Business Details
43 Years
experience
Preserving West African Culture Through Dance
Founded in 1983, KanKouran West African Dance has dedicated over four decades to preserving and promoting traditional West African culture through artistic excellence. Our mission centers on cultural preservation, educational outreach, and fostering intercultural understanding through dance, drumming, and performance arts. As a community-driven organization, we function like a traditional African village where every member contributes their unique talents to maintain collective harmony. Our three-tiered performance structure - Senior, Junior, and Children's groups - reflects our commitment to nurturing talent across generations. With a diverse membership spanning the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean, we serve as cultural ambassadors connecting audiences of all backgrounds.Our extensive partnerships with prestigious institutions like the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institution underscore our artistic authority. Through programs like Visit Africa, we've educated thousands of students about West African heritage while maintaining technical excellence that has earned international recognition. Our annual conference and concert series, now in its 42nd year, continues to attract participants from around the globe, demonstrating our enduring impact on cultural preservation.
Services
Cultural Dance Performances
Educational Workshops
Community Classes
Residency Programs
International Collaborations
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience preserving West African dance traditions
- Our diverse membership represents the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean
- We offer educational programs aligned with school curricula
- Our partnerships include prestigious institutions like the Kennedy Center
- We provide multigenerational programming for children through adults
Services
Cultural Dance Performances
Our professional dance companies present authentic West African performances featuring traditional dances from Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, and Mali. Using djembe, kutiro, and sabar drumming ensembles, we bring cultural stories to life through movement. These performances educate audiences about African heritage while showcasing technical excellence that has earned international acclaim.
Educational Workshops
The Visit Africa program delivers immersive cultural education through dance and drumming workshops. Students learn about West African history, language, and musical instruments while developing non-verbal communication skills. Our curriculum-aligned programs integrate arts with geography, history, and creative expression for comprehensive learning experiences.
Community Classes
Weekly classes teach traditional West African dance styles to all ages. Sessions include warm-ups, technique breakdowns, and full choreography practice with live drumming. No registration required, with flexible payment options. Children's classes available Saturdays, with adult classes offered both Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Residency Programs
Extended cultural residencies integrate African arts into school curricula through movement, history, and creative expression. Students engage with traditional dance techniques while learning about African cultural traditions. Programs combine physical activity with academic subjects for holistic educational experiences.
Annual Conference
Our 42-year-running conference combines dance instruction, cultural education, and community building. Featuring master artists from Africa and the diaspora, the event includes performances, workshops, and fellowship opportunities. Held annually at Howard University with conference headquarters at Capitol Hill hotels.
People
Assane Konte
Executive Artistic Director
Master teacher and cultural ambassador with over 40 years of experience preserving West African dance traditions. Founded KanKouran in 1983 to bridge cultural gaps through performance and education. Recognized for adapting traditional African dance for Western contexts while maintaining authenticity.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer?
We offer traditional West African dance classes for adults, teens, and children. Classes include warm-ups, technique breakdowns, and full choreography practice with live drumming accompaniment.
When was KanKouran founded?
KanKouran West African Dance Company was founded in 1983 by Assane Konte to preserve and promote traditional African dance and culture through performance and education.
Where are your community classes held?
Weekly dance classes take place at Dance Exchange Studio, 7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Children's classes only occur on Saturdays at this location.
Do you offer international programs?
Yes, we collaborate with cultural institutions worldwide including organizations in Poland, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hawaii for international dance exchanges and performances.
Reviews (1)
Leia P.
May 17, 2018
Report
Where do I start? KanKouran is legendary in its own right as a world renowned dance company for over 25 years. Founder & master teacher Assane is well respected in the dance community, providing a platform for the best dance conference and West African dance classes in the DMV area, bar none. Great environment in which to connect and get energized with some of the best drummers and instructors around. Beg African, Sabar, & other styles offered. All levels, all welcome. Highly recommend. Located at Dance Exchange in Takoma MD
