Les Ballets Africains

Les Ballets Africains perform in Bonn, West Germany, 1962

Les Ballets Africains is the national dance company of Guinea[1] and is based in Conakry.

Although the name might suggest the idea of European "ballet" to English speakers, the focus of the company is actually to promote traditional African dance and culture.[2]

History

Founded in Paris in 1952 by Guinean choreographer Fodéba Keïta, Les Ballets Africains toured successfully for the next eight years.[3]

After Guinea was granted its independence from France in 1958, Sekou Toure made the ballet the National Ensemble in 1960.[4]

The group performed in the United States for the first time in 1959, with a run of 48 performances on Broadway, following a successful European tour.[5]

Notable past members

References

  1. ↑ Kaderlan, Alice (April 12, 2004). "It's hard not to be swept away by Les Ballets Africains". Seattle PI. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  2. ↑ "Les Ballets Africains: African Culture for the Modern World". Les Ballet Africains. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
  3. ↑ Cohen, J. (2011). "Stages in Transition: Les Ballets Africains and Independence, 1959 to 1960". Journal of Black Studies 43: 11. doi:10.1177/0021934711426628.
  4. ↑ "Les Ballets Africains making a return to Utah". Deseret News. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  5. ↑ "Les Ballets Africains". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 2012-01-22.

External links


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