6th of May, 10am - 12.30pm at Eastbourne House Arts, Bethnal Green Workshop Guest: Olissa Francisco This fusion workshop is inspired by the rich and layered South African music and movement style, and draws from the technique of Traditional West African dance, and the feeling and vibe that is House movement. It’s an uplifting and dynamic session focused on celebration and stamina carried by the deepest AfroHouse beats. It’s all about inspiring and enriching your personal groove, expanding your expression, and connecting with the beat. Expect sweat, smiles, and release. At five years old, Olissa’s dance journey began with contemporary training and rigorous ballet technique. After a childhood at the academy, and a small break from dance altogether, she returned to the dance world in University continuing ballet, contemporary and jazz, but was fortunate enough to be introduced to traditional West African. Instantly consumed by the style, she has since dedicated her training to movement originating in Guinea, Ghana, Senegal, and Brazil, among others. 
 Over the last nine years living and traveling internationally, she has studied and performed with a variety of master teachers and choreographers. Having been predominately based in London over the last seven years, Olissa has become deeply immersed in Afro-fusion movement from Brazil and West and South Africa. The development of her freestyle grew from the conscious communities of the London and San Francisco House scenes. 
 Magical connections with dancers, DJ’s, and serious beats, across countless dance floors, has inspired Olissa to combine her love for what these two worlds stand for and focus on their union both in spirit and in form. The celebration of life and its cycles which lives at the root of all African Dance forms and the freedom and acceptance that is House, has Olissa applying her technical foundation where these two worlds meet: Afro-fusion, Afro-House, and Freestyle! Olissa’s energy comes from meaningful connections, diverse travel, and that drum!