Partnering with master artists from the African continent, N’Soroma’s Cultural Exchange will present a weekend of intense African drum and dance workshops on Friday, July 31 & Saturday, August 1, 2009. Designed to introduce and improve West African artistic technique, the workshops are open to all people, all level of drummer/dancer, and all ages.N’Soroma James performed professionally with Oakland-based Congolese dance company Fua Dia Congo for over a decade, and has studied Guinean dances with artists including Kemoko Sano, Youssouf Koumbassa, Mariatou Camara-Sano, Alseny Soumah, and Toure over the past seven years. Now, N’Soroma travels the world and nation teaching the healing powers of ancestral movement.
M’Mah Toure began training in dance at the age of 13, and danced with Les Merveilles de Guinea and Les Ballets Africains for twenty years. She studied dance from Les Ballets Africains directors and choreographers Kemoko Sano and Yamossah Soumah. Toure will emphasize proper integration of movements, communication with drummers, and learning a wide spectrum of traditional songs.
Karamba Diabate from Boke, Guinea, a Griot of the Malinke people. Karamba's extensive performing career includes tours, recording and performance with Famoro Kuyatey's "Kiké", Fils Rais, Fatala and the Ballet Bagata. He is a brilliant musician of the djembe, djun djun, ballaphon and krin. Many of us who have attended West African drum and dance camps around the U.S. have experienced Karamba's fiery playing and infectious joy.
For complete information on pricing and registration: www.voiceofculturedance.com or register by phone at 612-418-1646
