Brightly clothed dancers and rhythmic drumming will soon fill the Parkland Room at Painted Hand Casino, transporting all those within to Africa. It’s part of An Evening in Africa, the new scholarship fundraiser for Parkland College.

Onyxstasia African Princess Dance Troupe from Saskatoon will be featured at the event. The group was founded by Kahmaria Pingue, who embraced her ancestry in the rhythmic and creative form of traditional African dance. Her career in dance began with Afro-Caribbean dance in B.C. with The Thelma Gibson Dance Ensemble and later expanded into traditional African dance with The Eyen Isong Cultural Troupe, whom she toured with for two years. In 2006 she formed her own business instructing African dance and promoting Afrocentric fashion design.

“Africa holds a special place in our hearts at Parkland College,” Carol Wiens, Chair of the Evening in Africa Committee, said. “Our staff have sponsored a student in Africa. We have led many training initiatives there. And quite a few staff members and extended family have made the long trip overseas.

“We hope An Evening In Africa will provide a unique experience for those who would normally not see African dance and expose them to African culture, music and drumming.”

An Evening In Africa is set for Saturday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Parkland College Scholarship Initiative.

Tickets are $35 and available at Parkland College campuses in Yorkton and Melville, The Plum Tree in Yorkton and Royal Drug Mart in Melville. For more information call 306-786-7310 or visit www.parklandcollege.sk.ca.