ecole des sables , the school in the sand , is what germaine describes as her greatest achievement. hailed as the mother of african contemporary dance, her training academy in senegal attracts a new generation of dancers from all over africa and the world, keen to master her unique technique a combination of traditional african dance styles and contemporary movement. i have always wanted to have dance recognised as a real profession, something people can make a living from, so it was necessary to have a place where people could come and learn thatjob, just like you go to university to learn other professions. dance allows us to share our ideas and feelings with other people without having to know their language. she is an amazing artist. her work is challenging.
germaine acogny marks her debut at the venice biennale dance with a stirring performance of somewhere at the beginning , a dynamic piece of self expression inspired by the continent and her own personal history. at 77 years old, the senegalese french performer and teacher is one of the star attractions at this prestigious international festival and was recently awarded its highest honour. translation: it is something | like a ray of light in the dark sky after the covid 19 epidemic and in the autumn of my life, this is the crowning and a recognition of the work i have been doing all my life. after being acknowledged by african countries, i now have global recognition, which is extraordinary for myself, my career, for my work. ecole des sables , the school in the sand ,