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.

First, an immersion into traditional dances with workshops led by Danielo Belcher (Haiti) and Moses Olayinka Akintunde (Nigeria), followed by an Afro-urban dance session directed by Siaka Coulibaly (Burkina Faso)… 3 choreographic artists well known to dance lovers 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 Nigerian dances with Moses Olayinka Akintunde

Moses Olayinka Akintunde, a choreographic artist from Nigeria well known to the dance scene in Montpellier, introduces participants to traditional dances from three major cultural regions of the country: the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa peoples. A celebration of cultural diversity through rhythms and dances as rich and varied as the 529 languages spoken in Nigeria.

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).

Moses Olayinka Akintunde

Born in the Bariga area of Lagos, Nigeria, and originally from Oyo State, Moses Olayinka Akintunde is a prodigious talent whose artistry emerged early through an exceptional ability in dance and performance. Recognized in his community with a Special Recognition Award as “Best Dancer” in 2018, Moses has distinguished himself as a multifaceted artist with skills spanning dance, teaching, chess, percussion, football, acting, modeling, and acrobatics.

Moses’ professional journey began at the Footprints of David Arts Academy (2014–2023), a renowned children’s theatre troupe in Bariga, Lagos, led by Seun Awobajo. There, he received rigorous training in indigenous Nigerian dance forms and theatre arts, cultivating a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary performance.

Throughout his career, Moses has collaborated with celebrated figures in the arts, including: Segun Adefila (Crown Troupe of Africa), Qudus Onikeku (Internationally acclaimed choreographer), Anne-Marie Porras (Director, Epsedanse Montpellier), as well Salia Sanou, Jos Pujol, Peter Badejo, Sahar Rahimi, Segun Liadi (Ijodee), and Jahman Anikulapo, among others. His dedication and passion earned him a scholarship to the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), where he trained in western dance styles including contemporary, classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, Latin ballroom, and tap. He later joined SPAN’s dance company, performing in multiple productions and representing Nigeria in France, including intensive programs at the Darc Festival in Châteauroux (2022).

In 2023, Moses was awarded a scholarship to pursue further professional training at Epsedanse in Montpellier, where he joined the NID Company under Anne-Marie Porras. During this time, he also became an artist fellow of the creative incubator program led by camin aktion and won 1st Prize at the choreographic competition À Pas de Loup.

Currently, Moses is enrolled in the prestigious CNDC Angers (2024–2027), further deepening his practice and preparing for a future at the forefront of contemporary dance.

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

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Photos © Marion Jordane