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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. | View Photos |
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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. |
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