WVU Parkersburg to present national dance company of Republic of Guinea

WVU Parkersburg to present the national dance company of the Republic of Guinea.

CONTACT: H.G. Young III, professor of music and coordinator of the Distinguished Performance Series, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Distinguished Performance Series will present Les Ballets Africains, the national dance company of the Republic of Guinea, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Tickets for the WVU Parkersburg performance are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available in the college business office or by calling 424-8223. WVU Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each. All tickets at the door will be regular price.

Les Ballets Africains was formed in Paris in 1952 by distinguished Guinean choreographer, Keita Fodeba. The ensemble toured the world successfully until Guinea’s independence in 1958 when the dance ensemble was invited to become the country’s national ensemble.

Between 1958 and the present day, Les Ballet Africains has visited the four corners of the earth, sometimes remaining on tour for up to two years at a stretch. On one extraordinary marathon, the ensemble appeared in 165 capital cities, presenting an astonishing 695 performances in 750 days, traveling 180,000 kilometers by plane, 33,000 by train and 21,000 by road.

The 35-member dance and musical troupe presents an inimitable blend of traditional dance, music and storytelling, laced with superb demonstrations of spectacle, acrobatics, comedy and drama. Les Ballet Africains has been recognized for its role as a roving ambassador, carrying the pride and aspirations of its people on its travels.

The company’s ultimate mission is to foster a greater understanding of Africa with a view to creating favorable conditions for a healthy and fruitful cooperation between Africa and the rest of the world. Whether in Sydney, Rio, Berlin, Tokyo, Moscow or Los Angeles, the ensemble's performances always receive tumultuous acclaim, together with an open invitation to return.

The program is presented with financial assistance from WVU Parkersburg, the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, Artsbridge, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

cd1/29/07

For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)

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