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Ezibu Dance Repertoire
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Drum Call
A drum call awakens the community at large to let them know that something grand is about to happen.
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Libation and Egun-gun
An acknowledgement of ancestors and is regarded as colletive spirits of the ancestors who occupy a space in heaven. They are Ara Orun. These ancestoral spirits are believed to be in constant watch of their survivors on earth.
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Lamban
This is a spirited dance performed at weddings and other joyous occasions. It is the embodiment of the soul and the spirituality of the people. There are 3 types: Tage (wedding lamban), Genefoule (the spiritual or healing lamban), jalidon (royal lamban court dance which pays homage to the kings and queens of West Africa.
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Kou Kou
This is a rites of passage dance. The young men and women are taken off to the bush and are taught the responsibilities of adulthood so that when they return from their places of training, they are to show that they are going to be productive members of the community. When they return they must dance the Kou Kou, and as the dance is performed, the elders decide if the adolescents pass on on to adulthood. It originates from Guinea and is danced among the Mandike and Sou Sou people.
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Sabar-Lengen Suite
The Sabar is the dance of the Wolof people and it originates from Senegal West Africa. This dance is done at various ceremonies and is one of the most energetic dances of West Africa. The Lenjen is a harvest dance originating from SeneGambia and other parts of West Africa. The sticks represent tools used in tilling of the soil. This dance also pays homage to the crane or egret with flying arms, accentuated legs and punctuating feet.
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Wali-Doudoumba Suite
Both originate from Guinea, West Africa. Wali represents the celebration of the fish harvest. The women are preparing the festival for the men returning with the fish to celebrate. Doudoumba is performed in the summer before weekend wrestling matches. Doudoumba exhibits the strength of men from various villages. The women dance to encourage and support the men. This dance is also used for harvest festivals and numerous celebrations.
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Mandiani Suite
This dance crosses three different countries � Mali, Guinea and Senegal. It is performed during initiation of young women to womanhood and young men to manhood. Mandiani is also performed at weddings and other social events and is also one of the fastest, most energetic and exciting dances of West Africa.
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Sabar – National Dance of Senegal
A communal dance form, used by the Mandingo, Wolof, and Serer people of Senegal, as a Birth Celebration and Recreational dance form designed to show strength in sensuality.
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Lindjen (Lenjengo) Imitation of Crown Crane Mating Dance
A communal dance form used by the Mandingo people in celebration of ‘Baby Namings’, ‘Weddings’, ‘Planting and Harvest’ ceremonies. This rendition, ‘A Planting Dance’. Imitating movements of the mating dances of Crown Cranes, is believed to bring a manifestation of fertility to those who dance it.
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Mandiani Initiation and Celebration Dance
A Mandingo initiation celebration dance, used traditionally in the celebration of ‘Coming of Age’ ceremonies. The contemporary manifestation by African-American dance companies, is that a dance of “Cultural Reclamation”.