Aucklanders can expect a melee of rhythm, dance and carnival when The Jambalaya Festival rolls into town on March 5 and 6. Having moved north from Rotorua, the new home of the event is in the beautiful bush-surrounded Corban Estate in West Auckland.

Jambalaya has truly differentiated itself over the years as an event renowned not only for high quality local and international entertainment, but for a huge selection of workshops from international music and dance exponents. Jambalaya is definitely NZ’s most interactive festival.

“The workshops are such a beautiful part of this event,” says Heidi Hughes, festival director. “We choose world class teachers who create so much energy and enthusiasm in the class that it leaves people really buzzing. It’s a wonderful experience to take away with them.”

There are also a range of dance performances from the huge range of teachers, including New Native Dance Company, and sonic pop art/Neoteric electro-dance crew The Geeks.

The grounds will be transformed into a carnivalesque village hosting a vast range of colourful acts and concerts throughout the day through to dance tents where George FM DJs, Nick D, Cian, Uncle Barnie and Bobbie Brazuka will be spinning tunes until the wee hours.

All this is set in the lush glades of The Corban Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland, where there are a huge range of venues for people to enjoy.

“We are lucky to have found such a perfect venue,” says Heidi. “There’s gorgeous native bush surrounding the site, warehouse workshop spaces with sprung floors, and all sorts of outdoor spaces to discover. There’s even camping on site.”

Dance: Samba, dance-hall, hiphop, flamenco, african dance, kapa haka, capoeira, swing, salsa, tango, contemporary dance and even circus will also be represented.

Music: Samba percussion, a-capella singing workshops, beat-boxing, African drumming, flamenco guitar, ukelele

Other: Circus (flying trapeze), shadow puppetry

For more information check out http://www.jambalaya.co.nz/