thumb, West Germany, 1962. Les Ballets Africains is a the national dance company of Guinea [1] and is based in Conakry, Guinea, Africa. Although the name might suggest the idea of European "ballet" to English speakers, the focus of the company is actually to promote traditional African dance and culture. [2]

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History

Founded in Paris in 1952 by Guinean choreographer Keita Fodeba, Les Ballets Africains toured successfully for the next six years.

When Guinea was granted its independence from France in 1958, Sekou Toure made the ballet the National Ensemble. ^[3]

The group performed in the United States for the first time in 1959, with a run of 48 performances on Broadway, following a successful European tour. ^[4]

Notable past members

• Kemoko Sano
• Moustapha Bangoura
• Mouminatou Camara
• Aly Diabate

References

1. It's hard not to be swept away by Les Ballets Africains
2. Department of Culture of the Republic of Guinea (2007). Les Ballets Africains, African Dance, Drumming, Music. Retrieved on 2009-07-19 from http://www.lesballetsafricains.com/.
3. Les Ballets Africains making a return to Utah
4. http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=2074