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| Batafon Arts is a vibrant Sussex-based group, which combine high energy dance and strong West African rhythms with traditional stories. 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. |
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 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. |
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 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. |
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