Alseny Yansane
African Drumming & Dancing
(Eugene)
Grades k-12, Adult
About the Artist: Since age seven, Alseny Yansane has been immersed in the musical and dance tradition of his native country, Guinea, West Africa. Alseny trained and performed in many competitions as a dancer, drummer, and acrobat in the dawning of the RepublicΆs newly won independence from France. Historically, this was a time when art and cultural appreciation and cultivation were at an all-time high and the training that artists received was rigorous and systematic. Artists had to compete on a national level annually as a way of moving up to higher levels of artistic status. These competitions were held in the heart of AlsenyΆs neighborhood and attracted groups from all over Guinea who represented specific art and culture from various regions and ethnic groups.This has given Alseny a wealth of knowledge about the history and cultural diversity behind Guinean performance arts, a solid artistic foundation, and a strong drive for excellence.Alseny has worked with some of Guinea's most reputable performance groups, including Kemoko SanoΆs Ballet Merveilles and Jean MacuelyΆs Ballet Sanke. In 1993, Alseny was recruited to join the most prestigious of all the national groups, the world-renowned Ballets Africains. Chosen to tour with them several times, Alseny has dazzled audiences all over the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and Morocco. Alseny's dance style is powerful, yet graceful. His movements have amazing precision and extension. He has brought crowds of spectators to their feet with his fancy acrobatics and lifting techniques. As a drummer, Alseny has incredible stamina and projection of sound. As a cultural ambassador, he has a wide understanding of the rhythms from each geographical region of Guinea and has brought new songs and musical arrangements to the Pacific Northwest. Alseny is also a wonderful teacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun. He knows how to make West African dance and drumming accessible to a variety of levels by breaking things down and being patient and encouraging. His joy and passion for his work fires up students of all ages and backgrounds.
Residency Objectives:
MUSIC RESIDENCY OBJECTIVES
Come explore the vibrancy of West African culture through the study of traditional West African poly-rhythms with Alseny Yansane, master teacher and fourteen year member of the world renowned touring company, Ballets Africains of Guinea. Residencies offer authentic drumming, other percussion, and singing instruction from a source artist with a wealth of experience and information. Learn traditional rhythms along with their cultural significance and history as well as proper hand positions, clarity of notes, and sound projection. Students will improve apon their steadiness, speed, and drumming endurance as well as receive a deeper understanding of the wealth and diversity of West African culture.
DANCE RESIDENCY OBJECTIVES
Explore the rich culture of West Africa through the authentic dance instruction of ALSENY YANSANE. Students will experience sheer joy expressing themselves in this dance form which is aerobic and inspiring while learning the elements of West African dance, basic choreography, and spatial awareness. Participants will develop personal dance styles in a friendly and nurturing environment while learning cultural sensitivity and inclusion. Residency can be designed with a student performance as a culminating event.
Staff and Community Offerings:In School Residencies with/without Culminating Event,
Interactive Assembly Programs,Teacher Trainings and Teacher In Service Days
Facilities and Supplies: Gym or other large space to set up drums for students.
Material Costs: $50 fee per residency for use of authentic Guinean Instruments.
Connection to other Subjects: Music, History & Culture, Physical Education, Language Arts, Math.