Pape Moussa Sonko 

West African Dance

master classes in Los Angeles

 

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SCHEDULE: 

SATURDAY APRIL 15 - Beginner Dance Intensive, 12:30-7PM. (click below for full schedule breakdown). 

SATURDAY APRIL 22 - Sabar dance master class 3:00 - 5:00PM.

SUNDAY APRIL 23 - Djembe dance master class 3:00-5:00PM. *Featuring music by our co-hosts of this class, La Voix.

- Live drumming at all classes! -

 

SEE BEGINNER INTENSIVE SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

BEGINNER DANCE INTENSIVE

Early-bird ends April 10

REGISTER NOW

SABAR DANCE

Early-bird ends April 10

REGISTER NOW

DJEMBE DANCE

Early-bird ends April 10

REGISTER NOW

ABOUT PAPE MOUSSA SONKO.

Coming from a large family of artists and current Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Senegal “LA LINGUÈRE”, and also Choreographer of the great private Ballet “WAATO SIITA” of which he is one of the founding members, he is today recognized as one of the best Senegalese dancers and choreographer thanks to his talent, his innovative and creative side.

He built his notoriety by enhancing the performances of the great singer Youssou NDOUR and the Super Etoile Band.What's more, all the stars of show biz go crazy and want him in their music videos. His style amazes as much as it detonates and he is recognizable among a thousand. He is Pape Moussa SONKO, a pure artist. An outstanding dancer, his talent is even recognized outside our borders.With the dance occupying a prominent place in the artistic landscape, Pape Moussa has, so to speak, achieved a master stroke. Through a choreography combining Tradition and Modernity, frenzied dance steps and acrobatics, the appointed dancer of Youssou NDOUR has surpassed himself in his art. For the critics of the profession, he has quite simply achieved a feat. In fact, the very famous "NEW YORK TIMES" newspaper even wrote an article in which he was full of praise for the professional dancer.Pape Moussa is now part of the inner circle of our cultural ambassadors. Those who hoisted the national flag high and undoubtedly participated in the promotion of the Senegal destination internationally.                                                                        

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WHO IS THE BEGINNER INTENSIVE FOR?

 

The Saturday April 15th beginner dance intensive will feature classes in Djembe and Sabar dance lead by master teacher Pape Moussa Sonko. This is a beginner focused intensive specially designed for dancers who are new to or less familiar with Senegalese dance styles and/or new to African dance in general. It's also open to experienced dancers who are interested in fine tuning their foundations and continuing to practice and refine their skills.  This intensive is also a great opportunity for educators, dance and culture enthusiasts, and any folks who are interested in the vast genre of African arts. This is your chance to dive in and learn from the source! You don't get much better than this folks, the next best thing would be buying a ticket and traveling to Africa! 

The weekend will include dialogue, lecture components, musicality, cultural context, dance technique and choreography. We'll dig into some basic foundations, common rhythms, and some popular dances from Senegal.

We will not be dancing the entire time, so you are not expected to move your body constantly throughout the intensive! We will include lecture, discussion, video demos, and thorough warmups / cool downs for your body to prep and recover. There is also the option to enjoy a plate of Senegalese food and socialize at the end of the intensive! 

SCHEDULE:

  • 12:30 - 2:15PM Djembe dance.
  • 2:15 - 3:30PM break (light snacks and refreshments served).
  • 3:30 - 5:15PM Sabar dance.
  • 5:15 - 5:30PM cool down/group stretch.
  • 5:30PM Video presentation, dialogue, and Q&A with Pape Moussa.
  • 6/7:00PM Senegalese food! Plates available for $20.

SAT 4/15 BEGINNER INTENSIVE

SAT 4/22 SABAR DANCE 

SUN 4/23 DJEMBE DANCE 

 

OTHER EVENT INFO

MEET OUR CO-HOSTS & COLLABORATORS

LA VOIX.

The sensational Los Angeles West African musical orchestra, LA VOIX, will be our co-hosts of the djembe dance master class on Sunday.  They will also host a Senegalese Soiree Saturday night at MCAC. Exceptional musicians and, they always bring the heat with live drumming and balafon! 

HEART DANCER EXPERIENCE

Online virtual dance subscription with various styles of dance and guest teachers. Connect in movement, and learn dance from the comforts of your home! 

MID CITY ARTS CENTER

Grand opening of a new dance studio space, big thanks to MCAC for providing the Los Angeles arts community with a creative incubator. Centrally located in central Los Angeles, available for bookings for weekly classes, workshops, events, parties. 

BALLET FETTE BU SENEGAL 

We are fortunate to have so many incredible musicians in Los Angeles, including Ballet Bu Fette Senegal, led by Pape Diouf. Pape is from a griot/ngewel family, meaning they are specialists in sabar drum, music, and cultural preservation. Their expertise is passed through their blood line from generation to generation.