Easter in motion

To celebrate spring, camin aktion presents three exclusive workshops… or rather, take a dance journey from Haiti to Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

Three immersive experiences into dances from the African continent and its diasporas. First, a deep dive into traditional dances with workshops led by Danielo Belcher (Haiti) and Moses Olayinka Akintunde (Nigeria), followed by an Afro-urban workshop with Siaka Coulibaly (Burkina Faso). These three choreographic artists are well-known to dance enthusiasts in Montpellier.

We are taking advantage of Danielo and Moses’ stop in Montpellier—both currently studying at CNDC Angers since September—to offer these unique workshops, blending traditional and urban rhythms with dances from the African continent and the Haitian diaspora. Discover the subtle connections between dances from Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa) and traditional Haitian dances, deeply rooted in West African and voodoo heritage. After this journey into tradition, Siaka Coulibaly invites you to explore Afro-urban dances.

The workshops will take place in two different locations:

Halle Tropisme (La Menuiserie) : 121 rue de Fontcouverte, 34070 Montpellier (enter via the Halle Tropisme parking lot)

• Thursday 17th April: 18:30-20:30 – Traditional Haitian dances with Danielo Belcher

• Friday 18th April: 18:30-20:30 – Traditional Nigerian dances with Moses Olayinka Akintunde

Maison pour Toustes Mélina Mercouri : 842 rue de la Vieille Poste, 34000 Montpellier (enter by walking along the right side of the building)

• Saturday 19th April: 14:00-16:00 – Afro-Urban dances with Siaka Coulibaly

Traditional Haitian dances with Danielo Belcher

Danielo Belcher shares little-known Haitian folk dances in France: Congo and Yanvalou. Drawing from the traditional music that accompanies these originally ritual dances, he teaches their techniques and concepts before guiding participants in a choreographic exploration based on themes that emerge from the group.

No prior experience needed—open to ages 12 and up.

PRICING

• Single workshop: €20 (full price) / €15 (reduced price*)
• 2-workshop pass: €35 (reduced €25)
• 3-workshop pass: €50 (reduced €35) → Better than Easter eggs!

*Reduced rate (with proof): Jobseekers, seniors 65+, students under 24, minors under 18, recipients of social welfare, disabled persons, refugees, asylum seekers, young adults under child welfare (ASE).

About Danielo Belcher

Born in Haiti, Danielo began dancing at age seven. For 11 years, he trained in classical, contemporary, jazz, Haitian folk, and urban dance, alongside salsa and acrobatics. From 2020 to 2022, he studied at Epsedanse Montpellier under Anne-Marie Porras, specializing in contemporary, jazz, and classical dance.

Selected for an ARTE young talents project at Kampnagel Hamburg, he was featured in a documentary about the initiative. After further studies at Cité des Arts (CRR Montpellier), he was admitted to a three-year choreographic program at CNDC Angers, directed by Noé Soulier.

In his personal work, he fuses academic dance with traditional elements to develop his own movement language.

This workshop is part of the #JeSuis program, in partnership with Halle Tropisme.

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Photos © Dirk Korell