West African Dance & Drum in Castlemaine
WEEKLY SUNDAYS
BEGINS SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST
West African Dance & Drum in the beautiful setting of Castlemaine, 4 week blocks, and casual option available.
Address: THE GOODS SHED
21 Kennedy St, Castlemaine, 3450 Vic
Book Dance Sundays 2pm-3.15pm:
4 Week Dance Series (75 minute Classes): 130
Book Drum Sundays 3.15pm-4.15pm:
4 Week Drum Series (60 minute Classes) 115
Book Dance & Drum Series 2pm-4.15pm:
Cash purchases also welcome, please email info@dancetherapymelbourne.au to confirm your place.
About the classes:
DANCE:
Experience the dynamic rhythm & dance traditions of West African Guinea Ballet style in a Dance Series led by Guinean master dancer, choreographer & teacher Aboubacar Camara:
Aboubacar Camara is a Master dancer, choreographer and teacher as well as a highly skilled acrobat and musician, from the Forest Region of Guinea, carrying the cultural heritage of Tomamania.
Internationally recognised for his profound knowledge of Guinean ballet, traditional dance, rhythms and song, he is fluent in the languages, musical traditions and dances of Guinea’s diverse regions, bringing exceptional cultural depth and authority to both performance and teaching.
With a rich family lineage in dance, Aboubacar is a cultural custodian dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of his heritage through a pedagogical approach that blends discipline, joy and deep cultural understanding.
For 22 years he has served as lead dancer, teacher, choreographer and assistant artistic director of Merveille de Guinée, Guinea’s first private ballet company. Now teaching in Australia, this is an incredible opportunity to learn from an authentic Guinean master of dance.
Open to dancers of all levels, this offers a supportive environment to deepen movement practice, build technique and confidence, and experience the energy and artistry of Guinea Ballet style West African dance, accompanied by live drumming.
Connect with rhythm & community through the rich traditions of West African drumming in a drum series led by Guinean master musician Mohamed Camara:
This weekly series invites participants to connect with the rich rhythms and traditions of West African drumming. Through hands-on instruction, you'll explore foundational techniques, dynamic rhythms, ensemble playing, and the powerful energy of Guinean music. Whether you're new to drumming or have previous experience, this engaging session offers a joyful and immersive experience in the musical heritage of Guinea.
Mohamed Camara is a master musician, a highly sought-after performer and Guinean music educator based in Melbourne. He was born into the Manding culture in Guinea Conakry, West Africa, whose rich and vibrant musical tradition has been a life-long passion. As a child he was apprenticed to internationally renowned Guinean master drummer Ton Ton Sylla, where he studied djembe, dun duns, and song.
“These classes are an absolute priority and my life line. We have such a wonderful group and we love Mohamed’s stories that accompany his instructions and it’s just so much fun. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for offering these classes.”
Further enquiries:
Meagan Camara 0468 968 195
info@dancetherapymelbourne.au
Please note, that for cultural respect and the intellectual property of the artist, the choreographic material is for personal learning only and choreography must not be recorded, taught, reproduced, shared online, or used for any instructional or commercial purpose.
About Guinean Dance:
Guinean dance is a distinct style of West African dance, shaped through Guinea’s national ballet movement following independence.
Under the leadership of President Ahmed Sékou Touré, Guinea invested in preserving its rich cultural heritage through the creation and development of national ballet companies and valuing their cultural arts.
Traditional village dances were respectfully adapted for the stage, allowing Guinea’s diverse cultural traditions to be celebrated nationally and shared with audiences around the world.
Today, this tradition continues through an extraordinary lineage of artists. Our artists have trained with and learned directly from master dancers and musicians of Guinea’s national ballet companies, carrying forward not only the movements, but also the rhythms, cultural knowledge and values that give each dance its meaning.
We are also honoured to learn through the lineage of Aboubacar Camara and Merveille de Guinée, Guinea’s first private professional ballet company, which has played an important role in continuing and evolving this living tradition for new generations.
Experience Guinean ballet culture with master artists Aboubacar Camara & Mohamed Camara; World renowned artists, highly skilled and experienced teachers, educators & performers available for workshops, cultural education, community & corporate events.