Come to a Drum and Dance Intensive Workshop in Guinea, West Africa!
December 18, 2023-January 8, 2024
Experience dance & drum in Guinea, West Africa with Mohamed Diaby, along with artists of Guinea’s internationally acclaimed national dance troupes, Les Ballets Africains & Ballets Djoliba.
Notably, djembefola Sekou Balandougou Keïta, will be teaching a number of drum classes. Sekou is a friend and brother of Mohamed's. They studied together under djembefola Mamady Keïta, may his soul rest in peace.
CLASS SCHEDULE (MONDAY -FRIDAY)
9:30-11:00 Drum Workshop
11:00-12:30 Dance Workshop
14:30-16:00 Drum Workshop
16:00-17:30 Dance Workshop
* No Classes Saturday or Sunday
MEAL SCHEDULE (INCLUDES WEEKENDS)
BREAKFAST 08:00 - 09:00
LUNCH 13:00 - 14:00
DINNER 18:00 - 19:30
LODGING
The accommodations are shared (2people/room) simple rooms, you should bring:
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sheets, pillow
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toiletries, towels and washcloths
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flip-flops to wear in the shower
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It is advised to sleep with a mosquito net; bring mosquito repellent
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voltage is 220, the same as Europe
COMMUNICATION
There are no phone lines at the house. You can make international calls at Telephone Centers and Internet cafes. There are several of these Centers within walking distance in Conakry.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
No Traveler’s Checks! Bring only $100 US/CAN bills or €100 Euro bills. Money is not exchanged in banks therefore you will not get the same exchange rate for smaller bills or Traveler’s Checks. For your security and to make sure you do not get ripped off, we will coordinate money exchanges for you. You can also use a VISA or MASTER debit card at the ATM in the airport.
WEATHER
Hot & humid, 80° F - 95° F (27° C - 40° C)
GUINEA ATTRACTIONS
We will be visiting the island of Roume. This trip will be about an hour and includes a boat ride to the island from Conakry. Check out the video and photos below!
Madina Marché is Conakry’s largest market located near the grand Madina Mosque. On busy days, which are most days, this market is literally shoulder to shoulder with people and filled with everything from textiles, fresh produce, hand crafted sandals, and pure, blissful chaos. Amazing!
We will visit Mohamed's former performance ensemble, Les Merveilles de Guinée; meet them in person; and watch them rehearse. The famed director of Les Merveilles de Guinée, Kemoko Sano, has passed away and his son, Sekou Sano, also passed in 2022, may their souls rest in peace. His son's partner, Yamoussa Soumah, still leads the group.
REGISTRATION & FEES
Trip fee: 3 Week Camp $1,900 US
A deposit of 50% is required by October 15, 2023. The remaining balance is due November 15, 2023.
The Packages Include:
• Lodging in Conakry 3 weeks
• 3 meals daily
• Transportation to and from Conakry Airport
• Drum and Dance Classes
• Transportation for workshops and events in Guinea organized by Mohamed Diaby
Price does not include: International travel, visa fees, water, beverages, snacks, telephone, internet or any other personal expenses.
VISA
Please get your VISA directly from the Guinean embassy or consulate. That is the best and cheapest way to do it. (If you need an invitation letter from Mohamed, just let him know. Please give him at least 1 week to write it.)
TRAVEL CHECKLIST
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Valid passport & visa from Guinea Consulate - check your local consulate for visa fee.
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Yellow Fever Vaccine Registration Form
