SEKOU IN SENEGAL- L’ECOLE DES SABLES

I’m so excited!

I've been invited to study and exchange at the prestigious JANT-BI / Ecole des Sables founded by legendary Germaine Acogny (mother of Contemporary African Dance) now under the artistic direction of her son Patrick Acogny, just outside of Dakar, SENEGAL. Residency stints for a little under 2 months starting in mid-July were I will receive training and mentorship at the International Centre for Traditional and Contemporary African Dances.

UPDATE:
In addition to my studies I will be partnering with the communities of Dakar in a cultural exchange and mentoring program for the youth of various underserved areas of the city to develop and inspire entrepreneurial skillsets through the arts for a brighter future. Helping to assure the continued economic growth of a rising Africa.

Although I have applied for grants, I will have to front the full cost in lieu of getting funded. That means my flight, lodging, transportation, meals and training. (Yikes) But this is an opportunity I cannot pass up!!

I am turning to this lovely community and beyond for donations and shares ! (Small amounts add up $5, $10, $25 etc...)

Luckily, Dakar is fairly affordable.

It means the world to me to have been invited to participate in this unique sharing opportunity on the African continent. (Especially being my first time there)
Literally a dream coming true!

I need your help via donation and/or shares!!! Every little bit counts!!
I CANT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!





ABOUT ME --

Sekou McMiller
Renowned dance artist transitioning to a higher purpose

As an influential artist in the International Afro-Latin, African Diaspora, Contemporary/Jazz dance communities, I want to share my knowledge of movement and expression through teachings and storytelling as it relates to the dance culture of the Afro-Caribbean, African-American and other African diasporic regions. Through my art of dance, movement and music, I aspire to help achieve a sense of global unity and add to the dialogue of self-identification by provoking thought and inspiring all to not only acknowledge their roles in creation but to also become active participants in the process.

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Self identification and bridging the gaps between different African diaspora communities is extremely important in the conversation of unity and the individual self worth of the black and brown bodies worldwide. As an African American growing up on the westside of Chicago I faced tough times and seemingly rough circumstances. Entrenched in poverty and educational droughts, I maintained an open heart and hopeful disposition through a strong family, the arts and continued search of a truer understanding. I found dance later in life. Performance has given me modular outlet for conveying and abstracting my body and thoughts. I look forward to furthering my quest on the continent with legendary Germaine Acogny and the rich history of soil that runs extremely deep.

If you're wondering what you get out of sending me to Dakar for this prestigious fellowship. In some capacity, I am hoping to bring with me my experience to share with Senegalese people and transversely learn as much as possible from the local communities and my studies and mentorship under Mrs Acogny with plans to be integrated in future works present in the US as well as globally. Together we can effect a positive change. :-)

PAST SELECTED SHARING/PERFORMANCES

Video of World Premiere work "A New Dawn" with original score by Cecil Bridgewater featuring SYNERGY: A Firey Strings Company. In honor of the 44th US President, Barack Obama


RESIDENCIES
Alvin Ailey Foundation New Directions Choreography LAB 2017
CUNY Dance Initiative 2017
Restoration/ARTS 2018

November 2017
“I am Pulse: an Afro-Latin Jazz and Soul Experience” at Hostos Center of Arts and Culture: Repertory Theater (Theatrical Premiere)

August 2017
Joffrey Ballet School Concert:
Featured Choreographer

July 2017
Alvin Ailey School Summer Concert
Featured Choreographer

March 2015
United Nation General Assembly NY
Featured Performer/Choreographer -
UNVEILING OF THE MONUMENT - THE ARK OF RETURN: dedicated to the lives and suffering of victims of the transatlantic slave trade

20 yrs of Masterclasses worldwide including:
Chicago, Los Angeles, Seoul, Tokyo, San Diego, Seattle, Beijing, Singapore, Mumbai, Miami, Shanghai, Toronto, lVancouver, Montreal, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Boston, Manchester, Warsaw, Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Rome, London, Paris, San Francisco, Orlando, Brussels, Oslo, Cuba, Trinidad and many more international hubs of dance.


MORE INFO -
Program in Senegal
http://ecoledessables.org/en/2017/12/29/english-danses-noires-3-autour-de-la-technique-acogny-18-juillet-28-aout-2018/

Sekou McMiller Dance Company press kit
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wPoa0RcGB20wNxVTNUpPSZsUhrBwy8V8

TO COMMISSION FOR CHOREOGRAPHY OR ONLINE DANCE TRAINING GO TO MY SITE:
https://www.sekoumcmiller.com