A BODY THAT SPEAKS, DANCES AND TRANSFORMS

From 03 to 22 August 2026,École des Sables opens an intensive training space at the crossroads of dance and theatre, in the heart of Toubab Dialaw, Senegal.

This program is rooted in a vision developed by Germaine Acogny: that of African total theatre.Here, disciplines are not separated. They emerge from the same source: the body.

A body that breathes, thinks, speaks, sings, dances and tells stories.

In African traditions, the griot does not separate forms. They transmit through voice, rhythm, gesture and presence. It is from this living heritage that this program was created.

In a unique environment between ocean, sand and sky, participants are invited to experience a demanding, transformative and deeply embodied artistic journey.

AN INTENSIVE ARTISTIC IMMERSION

For three weeks, participants will follow six hours of daily practice around the following axes:

• Acogny Technique — grounding, fluidity, power, bodily awareness
• Physical theatre — presence, engagement, relationship to space
• Voice & Text — breath, projection, embodied speech
• Traditional songs and dances — rhythm, musicality, transmission
• Improvisation — listening, availability, creativity
• Collective composition — scenic writing and creation

The program concludes with a public sharing.

THE TEACHERS

GERMAINE ACOGNY
Senegal / Benin / France
Founder of École des Sables, pioneer of African contemporary dance, creator of the Acogny Technique.

FABRICE MUKALA
DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Certified teacher of the Acogny Technique, choreographer and dance-theatre artist.

ADAMA DIOP
Senegal / France
French-Senegalese actor performing on major European stages.

ABDEL KADER DIARRA
Senegal
Actor, director and educator, a key figure of the Senegalese theatre scene.

MATHILDE SAGNIER
France
Actress, singer, director and dancer.

BERTRAND TCHEBE SAKY
Ivory Coast / Senegal
Choreographer, performer and musician.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This program is designed for performing arts practitioners wishing to deepen their practice at the intersection of dance and theatre.

It is open to dancers, actors, performers and creators with prior artistic experience.

This program is not for any body.
It is for those who feel their practice has reached a threshold — and who are ready to challenge their habits through intensity, discipline and duration.

HOW TO APPLY?

Apply by submitting the application form.

Required documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter or presentation video
• Recent portrait photo
• 1-minute video presenting your artistic practice

As places are intentionally limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.

COST OF WORKSHOP

Regional fee* : €800
International fee: €1,450

Includes accommodation, meals, classes and airport transfers.

Payment Plan

Regional fee*

• 200 € to secure your place
• 300 € before 13 July 2026
• 300 € before 25 July 2026

International fee

• 200 € to secure your place
• 625 € before 13 July 2026
• 625 € before 25 July 2026

*The regional fee applies to african participants based on the African continent.

CONTACT

For applications or inquiries: candidature@ecoledessables.org

Apply now.