewanyana will be on the percussion.
The show will prove how martial arts has changed techniques of professional contemporary dance.
Saatenang is highly respected the world over, but despite that fame, his humility will win you over. And when you get his attention, you will know why he is only one of four non-Chinese Shaolin masters.
Saatenang was born a prince in Cameroon 35 years ago. At school, he was enamored by Bruce Lee movies.
Chasing his dream, he left Cameroon and for six years, learnt through other practitioners in Gabon until he met a Shaolin master who introduced him to the Chinese Embassy.
Through hard work, Saatenang was chosen to visit the Shaolin Temple in China, every Chinese martial artist’s dream.
The holder of a master’s degree in accounting, Saatenang sold all his property to pursue martial arts. He is currently a member of the 34th generation of the Shaolin Temple, appointed by the Superior Monk of the Temple, Abbot Shi Yang Xin.
He is also a comedian, film fight choreographer and a judge of the International Wushu Festival. He is also in Cameroon’s Hall of Fame.