WHEN AFRICAN ROOTS DANCE TO THE RHYTHM OF BRAZIL

From October 12th–24th, 2026, the École des Sables is hosting an international workshop dedicated to Brazilian dance in the heart of Toubab Dialaw, Senegal.

The result of a collaboration between the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, a world-renowned leader in Afro-Brazilian dance, and the École des Sables, this program celebrates the deep ties that bind Africa and Brazil through dance.

Born out of the history, cultural exchanges, and heritage shared by the two continents, Afro-Brazilian dances carry the living memory of West African traditions. This workshop invites participants to explore this dialogue through an artistic immersion where transmission, research, and creation come together.

In an exceptional setting between the ocean, the sand, and the sky, participants will experience two weeks of intercultural exchange alongside international artists united by a shared passion: passing on a living choreographic heritage.

AN IMMERSION IN THE HEART OF AFRO-BRAZILIAN DANCES

For two weeks, participants will engage in five hours of daily practice focused on the following areas:

• Traditional Afro-Brazilian Dances — an exploration of the rhythms, movements, and cultural heritage that shape Brazil’s choreographic traditions.
• Stage Dances — developing stage presence, movement dynamics, and interpretation through the repertoire of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia.
• Choreographic Legacies of West Africa — an exploration of the dance traditions that have shaped Afro-Brazilian practices and continue to inspire their evolution.
• Acogny Technique — grounding, body awareness, fluidity, and dialogue between African traditions and contemporary creation.
• Musicality and Movement Dynamics — working on rhythm, collective energy, and physical expression.
• Cultural Exchanges — discussions, sharing of experiences, and encounters among artists from all five continents.

The program is rounded out by an optional excursion that allows participants to explore Senegal's cultural heritage.

GUEST ARTISTS

WAGNER SANTANA

Brazil

Dancer, teacher, and rehearsal director of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, For more than twenty years, Wagner Santana has been promoting Afro-Brazilian repertoires in Brazil and around the world. His teaching combines technical rigor, musicality, and the richness of Brazilian folk traditions.

NILDINHA FONSÊCA

Brazil

Dancer, choreographer, teacher, and assistant to the artistic director of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, Nildinha Fonsêca has more than forty years of experience teaching Afro-Brazilian dances. Recognized for her expertise, she regularly gives presentations at universities, festivals, and arts institutions around the world.

RAOUF TCHAKONDO

Togo

Dancer, choreographer, and certified Acogny Technique instructor, Raouf Tchakondo specializes in traditional West African dances. His teaching explores the connections between African choreographic traditions, contemporary creation, and intercultural transmission.

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

Open to everyone, this workshop is designed for dancers, teachers, students, choreographers, movement artists, experienced amateurs, and enthusiasts who wish to discover or deepen their knowledge of Afro-Brazilian dances in an environment that fosters artistic excellence, knowledge sharing, and international exchange.

HOW TO REGISTER?

Applications must be submitted via the online registration form, along with a resume and a recent photograph. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

Application deadline: September 21, 2026.

COST OF WORKSHOP

1 225 €, including:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• All Courses
• Transfers between the airport and the École des Sables

Not included: airfare, visa (if required), mandatory travel insurance, vaccinations, and personal expenses.

PAYMENT PLAN

Payment is made in three installments:

• 200 € a (non-refundable) deposit, payable within 10 days of receiving your admission confirmation to reserve your spot.
• 512,50 € within a maximum of three weeks after the down payment is made.
• 512,50 € no later than October 3, 2026.

Full payment must be made before the start of the training course.

CONTACT & INFORMATIONS

For registration or to request information: candidature@ecoledessables.org

Join an international artistic experience where Brazil and Africa engage in a dialogue through dance, cultural transmission, and creativity.