EVIDENCE teaches master classes in Dakar Senegal Africa

WOW!!! Where do I begin?

We arrived in Dakar Senegal on February 15, 2010. The moment we stepped off of the plane we knew that we were about to experience a tour unlike any other. It was clear that the 4 weeks ahead of us were going to change us as a group and individually in many different ways. Right away, Ron and I, along with assistance from the company members, started teaching workshops to local traditional dance companies and dancers in the community at the Blaise Senghor Cultural Center, Doubta Seck Cultural Center, and the Pekine Cultural Center.

Masterclass at Pikine Cultural Center with Salif Seida Dance Company

Douta Seck group photo

It was INCREDIBLE!!! A true cultural arts exchange indeed. It was an exchange that far exceeded my expectations of what I had anticipated. Although there was a language barrier, it did not get in the way. We all had one thing in common and that was our love and passion for DANCE. These classes did not take place in the your normal dance studio. No mirror, no marley, no ballet barre, and no sprung floor. None of that mattered however. It was a reminder that you do not need an elaborate fully equipped dance studio in order to create and share beautiful work. We had the pleasure and honor of working with a wide range of dancers including children, teenagers, professionals, and elders. Initially I wasn’t sure how they were going to receive what we had to share, but when I would turn around to watch the dancers in class behind me, it was clear. The room was filled with a sea of smiles and eager enthusiasm... they LOVED IT! It blew me away to see that they all shared the same joy for this movement and work as we do. They connected to it right away, and did not want to stop. Some classes became quite vocal because the excitement in the studio was so extreme. I was truly touched.

Clarice and Lilli (Sabar lesson)

The second day, one group brought musicians with them. When it was time for a 10-minute break I turned off the music and the drummers started to play. Instinctually, the dancers jumped up and started dancing the steps that we had shared with them. Shortly after, the music started to build and the dancers started dancing Sabar. It was AMAZING!!! We were witnessing these dancers doing steps that we also do in our repertory in its "true" form. Eventually they pulled us up and started teaching us how to do it. Before we knew it, we had a 45-minute impromptu Sabar class. They were so generous in sharing with us what they love, that it made me a little emotional. It was another true reminder of where some of the work we do originates from, and the feeling of "true joy" that comes along with performing these dances. We had experienced a cultural exchange through dance that we will never forget. We hope that one day we will have the opportunity to come back to connect with these dancers once again… If God permits, maybe one day collaboratively on stage.

 Arcell (Sabar lesson)

-Arcell Cabuag