BaTafonArts.co.uk
Title
West African Drumming and Dance, Drum Classes, School Workshops, Trips to Guinea and The Gambia.
Description
Batafon Arts aim to bring the excitement and dynamic energy of African Dance to European audiences through performances and school and community workshops. There is also the opportunity to visit Guinea and The Gambia, West Africa with us.
From Guinea in West Africa, Artistic Director, Ali Bangoura was born into a family of professional artistes and has been dancing and playing the djembe since he was 7 years old. He underwent formal training in traditional music, dance and choreography, resulting in being selected to join his national troupe - Les Ballets Africaine - at the early age of 15. In 1981, his government selected him and awarded 6 months sponsorship to travel across West Africa in order to learn about the different music and dance traditions and to research the varying cultures of the region.
Ali now draws on this knowledge for his work with schools, community groups, and creating new performances, returning to West Africa each year to do further research. It is through this that he is able to bring many aspects of West African culture to a European audience through Batafon Arts, giving magical insights into the stories behind the driving rhythms and lively dances.
