If you’re looking for something fun for you and the family to do this weekend; The Black River African Dance Festival at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater is just the event for you! Not only will you witness an astounding performance dedicated to the legend “Mama” Kadiatou Conte, but you will also get to experience a taste of true Guinean culture. Thanks to the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, this festival will be a highlight in Pittsburgh this weekend.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with two key individuals of this beautiful production: Chrisala Brown, who has worked with Balafon since 2007 and is acting as rehearsal director for this production, along with the production manager for the event, Michele Betts. The passion and deep affection these two women had for this event was absolutely contagious. The production, Kadiatou Kha Tarikhui: The Legend of Kadiatou is a labor of love from the entire cast and is dedicated to the late “Mama” Kadiatou Conte, who was a legend in the African dance community.
The Legend of Kadiatou honors the life of “Mama” Kadiatou Conte has been described as a “living breathing document of Kadiatou’s life.” Conte was the founding director of the Balafon West African Dance Ensemble which originated in Washington D.C. in 1997. Kadiatou Conte’s diligent work ethic and endless amounts of love for movement will all be showcased in this production. Seeing this show will allow you to witness the story of this dance legend’s life told through rhythm.
This entire event was born out of a recent trip to Guinea, a little-known country of great natural beauty, from the rolling mountain plateau of Fort Djalon to wide Sahelian lands and thick forests. Blessed with the largest deposits of bauxite and iron ore in the world, It is a gold and diamond producer, giving it the potential of being one of Africa’s richest countries. Home to some of the word’s greatest acrobats as well as Nimba mountain range, a World Heritage Site, that allowed the artists to experience true artistry first hand, something that inspired them to bring that culture to Pittsburgh. Conte often spoke of honoring her ancestors and those who came before her through dance, and that is exactly what this production does; pays homage to an incredible woman and keeping her incredible energy alive.
Come this weekend to the The Black River African Dance Festival at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and experience a high vibrational look into Guinean culture. The festival will include performances of The Legend of Kadiatou and hands-on movement intensives to learn traditional african dances and songs designed for you to get moving in a style catered to all ages and levels. At the end of this weekend, your interest in Guinea will be reach new heights and you will leave with a richer appreciation for African culture.
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