Diamano Coura West African Dance Company Celebrates 28th Anniversary

OAKLAND, Calif. - March 3, 2023 - PRLog -- The festival will commence with a four-day conference from March 9th-12th, featuring international guest artists, nineteen dance workshops, and five drum workshops taught by master musicians and dance instructors. This year's master classes will offer a rare dance and music experience with renowned instructors from various countries, including Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Brazil, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Congo, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

The performance showcase on March 11th will feature Dimensions Dance Theater, Afro Samba Soul, Oakland Tech Advanced Dance Class Ensemble, Bahiya Movement, African Soul International, and Diamano Coura. The festival will conclude with a virtual community panel on March 19th with the theme "Rejuvenating Connections."  The theme is applied to our relationships with our cultural ancestors. By exploring and reconnecting with the traditions, customs, and practices of our forebears, we can revitalize and strengthen our cultural heritage, while also finding new ways to connect with the present and future.

Diamano Coura was founded in 1975 by Emmy Award winner Dr. Zakarya Diouf and Artistic Director, choreographer, Naomi Gedo Diouf. The organization aims to combine rhythmic and movement dynamism and transport audiences into an understanding and appreciation of Africa's epic and folkloric culture. Collage has received support from the Oakland City Council and funding from the City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program, the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Akonadi Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) with support from the Mellon Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The San Francisco Foundation, and The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts.

Naomi Gedo Diouf, Artistic Director of Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, expresses excitement for the upcoming festival, stating that it will be an unforgettable celebration of African culture, and the company is honored to share the talents of the artists and instructors with the Oakland community.

Performance tickets range from $18 - $35 and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/519070883987.  Class packages and schedules are available through https://checkout.square.site/buy/LAZL67TBO3M42FIPBMRIR4NP Contact Ms. Dedeh La Foucade for more information at +1 (510) 542-9555 o.