Universally recognized as Africas most renowned and accomplished touring company, Les Ballets Africains have toured the four corners of the earth during an illustrious career spanning 50 years. Representing their country, continent and culture at some of the world’s most prestigious international festivals and venues, their rich and varied repertoire presents a living demonstration of Africas prodigious cultural heritage. The company’s ultimate mission is to foster a greater understanding of Africa, hoping that it will lead to a brighter future for its people. Les Ballets Africains captures the elemental energy of its native land in a performance that is pure sensation.
About the Company
Les Ballets Africains, the national ensemble of the Republic of Guinea, has thrilled audiences worldwide since it was formed by the distinguished Guinean choreographer Keita Fodeba in 1952-53. The first performance was an instant success. After touring in France, Fodeba brought his company to Africa in 1955 and produced an extensive tour among the French Colonies of West Africa. As a teacher, Fodeba pioneered a dance company that connected African culture to the rest of the world and introduced its legacy with style and elegance. Celebrating the company’s half century, Les Ballets Africains performs traditional dance, music, acrobatics and storytelling. Pulsing rhythms from ancient tribal instruments build the excitement as the company bursts onto the stage in an explosion of dance and song. Fascination legends filled with humans, animals and spirits unfold in a fast-paced joyous celebration that will leave audiences breathless. To learn more about the company and to view their indigenous instruments visit lesballetsafricains.com.
The Republic of Guinea
Situated on the west coast of Africa , the Republic of Guinea is divided into four natural regions – the Highlands, the Coastal Region, the Forest Region, and Foutah Djellon. Inhabited by a great diversity of peoples, each of these regions possesses their own distinct culture language. Les Ballets Africains is proudly comprised of artists from each of the principal groups in Guinea and all are obliged to the tremendous challenge of becoming proficient, not only in their own cultural inheritance, but in that of many other tribes.
Performances at Northrop
1973, 2007
Critic's Comments
“A bolt of joy from Africa …They supply enough energy to light up a city.”
- New York Daily News
“…dazzling, high speed footwork. The members of Les Ballets Africains look fabulous.”
- The Los Angeles Times
“Spectacular magnificent drummers power the dancers’ inexhaustible vitality …Electrifying professionalism and vibrant, colourful, tirelessly energetic.”
- The Observer, United Kingdom
Evening's Program
Mandinka Memories
A CREATION OF THE AFRICAN BALLETS OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUINEA
“In the fight that they carry out to build their own future, the African People need to recognize themselves as everlasting heroes” – Mario Andrate from the “Introduction to Guinean Theater”
Choreography: Hamidou Bangoura
Assistant Choreographer: Sekou 2 Conde
This quest for identity makes it possible to understand the motivation for Les Ballets Africains to create scenes and choreographies based on accounts of heroes of ancient times. Les Ballets Africains’ fascination with the history of its ancestors led to the creation of this production of Mandinka Memories. The story takes place in the 13th century at the end of King Sosso Soumaoro Kante’s reign and the beginning of Kouroukanfoya (the Republican Convention) with the new King Soundiata Keita in the kingdom of Mali. One of the kings of Mali, Nare Fa Maghan, made Sogolon Conde his queen. An oracle had predicted that she would give birth to a great king. When Sogolon Conde had her son, Soundiata, he was paralyzed at birth. It is told that he miraculously recovered the use of legs at the age of 9. He went on to be a highly skilled hunter and later, a great warrior who ultimately defeated Soumaoro Kante, one of the most prestigious and feared sovereigns of medieval Mali. Les Ballets Africains presents these historical tales in Mandinka Memories using a combination of dance, acrobatics, theatrics, and music.
Running Time: Part 1: 60 minutes, 20 minute Intermission, Part 2: 40 minutes.