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Global Rhythms:: International star of the hit Broadway show "FELA!" Ismael "Bonfils" Kouyate~ Workshops and Performance

The Dance Hall
Kittery, ME

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Global Rhythms:: International star of the hit Broadway show "FELA!" Ismael "Bonfils" Kouyate~ Workshops and Performance

Workshops with Ismael Kouyate:
11:30 to 12:30 (song) **Pre-registration required** $12 advance or $15 day of at door
12:30 to 1:30 (drum) with Namory Keita $12 advance or $15 day of at door
1:30 to 3:00 (dundun dance) $17 advance or $20 day of at door
3:00 to 4:30 (dance) $17 advance or $20 day of at door

All workshops - $50 in advance $60 day of at the door

Performance 7pm with Ismael Kouyate and special guests
$12 in advance
$15 day of at the door

Ismael Kouyate was born in Guinea, West Africa to a long line of 'Griots', the oral historians that preserve the history and culture of Africa through songs, stories, music and dance. He began dancing professionally at the age of 12, when he was recruited by Les Percussions de Guinee' to perform in their international tour, which included Europe and Asia. Upon his return in 2004, he was requested to join Ballets Africains *(The National Dance Company of Guinea, see below) for their 50th Anniversary Tour of the US, Jubilee! He amazed audiences throughout the US on the tour and was contracted by the team of the Broadway hit Fela! to serve as a Master Choreographer for the production.

His talent and skills landed him a principle role in the play, if you've ever seen it, Fela says, "Hey Ismaela" and he begins a full litany of movement, dance and spirit that sends audiences to their feet nightly. He has been with Fela! Since 2008, from its humble off-Broadway roots, to its international tours which included a series of performances in 2011 in Nigeria, at the actual "Shrine". The production was such a hit, that due to the overwhelming response of the Nigerian community, they were asked to stay an additional two weeks, performing to sold-out audiences nightly. Also in 2011, Ismael was sought out to do a special on CNN about Africa in America. His class of over 100 people ecstatically learned and modeled his movements, while speaking of their excitement to study from this legend of Guinea, many of whom had heard of him in their travels abroad.

In 2013, he wrapped up the final tour of Fela! He also was in the studio with Beyonce, adding his amazing vocals to her hit, "Grown Woman", the single featured on her Pepsi commercial.