Guyana, land of dances? Everything suggests this as dance in all its forms is present, even omnipresent, in this area. It is no coincidence that the Paris National Opera Academy chose Guyana among all the other overseas territories to launch its program intended to showcase its lyrical and choreographic heritage. Thus, from November 12 to 22, 2024, a series of performances, public rehearsals and workshops devoted to classical and contemporary dance took place in several cities in Guyana as part of the 5th edition of the program « opera in Guyana “. This is also evidenced by the silver medal obtained by the Guyanese dancer Dany Dann, whose real name is Danis Civil, at the last Olympic Games in Paris 2024 in the Break-dance discipline.
A springboard for contemporary creation and hip-hop
A craze for dance in Guyana which benefits the Touka Danses, labeled National Choreographic Development Center, present throughout the territory which, for more than twenty years, has been carrying out actions to raise awareness and develop knowledge in choreographic arts in Guyana and to promote the influence of contemporary choreographic creation and Guyanese cultural specificity.
Actions which have enabled the emergence and professionalization of Guyanese dancers who can now regularly confront other dancers from overseas and the Amazon, and meet international choreographers. To further these missions, Touka Danses has created several events around contemporary dance, including the “ Métis Dances », which has become over time a showcase and an essential springboard for contemporary creation and hip-hop, promoting the multi-culturality of the Amazon basin and the Caribbean. A creation which also draws on external contributions thanks to international meetings organized as part of the festival “ Métis Dances ».
The presence of local and international dancers in several cities
This year marks the 20th festival edition “Métis Dances “. A twentieth anniversary which will have a special character with several contemporary dance and hip hop performances on the program. Local and international dancers from countries such as Brazil or other overseas territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion) will be present in several municipalities in Guyana, notably in Cayenne, Matoury, Remire-Montjoly, Kourou, Saint-Laurent-du- Maroni, Maripasoula and others to offer shows, battles, conferences, dance workshops and a variety of activities for the general public. Finally, three exceptional evenings will take place at the EPCC des Trois Fleuves and at l’Encre à Cayenne.
In short, for ten days, the Touka Danses – Danses Métisses 2024 festival offers a new immersion in the multicultural heritage of the region. An eclectic journey through rhythms and movements, its unique choreographic expressions which help shape the cultural identity of Guyana.
E.B.
Touka Dances – Métis Dances
From November 21 to December 1, 2024
Information and program: www.toukadanses-cde-guyane.com
Tel: 05 94 28 27 03 or 06 94 38 11 11.
