KEKENE XIX WEEKEND | 19th Annual Ivorian Cultural Celebration Showcase

Kotchegna Dance Company presents KEKENE XIX WEEKEND, the annual 2-day celebration amplifying the performance traditions of Ivory Coast. The Gathering Returns with KEKENE XIX WEEKEND, the 19th Annual celebration highlighting the performance traditions and cultural contributions of Ivory Coast. We launch into our weekend-long festivities with the Kekene XIX Cultural Celebration Showcase on Saturday, October 24 at 7pm in historic Harlem, New York. Featuring Kotchegna Dance Company, the Kekene XIX showcase will immerse audiences in the driving percussive rhythms and signature footwork of Ivorian dance and drum. Clapping, singing and even dancing along are welcome! About Kotchegna Dance Company Founded in 1989, Kotchegna Dance Company (KDC) is a multi-ethnic dance corps based in New York City specializing in the dance and drum traditions of Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa. Meaning Messenger in Mahou, a dialect of the Ivory Coast and the native language of the company director, Vado Diomande, Kotchegna seeks to impart the village traditions of over 60 different ethnic groups comprising the country through performance and teaching. Featuring dances and rhythms choreographed and arranged by Vado, formerly a principal dancer with the Ballet National de Cote D'Ivoire, the rich diversity of West African culture and Ivory Coast are amplified and available to all. KEKENE XIX WEEKEND is made possible by the generous support of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and NYC Cultural Affairs.