Kittery, ME- Celebrate Guinean Dance & Drum with a day of workshops and a scintillating evening performance at The Dance Hall on Saturday, October 5, 2013 featuring artists Sidiki Sylla and Ismael Bangoura of Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater in Vermont;  Mangue Sylla from NYC; and Namory Keita and guests.

Jeh Kulu offers exciting, high-energy performances that give a taste of the vibrant culture. Through music and dance, people of all ages and abilities can experience a taste of West African culture. Dance and music are part of daily life there, used to celebrate birth, death, marriage, the harvest and other rites of passage. Jeh Kulu's performances re-create this community experience and foster insight into a different and fascinating culture. 

Born in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa, Mangue Sylla started playing music at the age of 7. Sangban being his first and favorite instrument, he learned from some of the best teachers and performers from Lamine Bayo, Kanda, Lancey to Numudi. He soon became a professional musician and began working at "Jean Paul 2" Children school for 6 years as a sangban player. Among other great performances, the group won first prize at a festival in Togo.

In 1993 Mangue joined the well known ballet troupe: "Les Merveilles de Guinee". This provided him the opportunity to travel throughout Africa and study under the leadership of Kemoko Sano.

In 1998 Mangue moved to the US with the same ballet. Since then, while still an active member of "Les Merveilles de Guineee", he has been working with numerous groups including: Alvin Ailey, Magbana Drum and Dance, Drum Cafe, Marylin's Bamdulaye, and Nandy's Sankofa Kuumba Cac (summer program for children). 

Mangue Sylla currently lives in New York City. He keeps a busy schedule performing, teaching, attending workshops and dance conferences.

Drum class with Ismael Bangoura 12:00 to 1:30

Dance class with Sidiki Sylla 1:45 to 3:15

Dun Dun Dance class with Mangue Sylla 3:30 to 5:00

$15.00 per class or all three classes $40.00 in advance

$17.00 per class or all three classes $45.00 if you pay at the door.

Tickets:

Adult $15/advance   $20/door            

Child/Senior $10/advance   $15/door            

(Children under 5 free)

Tickets for all Workshops & Performance- $50/advance   $60/door

To purchase in advance: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/453949

For more information about the fall schedule of weekly dance and drum classes visit: www.thedancehallkittery.org or seacoastwestafricandanceanddrum.wordpress.com