Côte d’Ivoire | 2022 | Dance

Dancing to open possibilities

In Côte d’Ivoire, where access to art and culture is reserved for an elite, Choreographer Jacques-Laurent Madiba introduces vocational high school students and young people in reintegration programs to dance and choreographic writing.

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Dancing to open possibilities

A difficult access to art and culture

In Côte d’Ivoire where nearly 80% of the population is under 35, economic growth has led to a population boom in cities. The poorest face numerous structural problems: mass unemployment, difficulties in accessing healthcare or education… Public policies focus on providing these essential services or developing the job market. Arts and culture are neglected by public action and remain reserved for an elite.

Artist
Jacques-Laurent Madiba
Partners
JLM Académie
Participants
115 Young People, Residents Of Abidjan And Bouaké
Agency
AFD Côte d’Ivoire

Dancing to emancipate oneself

80%

of the population is under 35 years old

15

vocational high school students trained in choreography

100

reintegrating students introduced to dance

Jacques-Laurent Madiba, Choreographer and Dance Teacher, wants to change this trend. With Metis, he offers dance training to 15 vocational high school students from the Abidjan area, selected from 90 candidates for their artistic sense and motivation.

Over three Months, these young aspiring dancers participate in two dance workshops per week – Afro Dance, Coupé Décalé, and Afro Jazz. Progressively, the educational workshops become creative sessions, and together, they create a choreography. The piece is publicly presented at the French Embassy.

To spread this dynamic of access to artistic practice for all, three dance initiation sessions are held with 100 students in two reintegration structures, the Juvenile Observation Center and the National Civic Service Office in Bouaké.

The management of these two establishments, noting the positive impact of dance on the young participants, has integrated it into their training programs and encourages the most motivated to apply to the National Institute of Arts and Cultural Action (INSAAC). The initiative will undoubtedly have inspired vocations.

Jacques-Laurent Madiba

“Understanding how this bodily language can strengthen bonds. Dancing to discover oneself, dancing together, dancing for a common goal.”

Jacques-Laurent Madiba

Alexia Buzieux, cultural and creative industries officer, AFD

“This project sparked strong emotions: the joy of the children after the performance, their pride and that of their relatives!”

Alexia Buzieux, cultural and creative industries officer, AFD

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