A rare opportunity to explore the world of traditional African dance and music will next week be possible with the arrival on the Island of the Free Spirit African Drum and Dance group.

Based in New Orleans, Free Spirit was formed in 1978 with the mission to increase public understanding and appreciation of African history and culture.

They have performed at universities, festivals and hotels throughout the United States.

The group, whose visit to Bermuda is being sponsored by the Empress Menen Dancers, will conduct a five-day series of workshops at the PLP's Alaska House Headquarters.

Empress Menen founding member Miss Dawn Broadbelt says that "anyone'', from the age of three years, is invited to participate in the workshops.

Empress Menen was formed about 15 years ago to encourage interest in African dance. It features about ten dancers, and holds classes twice weekly at Alaska Hall. They perform at various charity events on the Island.

Besides giving tuition and demonstrations in dances that have their roots in ancient Africa, Free Spirit's workshops will give equal emphasis to the role of the African drum over the centuries.

Founder and manager Mr. Zohar Israel explained that in African culture the dance and the drum are synonymous: Until recent times, the drummer was a pivotal figure in village life. As the sole means of communicating over sometimes vast distances, the beat of the drum not only led the villagers in their dances but the hour-glass `talking drum' also warned of impending war and danger.

Mr. Israel began his career as a drummer-poet for the Los Angeles Watts Street Festival in 1974., makes his own drums. Besides making his own drums, and teaching drum techniques, he lectures on its historical role in African culture.

Always assured of popularity are the Free Spirit Stilt-walkers. Nowadays, stilt-walkers are to be found in circuses and street parades, but originate from Africa.

Stilt-walkers, said Mr. Israel, represent ideas that were central to African society, towering above mere mortals and standing between heaven and earth.

Originally from Senegal, the stilt-walker, who is more than nine feet tall, is called Thiakaba, a magical figure whose movements are, appropriately, larger than life.

In ancient Africa, one of the functions of the stilt-walker was to initiate the celebrations surrounding the ritual of circumcision.

Miss Broadbelt says it is hoped that Free Spirit will be able to hold workshops or give demonstrations at the Government summer day camps.

Plans are in the works to take the show to St. Brendan's Hospital and rest homes throughout the Island.

Workshop/demonstrations will take place at the PLP Headquarters, Alaska Hall, Court Street, on August 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17.

Fees for children and school students will be $5 per class or $25 for the full course.

Fees for adults will be $10 per class or $50 per course.

Instruction will be given to beginners and intermediates in drumming and a combination of dance and drumming.

Registration forms may be picked up from Alaska Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6 and 7.30 p.m. PHOTO WALKING TALL -- The Free Spirit Stilt-walkers, who are known throughout the United States, are coming to Bermuda. They will be passing on some of the mysteries of their craft in a series of demonstrations and workshops for beginners and those who have some experience.