There will be no Abene Festival in 2015
Instead, there will be a series of special workshops with guest teachers
August 21st - 24th, 2014
The Abene African Dance & Drum Festival is transitioning this year into the Brattleboro African Dance & Drum Festival as it expands to include visiting as well as our local dance and drum teachers. We honor Caro Diallo who started African dance in the Brattleboro area ten years ago. We are immensely grateful to him for all he has given us, as he steps away from the festival to allow it to form into a collaborative, community event. We are also thrilled that he will be offering his skilled and spirited classes three times a week in Brattleboro until early October. Click here for the schedule and Caro's biography.
This year's festival will feature master dance teachers:
Yalani Bangoura, Georgette Adjie, Pape Ba, Tacko Cissokho, Kabisko Kaba
and master drum teacher: Namory Keita.
Accompanying on drums will be Namory Keita, Lisa Newell,
Raoul Ombang, Cheikh Ngom, Vieux Toure, Shanti Star and others.
Wyoma will offer a yoga class on Saturday morning.
See teacher bios. and the schedule below
Instead, there will be a series of special workshops with guest teachers
August 21st - 24th, 2014
The Abene African Dance & Drum Festival is transitioning this year into the Brattleboro African Dance & Drum Festival as it expands to include visiting as well as our local dance and drum teachers. We honor Caro Diallo who started African dance in the Brattleboro area ten years ago. We are immensely grateful to him for all he has given us, as he steps away from the festival to allow it to form into a collaborative, community event. We are also thrilled that he will be offering his skilled and spirited classes three times a week in Brattleboro until early October. Click here for the schedule and Caro's biography.
This year's festival will feature master dance teachers:
Yalani Bangoura, Georgette Adjie, Pape Ba, Tacko Cissokho, Kabisko Kaba
and master drum teacher: Namory Keita.
Accompanying on drums will be Namory Keita, Lisa Newell,
Raoul Ombang, Cheikh Ngom, Vieux Toure, Shanti Star and others.
Wyoma will offer a yoga class on Saturday morning.
See teacher bios. and the schedule below
Elhadji Mamadou "Pape" Ba
Elhadji Mamadou Ba, also known as “Pape" Ba, is a master drummer and dancer from Senegal, West Africa. He performed with and was one of the leaders of Les Ballets Africaine de Sangomare, a premier African dance troupe in West Africa. Pape Ba is also a dynamic and spirited teacher who has taught dance to people traveling to Senegal in order to learn the traditional music and dance culture of West Africa. Since coming to the United States in 2006, Pape taught and performed with Jeh Kulu in Burlington, Vt., at Marlboro College and currently teaches regularly in Northampton, Ma. and Brattleboro, Vt. He is a dynamic teacher and enjoys sharing his rich culture with students.
Elhadji Mamadou Ba, also known as “Pape" Ba, is a master drummer and dancer from Senegal, West Africa. He performed with and was one of the leaders of Les Ballets Africaine de Sangomare, a premier African dance troupe in West Africa. Pape Ba is also a dynamic and spirited teacher who has taught dance to people traveling to Senegal in order to learn the traditional music and dance culture of West Africa. Since coming to the United States in 2006, Pape taught and performed with Jeh Kulu in Burlington, Vt., at Marlboro College and currently teaches regularly in Northampton, Ma. and Brattleboro, Vt. He is a dynamic teacher and enjoys sharing his rich culture with students.
Yalani Bangoura
Yalani is a master dancer, performer, choreographer, acrobat, and teacher of dances from his country, Guinea, West Africa. He is also known for his exciting hip-hop dance. Yalani was a member of the award winning West African dance and drum company, Les Merveilles de Guinea under the direction of Mr. Kemoko Sano, former choreographer for the legendary Les Ballet Africains of the Republic of Guinea. In addition to studying with Sano, who is considered one of the most recognized authorities on West African culture, Yalani has also studied with Yamoussa Soumah, a principal dancer and teacher with Les Ballet Africains. He has toured with Merveilles in the United States and Europe and has also toured West Africa including the countries of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Yalani now works as an independent contractor and continues to be in residence with several dance companies as a master artist.
Yalani is a master dancer, performer, choreographer, acrobat, and teacher of dances from his country, Guinea, West Africa. He is also known for his exciting hip-hop dance. Yalani was a member of the award winning West African dance and drum company, Les Merveilles de Guinea under the direction of Mr. Kemoko Sano, former choreographer for the legendary Les Ballet Africains of the Republic of Guinea. In addition to studying with Sano, who is considered one of the most recognized authorities on West African culture, Yalani has also studied with Yamoussa Soumah, a principal dancer and teacher with Les Ballet Africains. He has toured with Merveilles in the United States and Europe and has also toured West Africa including the countries of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Yalani now works as an independent contractor and continues to be in residence with several dance companies as a master artist.
Kabisko Kaba
Kabisko is originally from Guinea, Conakry, West Africa and has more than 28 years professional dance experience. Kabisko came to the U.S. in 1998 with his world renowned dance company, Les Merveille de Guinea, debuting in New York and touring throughout the U.S.A. for many years. In 2000, Kabisko began a five-year residency with the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York, where he taught students of all ages about Guinean art and culture. During this time Kabisko also performed in numerous schools and community centers, thrilling audiences with his boundless energy and skillful dancing, acting, drumming and singing. In 2005, Kabisko was a resident performing artist at Walt Disney World where he performed daily for patrons. In 2007 Kabisko relocated to Western MA where he has been a resident teaching artist at the University of Massachusetts, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College and Hampshire College. Presently, Kabisko has been teaching at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter School in Western MA for the past seven years. In January 2014 Kabisko led a group of 11 students to Guinea for a dancing and drumming tour of his native country. Kabisko offers weekly drum and dance lessons in Northampton MA and choreographs dance and drum performance pieces for companies throughout the US.A. As an artist, Kabisko is well known for his passion and demonstrated commitment to excellence in his choreography and storytelling.
Kabisko is originally from Guinea, Conakry, West Africa and has more than 28 years professional dance experience. Kabisko came to the U.S. in 1998 with his world renowned dance company, Les Merveille de Guinea, debuting in New York and touring throughout the U.S.A. for many years. In 2000, Kabisko began a five-year residency with the prestigious Lincoln Center in New York, where he taught students of all ages about Guinean art and culture. During this time Kabisko also performed in numerous schools and community centers, thrilling audiences with his boundless energy and skillful dancing, acting, drumming and singing. In 2005, Kabisko was a resident performing artist at Walt Disney World where he performed daily for patrons. In 2007 Kabisko relocated to Western MA where he has been a resident teaching artist at the University of Massachusetts, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College and Hampshire College. Presently, Kabisko has been teaching at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter School in Western MA for the past seven years. In January 2014 Kabisko led a group of 11 students to Guinea for a dancing and drumming tour of his native country. Kabisko offers weekly drum and dance lessons in Northampton MA and choreographs dance and drum performance pieces for companies throughout the US.A. As an artist, Kabisko is well known for his passion and demonstrated commitment to excellence in his choreography and storytelling.
Tacko Cissokho
Tacko Cissokho began studying dance as a child in Senegal, West Africa. She has danced with the most prominent dance companies and singers throughout Senegal and led the Ballet Nationale du Senegal; touring internationally for over twenty-five years. She has taught dance workshops across the United States and taught in Brattleboro in 2011. We are thrilled and honored to have her back.
Tacko Cissokho began studying dance as a child in Senegal, West Africa. She has danced with the most prominent dance companies and singers throughout Senegal and led the Ballet Nationale du Senegal; touring internationally for over twenty-five years. She has taught dance workshops across the United States and taught in Brattleboro in 2011. We are thrilled and honored to have her back.
Georgette Adjie
Georgette Adjie was born in Cameroon, West Africa. When she was 9 years old, she was hit by a motor bike on her way to school. The accident broke her leg very badly. The western doctors at the hospital wanted to amputate her leg from her hip but her parents didn’t want to do it. Believing that there was another way, they took her to a traditional healer. After 13 months she was able to walk again. Because her parents spent a lot of their money to help her they could not send her back to school and instead needed her to work to help support the family. She sold vegetables at the local market. During that time she became very interested in dancing despite her injured leg. Her passion gave her strength and she began dancing traditional dances with the elders in her village and learning about many of the customs of her people. In 1994 Georgette moved with her husband to Brattleboro, VT where they lived for 12 years during which time she taught and performed dance. In 2006 the family moved back to Cameroon. Georgette started a dance troupe there called Singo Dance Troupe to teach youth, many of them street kids, new skills and show them how they can use their talent in drumming and dance professionally. In 2010 she joined the National Ballet of Cameroon, and had the honor of touring 21 major cities in Japan, the World Expo in China, and the African Art Festival in Senegal. Being in the Ballet she learned many more traditional rhythms and dances from around the country and got to experience the joy of performing her traditions for people around the world. Georgette has now moved back to Vermont and is continuing the momentum of her work through teaching, performances, and educational tours.
Georgette Adjie was born in Cameroon, West Africa. When she was 9 years old, she was hit by a motor bike on her way to school. The accident broke her leg very badly. The western doctors at the hospital wanted to amputate her leg from her hip but her parents didn’t want to do it. Believing that there was another way, they took her to a traditional healer. After 13 months she was able to walk again. Because her parents spent a lot of their money to help her they could not send her back to school and instead needed her to work to help support the family. She sold vegetables at the local market. During that time she became very interested in dancing despite her injured leg. Her passion gave her strength and she began dancing traditional dances with the elders in her village and learning about many of the customs of her people. In 1994 Georgette moved with her husband to Brattleboro, VT where they lived for 12 years during which time she taught and performed dance. In 2006 the family moved back to Cameroon. Georgette started a dance troupe there called Singo Dance Troupe to teach youth, many of them street kids, new skills and show them how they can use their talent in drumming and dance professionally. In 2010 she joined the National Ballet of Cameroon, and had the honor of touring 21 major cities in Japan, the World Expo in China, and the African Art Festival in Senegal. Being in the Ballet she learned many more traditional rhythms and dances from around the country and got to experience the joy of performing her traditions for people around the world. Georgette has now moved back to Vermont and is continuing the momentum of her work through teaching, performances, and educational tours.
Namory Keita
Namory Keita will teach West African drumming on Saturday and Sunday of the festival and will accompany the dance classes. Namory is an accomplished Guinean drummer who was the lead drummer for his village, Sangbaralla. He has lead countless traditional musical events and ceremonies. Since 2006, Namory has performed and taught around the U.S. and internationally and has recorded with the group Fankaba. He has taught a weekly drum class in Brattleboro, Vt. and Kittery, Me. for several years. Since 2012 Namory has been touring with the Akwaaba Ensemble. He is skilled at meeting the learning needs of students with a wide range of levels and experience. He will bring extra djembe drums in case any students need them for the class.
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Wyoma
Wyoma is a holistic healer and master dancer who offers classes, workshops, and trainings in this holistic integrated model of movement and healing. She has traveled and taught extensively in all parts of Africa. For over 40 years, she has performed and conducted workshops throughout the US and internationally; offering a huge creative canvas to explore the human and divine forces of nature through African, Caribbean, and Brazilian dance. Her mission is to help restore, preserve, and maintain these rich African traditions. She is also the co-founder of Ngoma Drum and Dance in Boston, Massachusetts. |
Schedule :
(drums used for that class after dance instructors names)
Thursday:
5:30-7:00 Kabisko Kaba Djembe
7:15 - 8:45 Georgette Adjie Cameroonian
Friday:
4:30 - 6:00 Pape Ba Djembe
6:15 - 7:45 Yalani Bangoura Djembe
8:00 - 9:30 Tacko Cissokho Kutiro
Saturday:
9:00 - 10:00 am Wyoma Yoga (suggested donation $10)
10:00-11:30 Kabisko Kaba Djembe
11:45-1:15 Tacko Cissokho Sabar
1:30-2:30 Namory Keita Drumming
2:45-4:15 Georgette Adjie Cameroonian
4:30-6:00 Yalani Bangoura Djembe
6:30pm Malian Meal by Dieneba Macalou
8pm Performance (see description below)
Sunday
Noon - 1:00 Namory Keita Drumming
1:15 - 2:45 Pape Ba Sabar
3:00 - 4:30 Yalani Bangoura Djembe
Festival Details
The dance classes will be accompanied by live drumming by Namory Keita,
Raoul Ombang, Lisa Newell, Shanti Star, Cheikh Ngom, Vieux Toure, and friends.
Get ready for an amazing performance featuring Tony Vacca and Wyoma opening and the festival
dancers and drummers presenting an original story created especially for the Festival.
Everyone is welcome to the performance whether you are taking festival classes or not.
This year, new to the festival will be a Saturday morning warm-up yoga class with Wyoma.
African crafts and goods will be available for sale throughout the festival
All 11 dance classes: $155 Six-Pack of dance classes: $90 Four-Pack of dance classes: $60
Single dance class: $16 Single drum class: $16
Saturday performance: $15 Malian Meals: $12
Yoga class suggested donation $10
Tickets available at the door, or via Paypal online here
Dieneba Macalou who will be serving the Malian meal will collect money when you are served.
(choose number of tickets for dance, drum or performance from dropdown menu below):
The dance classes will be accompanied by live drumming by Namory Keita,
Raoul Ombang, Lisa Newell, Shanti Star, Cheikh Ngom, Vieux Toure, and friends.
Get ready for an amazing performance featuring Tony Vacca and Wyoma opening and the festival
dancers and drummers presenting an original story created especially for the Festival.
Everyone is welcome to the performance whether you are taking festival classes or not.
This year, new to the festival will be a Saturday morning warm-up yoga class with Wyoma.
African crafts and goods will be available for sale throughout the festival
All 11 dance classes: $155 Six-Pack of dance classes: $90 Four-Pack of dance classes: $60
Single dance class: $16 Single drum class: $16
Saturday performance: $15 Malian Meals: $12
Yoga class suggested donation $10
Tickets available at the door, or via Paypal online here
Dieneba Macalou who will be serving the Malian meal will collect money when you are served.
(choose number of tickets for dance, drum or performance from dropdown menu below):
Lodging in Brattleboro:
The Latchis Hotel 1-800-798-6301
Holiday Inn Express and Suites 1 800 315 2621
Colonial Motel 1-800-239-0032
AIR B & B Brattleboro, VT
The Latchis Hotel 1-800-798-6301
Holiday Inn Express and Suites 1 800 315 2621
Colonial Motel 1-800-239-0032
AIR B & B Brattleboro, VT
