Join the YELI Ensemble for an hour of traditional dance from Guinea, West Africa.  The workshop will give participants an authentic and unforgettable experience where dance and music are truly one. All ages and all levels are welcome!

For: All levels, No experience required.

Registration Required: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NashvilleBallet30/FREECommunityClassWithAfricaNashville2024

The YELI Ensemble is named after the word 'Yeli', also called  Griot in French. A Yeli is a 'living archive' of West African people's traditions. It is someone who has learned their art form from the youngest age, initially from their parents and then from their community and different masters of the art form. 

About the Artist:

Both Ibrahima Dioubat and Sekouna Conte are born into the Yeli tradition. They are masters of their craft and are celebrated internationally for sharing the rich and amazing culture of Guinea Conakry, a culture that dates back as far as the Mali Empire. Ibrahima is a djembefola, specializing in the solo instrument the djembe, the 'star' of West African percussions. Sekouna plays Kora. Both musicians also play n'goni ( ancestor to the banjo), balafon and all other Guinea percussion. Sekouna also dances and will be teaching the community workshop with a very musical angle, starting from the traditional rhythm and linking it to song and dance.