Souleymane “Solo” Sana. Photography by Dance Africa Fest
2024
Instructor: Souleymane “Solo” Sana. Bamako, Mali, Africa.
Malian dance (youth, beginners, intermediate/advanced).
With live drumming for all classes by drummers versed in Malian rhythms.
Levels as indicated.
Souleymane “Solo” Sana is an accomplished traditional dancer from Mali, West Africa. A former principal member for one of the premiere companies of Mali, Ballet Du District de Bamako, he is a leader among artists. Solo’s presence at local ceremonies and festivals in Mali has always been in high demand, performing with renown griots and musicians as well as internationally known artists such as Djeneba Seck and Oumou Sangare. With an extensive knowledge of traditional dances of the Mande culture, he is highly sought after as an instructor for private and group lessons, teaching students from around the world including internationally acclaimed dancers, university instructors, and Broadway performers. Currently Solo splits his time between teaching and performing in the United States and running Kono Gnaga, his NGO in Mali with a mission to preserve traditional dance and music. Solo made his choreographic premiere in New York City in the Spring of 2014 and has most recently embarked on the creation of Sira Koro, a dance and music ensemble in Mali, where he serves as Artistic Director and Choreographer with a mission to bring new perspective to traditions while simultaneously providing opportunities for young artists in Mali
Sébastien Duvilaire. Photography by Dance Africa Fest
2024
Instructor: Sébastien Duvilaire. Abricots, Grand' Anse, Haiti.
Dance Culture of Ayiti (Haitian Vodou dance)
With live drumming.
Levels as indicated.
Houngan Jean-Sébastien Duvilaire (Babbas) is an independent scholar focusing on Haitian and African histories and traditions. He is the founder of the AfrikAyiti Project, bridging the gaps between Africa and the Diaspora through cultural exchange programs, sustainable business activities, and working on traditional platforms to nurture contemporary relationships. Houngan Babbas as he is affectionately called, is also a Dancer/choreographer/artist/educator from Abricot, Haiti, who strongly believes in the use of the performing arts to trigger real social change. He is the director of JSDDance by Tahomey; the later is a business comprising various projects aimed at promoting unity between Ayiti and Africa. He travels extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa to teach and perform, sharing his ideologies of African culture through his Haitian lens. He promotes Pan-africanism and considers the union of Africans as a crucial step towards creating a better world for current communities to thrive in. His commitment to cultural sustainability and justice is tied into working with artists, scholars, and farmers in rural Ayiti and rural Africa, considering them all as very important agents of a better tomorrow.
Houngan Babbas is also a new member of the Worcester MA community in the United States. He is an active member of -Sosyete Nago-, an advisor in the Royal court of the Aïzos of Allada Benin, west Africa; he is a husband and a father.
Mami Sayon Camara. Photography by Dance Africa Fest.
2024
Instructor: Mami Sayon Camara. Conakry, Guinea, Africa.
Guinean dance
With live drumming.
Levels as indicated.
Mami is a distinguished West African dancer and teacher originally from Conakry, Guinea. Known for her electrifying performances, Mami brings the vibrant rhythms of traditional Guinean dance and music to life. Since moving to the U.S. in July 2021, Mami has been a whirlwind of creativity, sharing her passion for dance and the rich cultural heritage of Guinea, particularly the traditions of her Baga family lineage. Mami has developed, presented and taught Guinean dance classes across Africa and in the U.S. Mami performs in Austin, TX with Lannaya Drum & Dance, and is a company dance teacher for the ensemble. Whether on stage or in the studio, Mami Sayon Camara invites everyone to experience the cultural heritage and unity of dance, turning each gathering into a vibrant celebration of life and community.
2024 MUSICIAN: Bio coming!
2024 MUSICIAN: Bio coming!
