West Africa in Motion
The Bay Area contains a fair number of dynamic troupes that specialize in world and ethnic dance, and Diamano Coura West African Dance Company is one such ensemble. Since its 1975 beginnings, the group has been presenting performances and educational programs to increase appreciation of the diversity and vitality of West African arts and culture. Its members include dancers, musicians, actors, and visual artists from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and other West African countries. Locals may recognize the company from its appearances in the Bay Area Dance Series and the Ethnic Dance Festival. Additional credits include the contributions of the company’s Zak Diouf and Naomi Washington to Lambarena, San Francisco Ballet choreographer Val Caniparoli’s work combining classical ballet and African dance. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the company is presenting
Sekelati: 40 Years of Longevity and Bringing the Message 1975-2015. The performance features The Forbidden Bush, a debut work with choreography by Liberian folklorist Nimley Napla.
— Anita Katz
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