Acogny Contemporary with Mekbul Tahir

Length: 97 min. Level: Open Space: Medium

Class Description:

The technique Acogny is the only recognized contemporary dance technique created in Africa. It’s created by Germaine Acogny, the mother of African contemporary dance. It is based on traditional African dance (specially Senegal and Benin) and Western dance techniques (classical ballet, release- and Graham technique). The philosophy of this technique is about identity. Placing yourself inside the community and nature. Being aware of your own body: to feel it, to touch it, to enjoy it. To live your body through the virtuosity of feeling. 

The concept of the method and the movements are innovative and original. They come from nature. It is a unique way of approaching dance. It respects every different body. The technique talks about life, about the connection between human being and nature. Joy, play, love and music are the fundamentals of the spirit of the technique.

Music by Dan Hann

Featuring Dancers Jordan Breen, Lesley Fargnot, and Brandon McCrory-Joseph

About Mekbul

Mekbul Jemal Tahir is an international choreographer, dancer, and teacher. He is one of the founding members of Adugna Community Dance Theatre Company, which is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Since completing a five-year training program accredited by Middlesex University (UK) in 2001, he has been performing and teaching African contemporary dance, contact improvisation, and community dance and theatre in Ethiopia and abroad. Among others, his projects have included the 2005 Kin-Addis Project in the DRC, Ethiopia, and France, and the 2006 Can Do Can Dance Project in Hamburg, Germany Keep Reading