Introduction to Togolese traditional dance with Alain Sinandja
Alain Sinandja will be offering an introduction to Togolese traditional dance. He invites movers and shakers to connect different body parts through the spine and the vibration in the body, called Malkonseague which is a North Togolese traditional dance executed by the Moba tribe. This will emphasize the relationship of the body with the floor. All levels welcome!
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Born and raised in Togo, SINANDJA Dakonyéme (Alain Sinandja) embarked on his dance journey with Aske-Dance and SOJAF Traditional Dance Company, establishing his professional career from 2010 to 2015. He achieved a diploma in African traditional and contemporary dance from École Des Sables in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal in 2017. Then he went to complete the 8-month choreographers dance program in Kobe, Japan in 2018. Since his relocation to Japan in 2018, he has collaborated with renowned artists like Kota Yamazaki on "Darkness* part3*" and Yasuko Yokoshi on "Lynch." In 2019, Alain participated in the Yokohama Dance Competition alongside Yu Shimomura's creation, leading them to win the first prize. Alain is the Founder/Artistic Director of Cie ARTS FOR ALL and Happy African Festival.
This event is part of Links Hall’s 2024 Co-MISSION Festival of New Works, two groundbreaking weekends of new performance and public events. Representing some of the most talented makers in Chicago from dance, performance art, installation, and performance as social practice, five artists present works developed while in-residence at Links during the 2023-2024 season. Featured artists include: Links Hall Residents AiRos 頌恩 medill, Jamila Kekulah, and Eshan Rafi, and Fellows Najee-Zaid Searcy and Lani T. Montreal.
Additional Events in the 2024 Co-MISSION Festival of New Works
June 21 | Fall Residents: AiRos 頌恩 medill, Jamila Kekulah, and Eshan Rafi
June 22 | Spring Fellow: Lani T. Montreal
All Co-MISSION Festival of New Works attendees are invited to return to Links Hall after Lani T. Montreal’s June 22nd performance for a karaoke party! There will be food provided and drinks available at the bar.
June 28 | Spring Fellow: Najee-Zaid Searcy
June 29 | Spring Fellow: Najee-Zaid Searcy
All Co-MISSION Festival of New Works attendees are invited to return to Links Hall after Najee-Zaid Searcy’s performance on June 29th to catch some vibes from DJ Kamarimou and celebrate the end of Links Hall’s season. Cruise into the summer with us as we get ready for what’s next in our journey.
June 30 | Fall Residents: AiRos 頌恩 medill, Jamila Kekulah, and Eshan Rafi
Links Hall's Co-MISSION residencies and fellowships are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.