Educational Philosophy

We see our work in the educational setting as valuable on many levels. We introduce students to the culture and social surroundings that feed the dance and music of the Ivory Coast, West Africa. We bring the energy and community spirit that have been invested in West African dance and music to develop workshops that will support a teacher's curriculum or enhance a school program, while helping to create community spirit within the school or classroom. Because West African dance and music is such a joyful and spirited experience, students of all ages readily join in.

With younger students, it offers a physical experience of abstract concepts (directionality, number, patterning, fractions, degree, and other basics of math and language thinking.) It also gives them a sense of disciplined and structured movement, which requires their full energy and body awareness.

With older students, it offers a chance to experiment with elements of dance and rhythm (use of space, body isolations, controlled vs. free movement, symbolism, tempo, etc.), and it increases self-confidence and appreciation of their physical attributes and capabilities.

With all levels, we introduce a vocabulary of the music, instruments, and dance and include time for discussions of cultural, geographical, historical and social topics. We encourage questions that can personalize these discussions to each group and also talk about our own learning paths in this field. We draw from a diverse base of knowledge within our group to present workshops and residencies that are meaningful, sequential, and unforgettable.

In a multiple day residency, we introduce the basics of this form and its structure through a sense of exercises that are then built on and refined as we progress. We add choreography elements once students are comfortable and continually encourage and critique their progress. Because this form has an elemnt of communication between the dancers and musicians, we help students find and express their own voice within a larger conversation. In these longer residencies, we often give groups sequences and choreography to learn and present at the conclusion of the residency. This provides a sense of accomplishment and self-worth within a group project.

We are happy to work with school or individual teachers to develop workshops that speak to specific topics or provide the framework for particular themes. We offer residencies and workshops for schools, universities or to private groups, of all ages.

Fees

If your interested in adding a performance by Afrique Aya Dance Company to your residency or workshop in school please contact us for these prices. Prices do not include lodging or travel expenses.