JUNIOR COMPANY
This program is designed for students in grades 3-12 to introduce, increase and enhance cultural awareness through traditional African dance and music. This program has proven to spark an interest in continued studies of dance and music that helps builds the student’s self esteem, confidence, coordination, discipline and social and life skills.
This program has graduated several students who study with local companies, participate in local performances and productions as well as nationally recognized university dance troupes and musical groups, however ,our greatest accomplishment is that, all our of participants graduate high school and pursue, attend and graduate college.
The members are invited into the company through the training program where they are immersed in the traditions of the African culture. Members adhere to set of values that govern the company and themselves. (Appropriateness, Respect, Knowledge, Excellence, Adaptability and Restraint) The company is available for performance, lecture demonstrations, workshops and classes.
As Director, of Thiossane Institute and mentor to these wonderful, intelligent young people, it is my unspeakable joy that dictates my continued quest to educationally and artistically, expose young people to the richness of their culture, so that they take what is good from the past, bring to the present to allow a prosperous future all while promoting self confidence ,esteem and identity and mental and physical wellness.
THIOSSANE WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTITUTE
PROGRAMS
Community Outreach Programs
Thiossane offers children and adult drum and dance classes. Age approriate instruction that develops coordination and fitness, listening skills and social interaction while gaining knowledge on the significance of this art form for ages 4 - 17 years. In addition, weekly adult classes for novice to advanced persons are schedule annually, incorporating fun,fitness and fellowship. All class contents originates from the West African countries of Senegal, Guinea and Mali.
Lecture and Demonstrations
Designed to enlighten the audience on the historical significance of African dance and drum, particularly West Africa. Demonstrations include movements, rhythm and explanations of the origin and meaning of particular styles of dance.
School Programs and Residencies
Designed for students K through 12 to introduce, increase and enhance cultural awareness through traditional African dance and music. The agenda includes a brief lecture, demonstration and performance with audience participation as well as a question and answer session. This program has proven to spark an interest in continued studies of dance and music that help build the student’'s self esteem and confidence. Programs incorporate the academics standards for most school districts which compliments classroom curriculums.
Workshops
Detailed instruction in West African dance techniques, accompanied by drummers. Workshop includes a warm up, instruction of basic movement and introduction of dance origins that will provide an opportunity to understand the language of the drum as it relates to the techniques. This agenda is designed for age appropriate, experienced and novice participants.
Performances
Performances are full-scale presentations of traditional African dance and music, complete with authentic attire, songs and drummers. The presentation begins with a drum call and explanation of the dances and their origins. A question and answer session may be incorporated at your request. Performance programs are from 30 - 90 minutes.
