BRATTLEBORO — The Interactive Arts Collective, in collaboration with the Windham Arts Council, hosts the 7th Annual Abene African Dance Festival with master dancer and drummer Caro Diallo, a Senegalese choreographer and lead dancer of the West African dance troupe Black Soofa at the Stone Church at the corner of Main and Grove streets.
The word “Abene” means “place where good will be encountered” and is the name of a village in southern Senegal, West Africa, where Diallo hosts an annual dance camp.
Diallo has also performed and taught throughout West Africa, the U.S., and Europe. Throughout the festival week, the famed master will teach a total of six African dance classes for all levels. Those who would like to observe him teach are welcome to do so without charge. The festival provides a rare opportunity to witness Diallo's skill as a teacher and a dancer, and to admire his gift for inspiring students with the energy, finesse, and elegance of his dancing.
Diallo says he loves Southern Vermont and enjoys returning every year. His visit is part of a cultural exchange launched by area dancers and drummers who have attended his camp in Senegal over the years. He will teach daily African dance classes for all levels from Aug. 25-29 at The Church, accompanied by live drumming by Ibrahima Thiokho Diagne, also of Senegal.
Diagne is a multi-talented master percussionist who toured with several artists in West Africa, Europe, the United States, and with Les Ballet National Du Senegal, a premier African dance troupe in West Africa, before moving to New York City. He currently tours internationally as percussionist for four time Grammy nominee, Angelique Kidjo. He will be joined by Jamemurrel Stanley, Nick Gangel and friends.
Traditional drumming classes with master drummer Issa Coulibaly of Bamako, Mali will be offered for all levels on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. Coulibaly has performed in West Africa, Europe and the U.S. and teaches drumming at Connecticut College and Brown University.
There will be a special guest teacher from Senegal on Saturday afternoon. Elhadji Mamadou Ba/Also known as “Pape Ba,” is a master drummer and dancer from Senegal. He performed with and was one of the leaders of Les Ballets Africaine de Sangomare. Pape Ba is also a dynamic and spirited teacher and a talented teacher and choreographer. He currently resides in Burlington.
On Saturday at 8 p.m., The Church will host a gala performance by Diallo, accompanied by a cadre of master West African dancers and drummers; GaiaRoots, a women's world music ensemble; and Jamemurrel Stanley & the Drummers of Peace & Equality.
Following the evening classes on Friday, preceding the Saturday evening performance, the festival will host a West African dinner featuring Malian cuisine freshly prepared by the area's own Dieneba Macalou. Vendors will also be on site throughout the week selling crafts and African wares.
For a class schedule, rates, directions, and details about the artists, visit www.geryunant.com/festival.php, e-mail [email protected], or call 802-579-5025. For more information on Caro Diallo, visit www.carodiallo.com.