west african drum and ance with Alseny Yansane

Since age seven, Alseny Yansane has been immersed inthe musical and dance tradition of his native country,Guinea, West Africa. Alseny trained and performed inmany competitions as a dancer, drummer, and acrobat inthe dawning of the Republic's newly won independencefrom France. Historically, this was a time when artand cultural appreciation and cultivation were at anall-time high, and the training that artists receivedwas strict and systematic. Artists had to compete on anational level annually as a way of moving up tohigher levels of artistic status. These competitionswere held in the heart of Alseny's neighborhood andattracted groups from all over Guinea who representedspecific art and culture from particular regions andethnic groups.This has given Alseny a wealth of knowledge of thehistory and cultural diversity behind this art form, asolid artistic foundation, and a strong drive tostrive for excellence.Alseny has worked with some of Guinea's most reputableperformance groups, including the recently departedKemoko Sano's Ballet Merveilles and Jean Macuely'sBallet Sanke. In 1993, Alseny was recruited to join the country's mostprestigious of all the national groups, the worldrenowned Les Ballets Africains. Touring with them severaltimes, Alseny has dazzled audiences all over theUnited States and Canada, Bermuda, and Morocco.Alseny's dance style is powerful, yet graceful. Hismovements have incredible precision and extension. Hehas brought crowds of spectators to their feet withhis fancy acrobatics and lifting techniques. As adrummer, Alseny is clear and rootsy. He plays smoothlyand melodically with the time, not murkying up themusic with extra notes. Alseny is also a wonderfulteacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun. He knowshow to make West African dance and drumming accessibleto a variety of levels by breaking things down andbeing patient and encouraging. His joy and passion forhis work is so imminent that it can fire up a room ofstudents from all kinds of backgrounds.DRUM CLASSES:MONDAYS: ON GOING 6:30-8:00 pm Adam's Elementary School cafeteria 950 W. 22nd Ave, Eugene COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALENEED A DRUM? CALL ANDREA AT 541-232-5471 BEFORE 4 PMMONDAY TO RESERVE ONEDANCE CLASSES:SATURDAYS: ON GOING 11:00 am -12:30 pm WOW Hall 291 W. 8th St., Eugene COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALEWEDNESDAYS: ON GOING 6:30-8:00 pm Willard Gym at The Village School 2855 Lincoln St., Eugene (BEHIND THE NEWMARKET OF CHOICE) COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALE