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| African Dance With Guest Artist Mamady Sano | ||
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Mamady Sano is a dynamic performing artist from the country of Guinea. He is the son of the world renowned choreographer of Les Ballets Africains, Mohamed Kemoko Sano. Mamady spent several years traveling throughout the world with Les Merveilles de Guinea. A resident of the U.S. since 1998 Mamady teaches workshops, clinics, and master classes, as well as performs as a guest artist, throughout the world. He is currently living in New York City where he teaches weekly classes at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joan Weill Center for Dance, PMT House of Dance and Chelsea Studios. | |
| Guinea Drum & Dance Workshop with Mandjou Mara & Alhassane Papain Camara | ||
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Mandjou Mara began his professional drumming career when drum and dance group Oiseau Blanc, recruited him when he was just five years old as a djembe player. It was with this group that he honed his djembe skills and learned other aspects of Guinean music, dance, song, and staging. The djembe soloist of Oiseau Blanc recongnized Mandjou’s talent and introduced him to the prestigious Les Percussions de Guinee who took him on as one of their players. Momordiba Camara of the world renownd Les Ballets Africains was the next to recruit Mandjou as a djembe soloist and assistant director for his group Tayeli of Kaporo in 2000. Mandjou created his performance ensemble Limanya de la Guinee in 2007.
Alhassane Papain Camara Alhassane was born in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. His father, Lt. Sayon Camara, was highly regarded in the military, and his children were encouraged to follow in his footsteps. Alhassane’s two brothers and sister did just that. Alhassane’s mother, Dah Camara was a dancer, and deeply influenced Alhassane in his pursuit of the traditional dance of his home country. By the age of eleven years, he was a member Ballet Tayeli, and was studying and performing traditional Guinean Dances. Through much courage and hard work, Alhassane left home to continue live and study with his most influential teacher Youssouf Koumbassa, member of the International Ballet Djoliba. He is deeply reverent and grateful to Yousouff for his inspiration and support through his years of study. Alhassane arrived in the states in May, 2009. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he shares his knowledge of traditional Guinean dance and music with communities in Albuquerque and across the United States. |
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4th Annual Fakoly African Dance & Drum Workshop | ||||
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| Master drummer Fode Bangoura will be hosting his 4th Annual Fakoly Dance & Drum Project! 5 days of daily drum and dance classes taught by Master Drummers and Dancers from West Africa. The workshop will culminate in a Guest Artist performance Saturday evening May 7th at The Southern Theater. Fode will be accompanied by Master Dancers Moustapha Bangoura, Mamady Sano, Marietou Camara, Djeneba Sako and Vado Diamonde as well as Master Drummers Fara Tolono, Karim Koumbassa and Mandjou Mara. This is a unique opportunity to study with some of the most famous names in African drum and dance. All Classes Are Open Level – Everyone is Welcome! | ||||
| West African Dance Workshop with Mamady Sano & Mangue Sylla | |||
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Mamady Sano is a dynamic performing artist from the country of Guinea. He is the son of the world renowned choreographer of Les Ballets Africains, Mohamed Kemoko Sano. Mamady spent several years traveling throughout the world with Merveilles D’Afrique. In 1998, Mamady was invited to come to the United States to teach and perform.
Born in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa, Mangue Sylla started playing music at the age of 7. In 1993 Mangue joined the well known ballet troupe: "Les Merveilles de Guinee”. This provided him the opportunity to travel throughout Africa and study under the leadership of Kemoko Sano. In 1998 Mangue moved to the US with the same ballet. Since then, while still an active member of "Les Merveilles de Guineee", he has been working with numerous groups including: Alvin Ailey, Magbana Drum and Dance, Drum Cafe, Marylin's Bamdulaye, and Nandy's Sankofa Kuumba Cac (summer program for children). Mangue Sylla currently lives in New York City. He keeps a busy schedule performing, teaching, attending workshops and dance conferences. |
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| West African Dance Workshop with Naby Bangoura | |||
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Naby Bangoura is a native of Guinea, West Africa. He has danced since birth and performed with a number of groups, including internationally acclaimed “Les Merveilles de Guinea”. Since moving to California, Naby has rapidly become one of the most sought after teachers on the west coast. His authentic presence and dynamic teaching style convey the spirit of his culture with skill, inspiration, and joy!
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| Traditional Congolese and Afro Funk Dance Workshop September 18th-20th | |||
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Get Ready for a funky blend of old and new when guest artist Herve Makaya Kayos visits the Twin Cities from Oakland, CA. Born and raised in Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Herve Makaya Kayos is an artist initiated and ritually trained in the art of Congolese dance and music. His training spans over 2 decades, during which he has taken part in various folkloric and contemporary dance and percussion groups. In 2006 Makaya (Kayos) Co-founded the Li-Shanga Company from Congo Brazaville, won the 2006 RFI Dance Competition and was the third place winner with "Mona-Mambu”. Herve is a seasoned artist - dancer and musician in traditional and contemporary forms of African Congolese - dance and music.
Congolese dance style is known for its smooth, grounded and soulful movement. The class will be composed of two complementary rhythms; one part traditional and one part Afro Funk so that the students get to experience the variety within this dance style which grooves your body and soul. Traditional live drumming (provided by Teber Milandou) accompanies the class on the Ngoma, Congolese drum. All levels welcome!! |
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| African Drum & Dance Workshop with Mangue Sylla & Naby Bangoura June 18th-21st | |||
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Naby Bangoura is a native of Guinea, West Africa. He has danced since birth and performed with a number of groups, including internationally acclaimed “Les Merveilles de Guinea”. Since moving to California, Naby has rapidly become one of the most sought after teachers on the west coast. His authentic presence and dynamic teaching style convey the spirit of his culture with skill, inspiration, and joy!
Mangue Sylla Born in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa, Mangue Sylla started playing music at the age of 7. In 1993 Mangue joined the well known ballet troupe: "Les Merveilles de Guinee”. This provided him the opportunity to travel throughout Africa and study under the leadership of Kemoko Sano. In 1998 Mangue moved to the US with the same ballet. Since then, while still an active member of "Les Merveilles de Guineee", he has been working with numerous groups including: Alvin Ailey, Magbana Drum and Dance, Drum Cafe, Marylin's Bamdulaye, and Nandy's Sankofa Kuumba Cac (summer program for children). Mangue Sylla currently lives in New York City. He keeps a busy schedule performing, teaching, attending workshops and dance conferences. |
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| 3rd Annual Fakoly Drum & Dance Festival Hosted by Fode Seydou Bangoura April 21st-25th | |||
| Fakoly Dance & Drum Project is a 5 days of daily drum and dance classes taught by Master Drummers and Dancers of Guinea West Africa. The goal is to collectively create, learn and perform rehearsed music and dance pieces which exemplify the joy and celebration unique to the African culture. The workshop will culminate in a public performance with participants and artists Saturday evening April 24th at Eisenhower Community Center. Fode will be accompanied by Master Dancers Youssouf Koumbassa, Mamady Sano, Naby Bangoura, Marietou Camara, and M'Mah Toure as well as Master Drummers Aboubacar Kouyate, Ali Camara, and Mengue Sylla. This is a unique opportunity to study and perform along side some of the most famous names in African drum and dance.
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West African Dance with Djeneba Sako |
| Learn African dance and rhythms from Mali West Africa. In Mali, performance, music and dance are ways of expression used in education and everyday life. Djeneba Sako, from the Malian Troupe Baden'ya, is a graceful yet powerful master dancer with a unique style that has allowed her to capitalize on the US Malian dance scene as one of the most sought-after dance instructors at conferences and festivals across the nation. All classes are open level and all ages are welcome! |
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West African Drumming with Fode Bangoura
Fode Bangoura has been recognized internationally for his work as the lead drummer with the acclaimed ensemble Les Merveilles de Guinea. Fode is now one of the most respected and sought after drummers of his generation. He has toured the world, has dozens of recording credits, and has appeared on national television, including a featured spot on MTV. |
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Traditional & Contemporary African Dance with William Atchouellou and Gbou Henriette
This dynamic couple hails from Ivory Coast West Africa. William has fifteen years of experience as a professional dancer with an emphasis in Afro-modern, contemporary and traditional West African dance styles. Henriette has been touring with Cirque du Soleil's "DRALION" for 10 years dancing the role of "La Terre". Together they beautifully combine their traditional and contemporary training to bring you a workshop that will challenge and inspire all levels of dancers! West African Drumming with Fode Bangoura Fode Bangoura has been recognized internationally for his work as the lead drummer with the acclaimed ensemble Les Merveilles de Guinea. Fode is now one of the most respected and sought after drummers of his generation. He has toured the world, has dozens of recording credits, and has appeared on national television, including a featured spot on MTV. |
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West African Drum & Dance with Fode Bangoura & Mamady Sano
Back by popular demand!!! Fode and Mamady are well known in the Twin Cities African Drum and dance community for their unique teaching styles and high energy classes. Fode Bangoura has been recognized internationally for his work as the lead drummer with the acclaimed ensemble Les Merveilles de Guinea. Fode is now one of the most respected and sought after drummers of his generation. He has toured the world, has dozens of recording credits, and has appeared on national television, including a featured spot on MTV. Mamady Sano is a dynamic performing artist from the country of Guinea. he is the son of the world renowned choreographer of Les Ballets Africains, Mohamed Kemoko Sano. Mamady spent several years traveling throughout the world with Merveilles D’Afrique. In 1998, Mamady was invited to come to the United States to teach and perform.. |
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West African Drum & Dance Workshop with Abdoulaye Camara and Mandjou Mara.
The Guinean style of dance is especially renowned for its’ exuberant leaps and graceful gestures. The Guinean rhythms are infectious and well-known in the realm of drumming. Internationally acclaimed artist Abdoulaye Camara is well known for his incredible teaching skills, artistic style, and charismatic spirit. Born in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, Abdoulaye is from the Soussou ethnic group. Mandjou Mara, native of Guinea, grew up drumming and singing. He has played for the prestigious Les Percussions de Guinee and Tayeli of Kaporo. |
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2nd Annual Fakoly Drum & Dance Festival with Fode Bangoura & Mamady Sano
2nd Annual Fakoly African Drum & Dance Workshop - Master Drummer, Fode Bangoura of Les Ballets Africains will be hosting a week long drum & dance workshop that will culminate in a public performance with both students and artists Saturday evening May 2nd at Sabathani Community Center. Fode will be accompanied by Master Dancers Youssouf Koumbassa, Mamady Sano, and Marietou Camara as well as Master Drummers Mohammed Camara and Aboubacar Kouyate. The 2nd Annual FAKOLY Drum and Dance Workshop provides the Twin Cities community with an opportunity to study and perform with master African artists. The goal is to collectively create learn and perform drum & dance pieces which exemplify the joy & celebration unique to African culture. |
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West African Drum & Dance Workshop with Djeneba Sako & Abdoul Doumbia
Learn African dance and rhythms from Mali West Africa. In Mali, performance, music and dance are ways of expression used in education and everyday life. Djeneba Sako, from the Malian Troupe Baden'ya, is a graceful yet powerful master dancer with a unique style that has allowed her to capitalize on the US Malian dance scene as one of the most sought-after dance instructors at conferences and festivals across the nation. She currently holds regular classes in Colorado. |
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African Drum & Dance Workshop with Biza Sompa
Traditional Congolese dances are rooted in ritual and acknowledge the presence of the spirit world in every day life. The workshop will also incorporate aspects of social and contemporary dance which include soukous and ndombolo and have influenced dance movement worldwide including dance forms found in Brazil and Latin America. The roots of Congolese dance form the foundation for Hip Hop, Rhumba, Samba, Calyspo, Merengue and Bomba. The workshop will feature live percussian by guest Congolese drummers. Biza Sompa began his dance choreography career with the Ballet Damar and the Congolese National Dance Company in Brazzaville, Congo. He toured extensively throughout Europe with Congolese dance troupes based in Paris. Currently, he is a dance instructor and founder of Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theatre based in Ann Arbor, MI. |