In 2023, I collaborated with longtime and now DanceForce advisory member Jacquie Davis to curate an exciting Senegalese dance and drum residency with the distinguished Marie Basse-Wiles. This project featured master classes and a paid performance opportunity for advanced African dancers. This project was a resounding success and a a highly valuable and memorable experience for the upstate NY African dance and drum community.  Three years since, dancers are still buzzing about this experience and avidly requesting a repeat of this project opportunity.

In response, this year, I propose a reiteration of this project with new and improved components that would serve a wider audience. I would like to host Marietou Camara, a phenomenal guest artist from  Guinée, West Africa. She was recognized as a dance prodigy, who started dancing with her mother at age five, performing in front of live audiences in the capital city of Conakry for many years.

Taught by dance legend Yamoussa Soumah, Marietou was invited at a young age to join the world famous dance company, Les Merveilles de Guinée, which was directed by the world-renowned dance choreographer Mohamed Kemoko Sano.  She rapidly became one of the group’s celebrated dancers and toured with Les Merveilles de Guinée for many years. She has also danced with Ballet Djoliba, and Ballet Africans, directed by Italo Zambo.

For the 2026-2027 project year I plan to feature this guest artist (dancer/master teacher/performer) in Monroe County. She would spend 6 days in Brockport, NY during the Labor Day weekend – September 3-9, 2026. While in residence, she will audition advanced African dancers from the region for the rare opportunity to work with her while expanding their performance repertory.

She will create a 15-20-minute work that they will perform at SUNY Brockport’s annual Sankofa production April 25-May 2, 2027.  Additional performance locations will also be determined.   One or two open community classes will also be offered along with four other classes for students. We will hire 8-10 dancers with advanced level African dance technique together with three regional drumming artists who specialize in her movement style and rhythmic intricacies. Open rehearsals through out the year would also be facilitated.

During this special weekend event, we would add 2 special components. First, we would have a 6-day marketplace for artists, African crafts and clothing merchants to have the opportunity to display and sell their merchandise. Secondly, we would host a work in progress sharing for the artists and invited guests. At this sharing we would serve catered lunch for the attendees offering the opportunity for greater interaction and fellowship with Marietou. This informal gathering gives artists and patrons the chance to dig deeper into the creative and cultural mind of the featured guest artist.

An estimated 1000-1500 participants are expected to be a part of this project. African Drumming specialist Mohamed Diaby wil serve as the lead musician for the classes and choreographic work. He is on faculty at SUNY Brockport and is thrilled to be a part of the process. Other student and community drummers would also assist these drummers.