AFRICAN BALLET AND DANCE WORKSHOPS
With Foday & Mariama Kamara

African Ballet is story telling using a combination of dance, song, drum & drama.
The ballets begin from Level 1 – Level 8.
Certificates are presented at the completion of each ballet.
Fodays’ griot lineage is represented through his unique ability as a Choreographer – 8 years with the National Ballet of the Gambia including: choreographer, dancer, drummer, costume maker & drum maker. He held the same position with cultural dance troupe Chossan.



His ballets tell stories drawn from the rich history of the Manding empire which once ruled this region of West Africa , and its great diversity of people & their cultures. Some ballets are choreographed specifically for a particular tribe of people e.g. Treba is Mandinka culture describing the return home of children from their tribal initiation, but most of the ballets include culture from the 4 main tribes in this region: Mandinka, Jola, Fula & Wolof. The costumes are bright & animated (visual feast), all costumes creationed, designed & decorated by Foday.

The dance is exciting, the ballets are full of beautiful songs & the drumming is fantastic and fun to dance with.
E.g. of Level 1 & Level 2;
LEVEL 1 – includes 2 ballets each with 6 movements, accompanying rhythms and 2 songs. KOUKU – celebration dance taught to children by their mothers - freedom dance. KOTOBA – hunters celebration dance;
LEVEL 2 – includes KAKILUMBA – come & celebrate with Kakilumba & listen to his stories-messengers from the spirits of the dark forest.

TREBA – the preparation and return of Mandinka children to their mothers after their tribal initiation.  DANCE WORKSHOPS are choreographed upon demand. To discuss your ideas please contact Foday & Mariama at wulabainternational@yahoo.com.au