For Florence Shinanduku, dancing is a way to bring joy to herself and others.
The Hoppers Crossing woman performs and teaches the traditional Congolese dance style of mutuashi at events, playgroups, community centres and aged care facilities across Melbourne.
“I call mutuashi the dance of freedom,” Ms Shinanduku said.
“You can do freestyle, go with the flow of the music and don’t worry too much.”
Almost 10 years ago, Ms Shinanduku immigrated to Australia from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In her native country she worked as a television journalist, as a dancer and in theatres.
Ms Shinanduku said she now combined her passion for education and creativity by conducting workshops for youngsters with dancing, music and crafts.
“In the end I am happy that I achieve joy and see people smiling, that’s my goal,” Ms Shinanduku said.
She will perform at the Lunar New Year Festival in the Point Cook Town Centre, about 7pm on February 24.
She also runs Little Kookies Playgroup sessions at the Featherbrook Community Centre in Point Cook, from 9-11am on Thursdays, until March 6. See facebook.com/mutuashidance/ for information.
