Visit Africa In-School Performance
KanKouran West African Dance Company was established as an instructional institution designed to preserve the traditional cultural arts of the Senegambia Region. The “Visit Africa” program dazzles audiences with its exciting and electrifying dances and rhythms that reflect various cultural traditions that relate to the history and culture of West Africa. The objectives of, “Visit Africa,” include the following:
Increase students’ understanding of African cultural traditions
Explore ways of stimulating students’ non-verbal means of communication
Give students an introduction to the history, language, and techniques of African dance and drumming
Expose students to traditional African musical instruments
Visit Africa In-School Residency
“Visit Africa” will integrate arts into the curriculum by utilizing movement, area studies, art, history, geography, singing, writing, and various means of creative expression as tools for implementing the program.
Cultural Programs
KanKouran’s repertoire is a brilliant reflection of the excellence in artistry and performance that is widely associated with the Company. Artistic Director, Assane Konte, has met the great challenge of adapting traditional African dancing and drumming in a Western performance context; communicating the rich and complex history and culture of West Africa with the technical prowess, energy, and grace that entertains and moves audiences everywhere. The overwhelming majority of the dances/rhythms performed are from Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, and Mali, with works set to the most prevalent percussion orchestras used in those regions: Djembe, Kutiro, and Sabar.
Contact us today to schedule a performance or residency at your school!
Assane Konte’s choreography and costume designs have enhanced not only KanKouran’s stage presence but also that of countless local and national dance companies as well. Through his careful and meticulous choreography, Mr. Konte has taken U.S.-based African dance to another level. Simultaneously, he has challenged his company’s dancers and drummers to achieve impressive levels of virtuosity and technical ability. Although Mr. Konte choreographs primarily for his own company, his ingenious creativity and spirit are always in demand at home and abroad. Consequently, he conducts annual programs in Poland, Hawaii, Japan, and St. Croix. Mr. Konte has held faculty positions in the dance departments of several prestigious universities in the Washington, D.C. area including Georgetown, George Washington, American, and George Mason Universities. He presently serves on the faculty at Howard University.
