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Etienne Cakpo
Primary Discipline: Dance Areas of Specialty: Performance and instruction of contemporary and traditional African dance
Based in: Seattle
Biography: Etienne Cakpo is a professional dancer, choreographer and musician from Benin, West Africa. He has been teaching and performing traditional African dance from Benin, and contemporary African dance for over twenty years. Since moving to Seattle in 2000, Cakpo has contributed regularly to the cultural arts, and performed in solo events and group shows. His dance company, Gansango Music & Dance, works closely with public libraries, schools and independent arts agencies locally and nationally to offer performances of dance and music to a wide range of audiences, including young children. Cakpo particularly enjoys collaborating with multi-cultural dance groups and educating people of all ages and backgrounds about African culture.
When asked about his approach as a Teaching Artist, Mr. Cakpo wrote this: "Since I moved to Seattle in 2000, I have worked with many schools, libraries, studios and other centers to teach African dance. Most often I work with children and young adults in the schools. For the past three years, under a grant from CityArtists, I have also worked with NW Folklife and the Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center (SBOC). I try first to capture the students' interests and to overcome their shyness with drumming or dancing. Some are initially scared, but most have a lot of fun and don’t want to quit. It is very important to me to see children learning about Africa. I offer them the opportunity to ask me questions about life there. It is also important for young boys to see a man dance with grace, strength and confidence. I want them to believe that they are all beautiful and that they can move and express happiness through dance."
Suitable for Grades: K-12 Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Other Arts Disciplines
Additional Interests/Experience:
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