MEDIA CONTACT: Deborah Dowd 585.273.5150 or Helene Snihur hsnihur@rochester.edu
585.275.7800

March 24, 2006

Screening of Landouma Fare, a documentary about the dances of the Landouma people of Guinea

TIME, DATE, AND PLACE: 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in the Spurrier Dance Studio on the University of Rochester's River Campus

ADMISSION: Tickets are $7 for the general public, $5 for students, and are on sale at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the University's River Campus.

Youssouf Koumbassa, a former principal dancer with Ballet Kjoliba, the national ballet company of Guinea, will present a documentary about his personal journey back to his father's village to learn more about the dances of his father's people, the Landouma. The documentary raises questions about why the dances and music of the Laudouma are not included in the repertoire of the national company and how different ethnic groups adapt each other's dances and music.

In addition to presenting the documentary, Koumbassa will discuss his experiences touring with Guinea's national ballet company, which he has since left. He currently lives in New York City and has become a highly sought after teacher of African dance in the United States and internationally. The presentation is sponsored by the Program of Movement and Dance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact (585) 273-5150.

About the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

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