Traditional West African Dance Company Hayor Bibimma finds success with their spirited high-energy performances intended to educate as well as entertain audiences. Hayor Bibimma Artistic Director Francis Kofi created the company to demonstrate how our cultural differences should unite us, not divide us, and his company is a living example of this often lost message.
The company members themselves come from diverse backgrounds, but share the common thread of music and dance. "Dance is for the entire community to participate in,” says Kofi, "regardless of your background or beliefs, we all live together and should dance together--Dance sees no boundaries."
The spirit of Hayor Bibimma is contagious and is spreading quickly throughout the region. On January 29th, Hayor Bibimma performed at Highland Park High School in a benefit concert to raise funds to purchase African drums for Highland Park Elementary. Hayor Bibimma continues to deliver a powerful message of unity as they travel to colleges and venues outside the Twin Cities. On February 15th, Hayor Bibimma traveled to South Dakota State University to perform at the African Students' Association Africa Nite event, and on February 20th they will be opening for Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
Originally from Ghana, Artistic Director Francis Kofi is a world-renowned drummer, dancer, and choreographer who has been teaching dance around the world for many years. He is the founder of the original Hayor Dance Company in Accra, Ghana, which toured internationally. Now Kofi is based in the Twin Cities, still determined to educate audiences not only about the traditional dances and their meanings, but the welcoming spirit of his culture to share the dances. Judging from the reaction of the audience at Highland Park High School, his message was well-received after Kofi invited the audience to participate in the last dance. He said in Africa the dancers do not perform by themselves, but with the audience, because the audience members are co-creators. The company has already been busy this year appearing at numerous local institutions for residencies, workshops, and performances.
For more information about Hayor Bibimma visit www.hayorbibimmadance.org
Insightnews.com