FODE BANGOURA TRIP TO GUINEA:
DECEMBER 27, 2009 - JANUARY 2010 for
TWO, THREE OR FOUR WEEKS
January is a perfect time to visit West Africa: warm days, cool nights and clear skies.
Fodé has a close personal connection with the National Ballet of Guinea (Les Ballets Africains). In 2007 he toured for two months with the company on their US tour. Three of his brothers perform with the group. You will watch rehearsals and will take classes with members of the Ballet. The unique aspect of this trip is amazing drumming for dance classes and the consistently high quality of instruction. Fodé and his brothers Bangaly and Mohammed will teach the drum classes. Dance Classes will be taught by his brothers Baba and Alseney.
Shortly after you arrive, there will be a big New Year’s Eve Party at the House. In the middle of the month Fode will organize a Street Festival in Matam Lido. At the end of the four-week tour there will be a big “Doundounba” celebration with a performance of everything you have learned.
You will have a chance to shop in the local markets, buy fabric and have clothes tailored for you, watch you own musical instruments being made for you and generally soak up this amazing, rich culture. Living with a family and getting to know people is an incredible, life-changing experience; not to be missed.
You will be staying in Conakry. Room and board (3 meals a day of great African food) are included, as well as daily dance and drum classes. Side trips may include Rom Island, Kindia, and Soro Island. Kindia is a market town famous for indigo and tie-dyed fabric. There is a famous waterfall on the way to Kindia. Rom Island or Soro Island give you the experience of relaxing, drumming and dancing on a beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach.
You may choose to come for 2, 3, or 4 weeks. The price will be $500 per week, with 4-week and early bird discounts available. The price does not include airfare, so be sure to check out the prices to Conakry. Plan to arrive on Sunday, December 27, 2009.
If you are interested, please send an email to:
Updated May 27, 2009
Brochure (pdf)