The participants have a unique opportunity to live from two up to six weeks in an african village and learn in "authentic" environment. Apart from intensive daily training it is a real experience to see and participate in the villagers' life. Guinea opened its borders for tourists as recently as in the 1980's so mass tourism is something you won't find there. Instead the country is full of colours, scents and rhythms! N'Fanly Camara and Outi Kallinen have organised intensive dance and music workshops in Guinea since 1998 with Association Wonuwali.



WORKSHOP :
This year we have two workshops: Two weeks for people of all levels or four weeks for advanced dancers and drummers. In both workshops we visit different places and try to know the culture more profoundly, but first workshop has a little less classes and a little more excursions. You can also combine the workshops.

We have intensive training five days a week: In Workshop A 2 hrs of dancing and 1-2 hrs of drumming or singing and in Workshop B 3-3,5 hrs dancing and 3 hrs drumming (djembe, doundoun) daily. You can also concentrate in music and learn how to accompany dance with our musicians, if you already know your basics well. To ensure that you get the most out of your workshop we have small groups and several dance and drum teachers who are both professional and inspiring! Our wonderful teachers come from the National Ballets and private groups of Guinea. Dance classes are accompanied by 4-6 musicians. Of course there are even occational jam sessions after classes! If you are interested in other traditional instruments like balafon, flute and kora or in singing, we can arrange extra classes.

We try to deepen our knowledge of Guinea's incredibly rich culture; there are dozens of languages and hundreds of rhythms and dances! Since the Independence in 1958 there have been a big emphasis on culture in Guinea. Yearly festivals and competitions have brought together groups from all over Guinea and produced top performances. Tradition is still very much alive in the seremonies and festivities in the villages. The national dance and music groups like Les Ballets Africains and Les Percussions de Guinée have amazed people from all over the world on their tournées.

You will learn many new dances, rhythms and songs and participate in traditional feasts. This year we will stay in beautiful village of Bentourayah, where we have built a new house for the workshop. The village is situated about 45 km from the capital Conakry and about 30 km from the airport. You can participate in the local life and learn to cook or speak susu (the local language) with the nice villagers or enjoy quiet walks in the nature.

We'll visit other towns and villages, for ex. Kindia (which is known for the traditional indigo fabrics) or the palm beaches of islands in front of Conakry, or go to see performances and rehearsals of the great music and dance companies. We'll also arrange our own dance and music event where teachers, students and villagers all participate.

All students will have extra information about the workshop and what to bring. We'll have a reunion (in Helsinki) where you can meet other participants and learn more about the workshop.

ACCOMMODATION:

We live in clean simple rooms for 2-3 persons with beds or mattresses on the floor. There is no electricity in Bentourayah but our generator is on mostly in the evenings. Food is delicious, mainly traditional (breakfast, lunch and dinner), often vedgetables, fish and rice, salads and fruits of the season. We'll try to make also vegetarian or other special meals as best we can. Drinking water is bottled mineral water.

DATES AND PRICES:

Workshop A starts 9.12. 2004 and ends 22.12. 2004.
Workshop B starts 23.12. 2004 and ends 19.1. 2005.
You can choose to stay between 2 and 6 weeks, but we hope that you can start on the same dates.

Prices: 2 weeks 750 €, 3 weeks 950 €, 4 weeks 1150 €, 5 weeks 1300 € and 6 weeks1450 €

Included: Classes, lodging and meals, bottled drinking water, transportation to and from the airport and scheduled trips in Guinea.
Not included: Your flight to Guinea, personal insurance (for medical treatment and transportation to your home country if needed) and visa.

You can order a drum or other musical instrument of good quality. Please notify us in advance so it will be ready on your arrival.

VISA, FLIGHTS AND VACCINATIONS:

You'll probably need a visa for your trip to Guinea. Ask from the nearest embassy or contact us. We'll send you an invitation if needed. There are flights to Conakry for ex. via Paris almost every day. December is the high season so book your flight early. Yellow fever vaccination is obligatory, other vaccinations and malaria profylactic also necessary.

ORGANISERS :

N’Fanly Camara ja Outi Kallinen are organising this workshop now for the sixth time in Guinea with Association Wonuwali. You can read more about them from musicians and dancers.

INSCRIPTION:

Please notify us in time if you want to join the workshop.
More information by e-mail or telephone +358-40-707 5977

Welcome to fascinating Guinea!