KanKouran’s 43rd Annual Concert Event

Founded in Washington (DC), and internationally renowned, KanKouran Dance Company presents its 43rd Annual National African Dance and Drum Conference and Concert weekend, entitled SUNU GAAL (Our Boat), featuring dance and drum workshops Friday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, and the annual major concert production Saturday, Sept. 5, at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium. This annual program is the most highly anticipated event of its kind in the U.S. and kicks off African Heritage Month in DC. This year’s concert production celebrates the unity and shared cultural values of three kingdoms—Lebou, Serere, and Walo-Walo—through Sabar, the national dance and cultural heartbeat of Senegal, West Africa. KanKouran’s Executive Artistic Director, Assane Konte, also a faculty member at Howard University, will present an elaborate showcase of highly energetic, complex choreography, rhythms, and movements demonstrating a wide range of centuries-old traditional dances that reflect the spiritual culture of Senegal and embody resilience, celebration, and shared histories. The concert production will feature KanKouran’s Senior, Junior, and Children’s Companies, participants from the Adult Community Dance Class, and guest artists.