Souleymane “Solo” Sana. Photography by Dance Africa Fest

Celebrate Mali: Traditional West African Dance with Souleymane “Solo” Sana

Explore the rich cultural heritage and legacy of the Mali Empire through traditional dance of the Mande people. Solo’s authentic teaching blends precision with cultural depth, creating an enriching and transformative experience set to the electrifying energy of a live djembe orchestra. Open to all levels, this workshop is especially beneficial for intermediate and advanced dancers seeking to deepen their practice.

What You Can Expect

  • Expert and Authentic Instruction: Learn traditional Mande dance from an internationally acclaimed artist celebrated for his artistic expertise, and deep cultural roots.

  • Live Drumming: Move to the powerful, driving energy of live musicians.

  • Cultural Immersion: Connect with the deep history and stories of Mali through movement.

About Souleymane “Solo” Sana

Solo is a celebrated choreographer, performer, educator and cultural preservationist from Bamako, Mali. As a former principal member of Ballet Du District de Bamako, he has performed with globally renowned artists and shared his expertise on stages worldwide.

Workshop Details

9 - 9:45 am, FREE Kids/Community class. Explore the vibrant dances of Mali through movement and songs. Perfect for families!

Important Details:

  • Please request a ticket for each person in your party who will be participating, so we can plan accordingly.

  • Youth must have a parent or guardian on-site.

11:45 am - 1:15 pm, West African Dance - Dances of Mali. Solo's afternoon class is ticketed and open to all levels, offering a unique opportunity to explore traditional Mande dance. This workshop is especially beneficial for intermediate and advanced dancers looking to deepen their practice and refine their skills.

 
Caribbean woman wearing red pants, frozen mid-dance, wields a machete with focus. Her braided hair flies, and a vibrant, multicolored layered necklace adorns her, exuding command and vigor.

Sacred Movement: Ritual Roots in Caribbean Dance

This workshop explores how dance in the Caribbean emerged from sacred and communal rituals brought by African ancestors and reshaped through local traditions. Focusing on Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba, participants will experience how rhythm, movement, and spiritual intention intersect in ceremonial practices. Through guided movement and cultural context, we examine how dance functions not only as performance but also as a form of prayer, healing, and connection with the spirit world.

What to Expect

  • Stewardship: Dr. Yanique Hume is a visionary artist and academic whose work bridges the realms of ritual, performance, and cultural heritage. With deep roots in the Caribbean, she brings a highly unique perspective to the intersection of spirituality, movement, and decolonial thought.

  • Live Drumming: Move to the powerful, driving energy of live musicians.

About Dr. Yanique Hume

Priestess | Dancer | Scholar. “I move at the crossroads — where ritual meets research, and the body remembers what history tried to forget. Born of Caribbean soil and ocean memory, my work lives in dance, divination, and decolonial dreaming. As a scholar and choreographer, I craft sacred performance as healing, as resistance, as ancestral echo. My practice is prayer in motion. My calling is to remember, reimagine, and reclaim.”

Workshop Details

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Mami Sayon Camara. Photography by MINDPOP

Discover the Energy of Guinea: West African Dance Workshops with Mami Sayon Camara

What to Expect

  • Authentic Instruction: Learn traditional Guinean dance, specifically dances from Mami’s Baga family lineage.

  • Live Drumming: Workshops are taught to live drumming! Move to the powerful, driving energy of live musicians.

  • Cultural Connection: Immerse yourself in the history and artistry of Guinea through powerful, rhythmic movement.

  • Accessible for All: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, this workshop welcomes you.

About Mami Sayon Camara

Dive into the vibrant world of Guinean dance in this exciting workshop led by teacher Mami Sayon Camara. Set to the rhythm of live drumming, explore the athletic, intricate movements and polyrhythms that define Guinean dance. Open to all skill levels, this is your chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of West Africa.

2024 MUSICIAN: Bio coming!


2024 MUSICIAN: Bio coming!