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 Tous 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

Afro-Urban dance styles with Siaka Coulibaly

In urban centers across Africa, as well as in the African diaspora worldwide, new forms of dance are emerging. Nourished by the countless traditional dances of the continent and ancestral rhythms reimagined by talented producers, these dances testify to the cultural richness and vitality of Africa – as well as their ability to adapt, incorporate other cultures, and draw from diverse inspirations. It is said that these dances are among the most widespread and appreciated across the globe!

Siaka Coulibaly, dancer and choreographer from Burkina Faso, introduces participants to the rhythms of afrobeats and coupé-décalé.

No prior experience needed—open to ages 10 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).

Siaka Coulibaly

Trained in traditional Nubian vault masonry, Siaka Coulibaly, born and raised in a rural environment, began dance as a liberating movement in his life.

In his journey as a dancer, he first joined the training of Salia Sanou and Saïdou Boro at La Termitère Ouagadougou. He then undertook intensive training in Burkina Faso, at l’Ecole des Sables, and in Togo and Benin with Germaine Acogny, Alesandra Seutin, Elsa Wolliaston, Irène Tassambédo, and Ladji Koné.

In Burkina Faso, he joined several companies, engaged in artistic and cultural education, and created the Urbain-Impro Dance Project.

Since 2022, he has been following the professional training of Anne-Marie Porras at Epsedanse in Montpellier, while developing his choreographic material, alongside active teaching for the general public and displaced youth through the #JeSuis program.

Siaka Coulibaly is an artist associated with camin’cubateur.

This workshop is part of the #JeSuis program, in partnership with Maison pour Tous Mélina Mercouri (Ville de Montpellier)

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Photos © Dirk Korell