Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

(Bakalama of Thionck-Essyl) Bakalama Dance Company is a traditional West African performing arts organization. Malal and Khadi N’Diaye are the Founders of This group is comprised of 20 artists: six percussionists, seven male dancers and seven female dancers. All artists sing, dance and play instruments. They have traveled and performed internationally and have a repertoire of over 15 pieces, including dramas and full-length ballets. Specialties: Sabar, Kuitero, Djembe, folklore and full-length ballets. Bakalama is available for residences throughout the world. MSY is currently arranging master dance classes and folklore workshops and manages Bakalama in the USA and is the liason for special workshop programs in Dakar, Senegal West Africa.

Djbril SY is a language specialist of French, Wolof and Pulaar. Graduated from the University Cheikh Anta DIOP of Senegal with a Master’s degree in English he has a Language Instructor Certificate from the American Peace Corps and contributed to numerous translation projects supervised by the Governments of Senegal and Japan. When available he works as a professional interpreter for the judicial system in New York. Djbril SY and his team of translators/interpreters/journalists are available for Fesman 2010.

Tour Guide Specialist in assisting in shopping for unique items fabrics, bogolan, batik and musical instruments. MSY met Sow while experiencing the markets of Sandaga in downtown Dakar. He fit right in with his reliability and loyalty. Speaks French, Wolof, excellent English and has 15 years of experience as a Tour Guide. Not enough time to shop? Mamadou Sow will bring the shop to you!

Founder/Coordinator of the cultural arts tour to Senegal. Jennelle (FA) has lived in Senegal and The Gambia West Africa and has traveled there numerous times for festivals and special events. Jennelle will make sure you get your cultural arts on! As former Editorial Project Manager for Essence Magazine and Executive Coordinator for Ernst & Young in New York she has a tremendous amount of experience as an organizer and loves to create professional relationships between artists, audiences and the community. That is what building an international community is all about. She loves the cultural arts! Visit www.africandanceschedule.com to get started on your journey to the arts. Visit the African Dance Calendar, see what’s going on around town.

Back to Contact Us

Cultural Arts and Educational Tours to Africa