DANCES OF MALI
The energy of the circle
with Manu SISSOKO
Manu Sissoko began studying the music and dance of West Africa at a very young age. She took a degree course in ethnomusicology, which directed her research towards the Khassonke of Mali, notably under the guidance of master Dédé Kouyaté. Following on from this, she joined the Bamako District’s dance troupe and performed in several of its creations. Based in France, Manu now dedicates herself to the artistic direction of the Pazonote association and the Cie Kellèbellavi, through which she guides her students towards creations based on Mandinka music.
Accompanied by the percussion of Toumany Diawara and Oumar Koné, Manu takes her students to the essence of these subtle and feminine dances, guiding them towards a more autonomous approach, allowing them to give themselves over to their interior musicality through an improvisation that respects the forms linking dance and music.
