Students at the University of Calgary have made it their mission to create an outlet through which to celebrate their culture, and in its second year, Roc the Runway is a nearly sold out event.

The evening was dreamed up by the university of Calgary’s African Student’s Association, and features food, fashion, dance, performances and music that will both scintillate and educate party goers.

Fashionistas can look forward to appearances by Eleven Eleven Boutique, Pout Clothing, and the African inspired Arewa.

We caught up with Sabrina Naz, dancer from local troupe House of Dangerkat to get the inside scoop on Roc the Runway 2011.

CF: How did you get to be involved with Roc the Runway?

SN: Addie Ade-Yusuf, who is a part of the African Student’s association found me on Facebook. After seeing my work in and around the city she had asked me to bring the dance element to the show.

CF: Your work with House of Dangerkat always makes a big statement. So you’re doing a few dances, including a choreographed African dance. Where did you learn to dance in an African style, and what really defines African dance?

SN: In the show this year one of the dance pieces is an “Afro-Caribbean” piece which I’m very excited about since, as choreographer I get to highlight the beauty of both cultures put together in movement. My first introduction into vernacular dance in general such as African and Caribbean folkloric would be when I was six years of age in a performing arts group in Calgary called ‘The Caribbeans’. What I think defines the afro movement over all is the spirit of the culture.. the land, music, spirituality of the elders, the history of the people and their resiliency.

CF: How do events like Roc the Runway help to promote awareness and understanding of the true depth and richness of African culture?

SN: Shows like this definitely give a voice to the African community and provides a stage for the African community and those who are not of the same ethnicity, but hold a sense of pride and cultural values. Also I believe events like this one are such a positive thing for African youth who are sometimes in search of an identity. Especially those who are immigrants or have been born here and are searching for a sense of self and can’t necessarily locate it in this area of the world.

CF: Even with the minority presence of Africans in Canada, would you say that there is a strong sense of community and pride in the African community in Calgary?

SN: In Calgary the sense of pride is definitely growing with the community. With events such as Afrikadey and the many functions ran by the different African associations, it’s evident that there is potential for growth. I really believe that the ethnic groups in this city are building proactive movements in their ethnic communities. For example, the Caribbean Community Council and the African Student Association can be looked at as the ambassadors of growth in their cultural group in Calgary.

CF: So what should we be looking forward to with the event just a few days away?

SN: A keen and eclectic blend of vintage and current Africa through food, fashion, dance, spoken word and singing.

Roc the Runway 2011 will take place on February 19 at Mango Shiva.

On January 14, 2010, the African Students Association of the University of Calgary presented Roc The Runway, a fashion fundraiser that swept through the ages on a cool journey spanning the world.

We traveled from the 1970’s to Africa in full circle, to the ultra modern world of hip urban fashion. There were shades of Russian style versus Victorian style and modern elegance.

Models sauntered down the runway captivated by the vocals of Yolanda Sargeant. Sargeant would steal the show singing between designers and during the event.

Cherry Chic would lead the show and what a start!  Valrie Powell, head designer at Cherry Chic took us on a flashback trip to the 1970’s.

The 70’s were a time of swirling colors and funky cool designs and patterns. A stand out was a dress with swirling reds and black pattern. The choice of patterns and color were impeccable. Cherry Chic’s eveningwear focused on the silhouette of a woman. Black outfits presented a beautiful shadow. The dresses had clean lines and hugged the form of the model well. Evening-wear presented by Cherry Chic was a big hit and certainly would catch the eye at a big social event.

Trendy Strands whisked us away to an African dream. The audience was held captive in bliss for a few minutes with their beautiful long dresses with texture and color. Many had long sleeves and all had intricately stitched collars or necklines. The Nigerian designers pride themselves on importing fabric and patterns from Nigeria and Ghana.

Long flowing dresses of greens and nature hues took the breath away. The stitching on the waistlines immaculate. Wide belts and waists coupled with muted colors and unique patterns showed parts of what is best in African designs and style.

The Trendy Strand label evokes powerful images of Africa even to those who have never touched the ground there.

Mandeez ‘Xclusif was third up and the line was a mixture of leather and sparkle. Short skirts matched with tight leather tops were a common theme. One red form fitting cocktail dress caught the eye and the glitter-laced wide straps added a nice contrast to it that worked.

Diella Ocran brought took us to the world of street and urban coolness with her hand stitched pieces. The collection contained a line of hoodies with hand painted art on the back.

N.R.T Fashions closed the show taking us back in time and across the oceans to a Russian fantasy. The evening couture wear was very clean with black and white colors.

Two pieces that stood out in the labels non-eveningwear were a fusion piece where Victorian met naughtiness. It was a beautiful somber black Victorian dress with a gorgeous red silk corset laced with black strapping. The shoulders and bodice were white lace and came up to cover the face of the model. N.R.T Fashion closed the line with a Russian piece that featured a high collar of fur and a stunning jacket with long chains as fasteners. It certainly fit the theme of Russia, Rasputin and fantasy.

Money raised from the event went to the Calgary Bridge Foundation, Black History awareness events and Haitian relief.

Words by Paul Spenard.

Photography: © Faby Martin 2010 & © David Austin 2010