Diamano Coura West African Dance Company

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company is a United States-based nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and promotion of traditional West African music, dance, theater, and cultural heritage. Established in 1975 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1999, the company is known for its commitment to fostering respect and understanding of West African traditions within the broader San Francisco Bay Area community.

Mission and Activities

Diamano Coura aims to portray West African performing arts not merely as entertainment but as vital means through which communities educate, communicate, organize, and preserve their ancestral histories. The organization carries out this mission through a multifaceted approach, including:

• Offering workshops, performances, and lecture-demonstrations that highlight traditional West African artistic forms.
• Implementing arts education programs throughout the San Francisco/Bay Area, providing alternative learning environments where students can explore the connections between Africa, its Diaspora, and America.
• Supporting education and training initiatives designed to help participants secure local and international opportunities in the arts.
• Providing guidance and opportunities to immigrant, emerging, and established artists for sustaining and showcasing their work.
• Creating pathways for the next generation of aspiring artists to enter the professional performing arts and production fields.

Leadership and Collaborations

The company has been guided by notable figures including Director Dr. Zak Diouf and Artistic Director Naomi Gedo Diouf. Over its history, Diamano Coura has engaged in various community outreach and creative partnerships with respected artists and performance companies. In 2007, as part of the traditional arts development efforts, Diamano Coura produced a promotional video to represent its work professionally, and it has collaborated with lighting designers and other creatives to enhance its annual repertory performances and cultural events.

Performances and Community Presence

Diamano Coura hosts regular classes and performances, notably weekly dance classes at the Malonga Casquelourd Center in Oakland, California. It also organizes an annual repertory performance, which showcases the depth and vibrancy of West African artistic traditions. Through its ongoing activities, the company serves as a cultural bridge connecting West African heritage to diverse audiences across the region.

Overview

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company remains a pivotal institution for cultural preservation and artistic expression, emphasizing the educational and communal significance of West African traditions in contemporary American society.