Biography & Class Description

Vado Diomande, born into the sacred stilt-dancing tradition of the Mahou people in northwest Ivory Coast, was destined to dance.  His father taught him the sacred ways, and soon Vado exemplified the highest standards of the age-old customs.  Discovered at an early age by scouts, Vado was taken to Abidjan to join the budding Ballet National de Cote D’Ivoire, where he was exposed to the diverse dances of over 60 ethnic groups of the Ivory Coast. Vado toured the world for over 15 years as a principal dancer in the Ballet, impressing audiences everywhere with the Tall Mask, “God of the Sacred Forest”, Gue-Pelou.  He established his own dance company, L’Ensemble Kokiegna d’Abidjan in 1989, in Abidjan, touring Ivory Coast and Australia. He re-established his dance company in New York City in 1994, as Kotchegna Dance Company, developing a corps of multicultural dancers and a repertoire that is widely loved and admired. Choreography began for Vado at the Ballet National.  He has been commissioned by dance companies, theatre companies and schools to create powerful traditional dances, and has inspired many students and teachers to integrate his culture into their dances.

African Dance

This class incorporates a wide variety of dances from the many ethnic groups in Ivory Coast. The footwork is fast and syncopated, following drum rhythms that are complex and polyrhythmic. The entire body is used, often in contrasting rhythms. Much of the dancing is done low to the ground, with jumps and turns.

African dance builds stamina, strength and energy. Technical expertise focuses on personal style and flair, spirit, energy and flexibility. Polish comes from the verve and suppleness of personal expression, as well as the communication of joy.

Vado warms up with stretches that flow into simple African moves. Then the steps of the dance of the day are taught, up to seven steps depending on the dance. He teaches celebration dances, New Year’s dances, harvest dances, initiation dances, fertility dances and even mask dances. He introduces the song that begins each dance, and the song and steps are put together with the drummers. The dance is practiced in its entirety with the drumming. Vado leads steps across the floor, usually beginning with the steps just learned. This is followed by a new rhythm and steps to a new dance, traveling across the floor. Sometimes a third dance is introduced across the floor. The class finishes with a final version of the first dance, danced in front of the drummers.

If you want to try something new, or enjoy a different kind of challenge, or if you simply respond to the drums… African Dance is for you. All you need is the hard work.  You will be amazed at how quickly you will learn!