“ Because it has more power than gesture, more eloquence than word, more richness than writing and because it expresses the most profound experiences of human beings, dance is a complete and self sufficient language. It is the expression of life and of its permanent emotions of joy, love, sadness, hope, and without emotion there is no African Dance “
- Alphonse Tiérou
African Dance with Malian Master Dancer Djeneba Sako
“ The body of the dancer overflows with joy and vitality, it trembles, vibrates, radiates, it is charged with emotions “
Step into the rhythmic heartbeat of Mali with our African Dance sessions led by the captivating Master Dancer, Djeneba Sako. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of traditional Malian dance forms, where each step tells a story and every movement resonates with a rich cultural heritage. Join us for a journey of joy, expression, and connection through the soulful rhythms and graceful motions of African dance. Let the dance floor be your canvas, and let spirit guide your every step. Welcome to a dance experience that transcends borders and invites you back to yourself
Join Us! Every Sunday 2 - 4pm
All Levels Invited
Born in Bamako, Mali, Djeneba Sako began her journey with dance and music at the young age of 5. She started dancing professionally at age 11 with the Bienal District Troupe. She danced with them for eight years, during which time they won the National biannual Dance Competition four times in a row. From there she went to the District of Bamako troupe, representing the city of Bamako, where she danced for eight years. With this group she traveled to Paris for the Paris International Dance Festival, which featured the best of ethnic dance from all over the world. She then joined the renowned traditional dance group Troupe Komi Djosse. The troupe disbanded after two years, after which she joined the Troupe Kantis featuring renowned djembefola Mamadou Kante. She has also worked with such artists as Djenebah Seck, Nanou Koul, Abdoulaye Diabate, Molubaly Traore, and Karim Coulibaly. Djeneba has also taught students who come to Mali from all over the world to learn with her. She is well known as one of the best dancers of traditional and modern Malian forms in Mali and the United States. She is one of only three Malian dance teachers here in the US, of which she is the only woman. Alongside her work at the University, she is often traveling and teaching at conferences around the states, sharing the culture of Mali through music, song, and dance.