Selected Past Performances

Giant Magnet 2010 Festival

Gansango Dance presents Benn Lañu (We Are One)

This commissioned show spotlighted the vibrant sabar dance and drumming styles from Senegal integrated with song, contemporary choreography, and traditional dance from Benin.  Rhythmic drumming, singing and dancing in unison created a colorful kaleidoscope of dancers moving together as one in this celebration of the joy and drama of our lives through culture.  Gansango returned to Giant Magnet this year after having created Kaleta: A West African Children’s Ritual in 2003. That show went on to play at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Colombia Tour of 5 Cities – August 2009

Hosted by Centro Colombi-Americano de Medellin, Gansango toured five cities in Colombia, South America in August 2009 (Pereira, Quibdo, Medellin, Armenia and Manizales).

Self-Produced Shows

With small grants from local funding organizations such as 4Culture, Gansango has self-produced several public shows for the Seattle-area public in 2007, 2003 and 2001.  Each of these productions has dazzled audiences with a refined performance of deeply traditional dances and modern choreography pieces inspired from African rhythm and movement.  Original choreography, live music, unique costumes and colorful backdrops are hallmarks of the shows. Featuring traditional dance from Benin and modern dance styles from West Africa, these diverse and educational performances have engaged and entertained world culture fans of all ages. Gansango’s performances have challenged audiences’ sense of African music and dance by exposing them to an innovative blending of cultures and highly-rehearsed artistry.

La Calabasse

October 5-6, 2007, Seattle Art Museum
October 2007, Lopez Island Center for Community and the Arts

Jijoho: Dance of Peace

July 5-6, 2003, Seattle Art Museum
July 12-13, 2003, Kirkland Performance Center

Gbeple: Spirit of Union (2001)

December 8 & 9, 2001 Seattle Art Museum