Seafarer Press | Elizabeth Alexander, composer

If You Can Walk You Can Dance (If You Can Talk You Can Sing) (Zimbabwean proverb)

This optimistic Zimbabwean proverb sets the stage for this contagiously joyful song, full of the subtle marcato and gentle rhythmic energy of Latin dance. This piece is full of surprises, including a brief a cappella interlude, some finger snapping and a five second "break" during which the chorus members all just talk! If the conductor chooses, the audience may sing along with the final chorus, making this piece a celebratory conclusion to any concert.

Elizabeth writes:  Many conductors have contacted me to ask exactly how I'd like the talking to begin or end, how long the repeated chorus should go on, or how much choreography I think is appropriate.  My general answer to this is: Yes!  Here are a couple of my favorite interpretations of this song, courtesy of YouTube:

Video #1:  Orange Coast College Chorale, under direction of Eliza Rubenstein, has a warm and vibrant sound, with a light and precise sense of rhythm.  They encourage the audience to sing along on the final choruses.  Sweet.

Video #2:  Paul Rardin and the men of the University of Michigan Summer Institute really keep their rendition moving along, and they can really move too!  (I dare you to watch the whole video with a straight face!)