Learn Kutiro rhythms and dances with Ousmane Sall! Cumbe is excited to offer you a chance to learn the high energy Kutiro dances from the Cassamance region of the south of Senegal. Kutiro, named for the the drum used to play the dance’s rhythms, is inspired by nature and traditional activities. The Kutiro family of dances are often fast-paced and feature intricate footwork and expressive arm movements.  Ekonkon, for example, draws its movements from rice planting and harvesting while the movements in Linjin emulate a flying crane! Ousmane brings a warmth and presence into the classroom that encourages each student to feel at ease, inspiring the freedom to open up to the rhythm.

Don’t miss this limited opportunity to learn these exciting dances of celebration not easily found in NYC.

Instructor Bio:  Ousmane Sall is a master dancer/choreographer and drummer from Senegal, West Africa. He is accomplished in all Senegalese styles of drum and dance and specializes in the Kutiro rhythms. He was born in Senegal to a traditional drumming and dance family and was formally trained at the National Dance Academy. He performed for many years in Senegal with the second national dance group of Senegal, National Ballet Senemew, as well as with Silimbo D’Adeane.

Continuing his career in New York, Ousmane has performed extensively at venues such as: The United Nations, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, The Florence Gould Hall, The Jewish Heritage Museum, Town Hall, Lincoln Center’s Summer Stage and Damrosh Park.

Ousmane has performed with various dance groups, including Sing Sing Rhythms and Maimouna Keita Dance Company, and later formed his own group: YAKAR Roots and Rhythms African Drum and Dance Ensemble. YAKAR has dazzled many audiences in the past five years including performances at ZEYBRAH’s annual Moment In Time Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black History and Culture. Ousmane has also performed and taught workshops at schools, festivals and clubs throughout the United States. He appeared in Bruce Willis’ film, Tears of the Sun and was a percussionist on Hasidic New Wave’s CD From the Belly of Abraham. He taught for many years at Fareta Dance Studio and Djoniba Drum and Dance Center in New York, and currently teaches classes and workshops nationwide.

As a teacher, Ousmane brings a warmth and presence into the classroom that encourages each student to feel at ease. He inspires the freedom to open oneself up to the rhythm and brings out the best in students’ learning abilities. He shows unending patience for his students whatever their age. His energetic dancing constantly defies the bounds of gravity. His sensual and mystical dance style brings at once to the audience or students – charm, strength, masculinity, and vibrant energy.