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Alseny Yansane and Andrea DiPalma Yansane — West African Music & Dance


Andrea and Alseny guide drum and dance demonstration
  • Alseny Yansane is a dynamic teacher who has been a performing artist with world renowned Ballets Africains for fourteen years and has dazzled audiences across the globe with his fancy footwork, powerful percussion and heart stopping acrobatics. Alseny is internationally recognized as a cultural ambassador for his broad understanding of the dances, rhythms and traditions from each geographical region of Guinea, West Africa and has brought new songs and musical arrangements to the Pacific Northwest. Alseny is a wonderful teacher who is energetic, inspiring and fun, adored by kids of all ages who snap to attention in his presence.
  • Andrea DiPalma Yansane lived seven years in Guinea immersing herself in the art, culture and way of life. She has trained with many disciplined and visionary artists, performed in a variety of prestigious venues, including festivities for the Guinea President, General Lansana Conte and collaborated with Alseny to teach young people aspiring to become performance artists. Andrea is fluent in Susu, Guinea's national language, and has transcended many cultural barriers to gain an appreciation and understanding of Guinean society. She is recognized by educators for her creative curriculum development, classroom management skills and her ability to integrate West African Cultural Arts themes in interactive residencies.
  • Experience the joy and passion of West African culture through the study of its vibrant music, intricate poly-rhythms, call and response singing style, athletic dance steps and artful choreography.
  • The dance aspect teaches the value of physical fitness and the development of grace, style, stamina and core strength while improving muscle coordination, balance, flexibility and ability to move in time to the music while safely sharing the space with classmates. Traditional West African greetings, traditions and customs are discussed peaking kids' interest in new cultures and customs, expanding their world views and increasing their global awareness. (Photo with map by Gordon H. Nagai is from Residency finale at Arts & Technology Academy, June 2008.)
  • "Great interactions with the students, wonderful teaching style." Jackie Anderson, ACT Coordinator, McKenzie High School
  • "The artists were great. I was so impressed with their awesome talent as drummers and dancers. They had wonderful chemistry with the children and excellent management skills. They made their lessons age and stage appropriate for each group of students that they were working with. Their friendly, outgoing nature was welcoming to all who joined their class sessions." Roxanne Simpson, Teacher, Spring Creek Elementary
  • "Andrea and Alseny were prompt, professional and easy to work with. The lessons were well designed, engaging and developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Students used drums to learn a variety of West African rhythms and they expanded their knowledge of those rhythms through dance and movement." Tom Maloney, Principal, Edison Elementary School
  • Recent Artist Residencies include Parker, Camp Creek, Edison, Spring Creek, Moffitt, Arts & Technology Academy, Opportunity Center Alternative High School, and after-school programs at Junction City MS/HS and McKenzie MS/HS
  • Recent Performance Assemblies include Coburg, Arts & Technology Academy, Trent, Mapleton, Creslane, Spencer Butte MS, and Prairie Mountain.