Study Dancing and Drumming in
Guinea, West Africa with Mandjou
Mara and Friends

Spend 2-3 weeks soaking up Guinean culture!

Study traditional djembe music and dance with professional dancers
and drummers.

Eat delicious, homemade Guinean food.

See Guinea’s beautiful natural wonders including waterfalls, beaches and islands.

Experience traditional and contemporary dance parties.

Escape the cold winter.

Enjoy the sun as you take your dancing and drumming to the next
level.

 Airfare is not included.

Contact us for registration information!

Students will generally have two classes of drum instruction and two classes of dance instruction per day, except when traveling. Students will also have rehearsals with Mandjou's group in Guinea in preparation for a performance at the end of the trip.

Private classes are available by request, for an additional fee.

Sample Meal Information

Breakfast: eggs, bread, fresh fruit, yeh foureh (similar to oatmeal, but made with rice), fresh peanut butter, coffee

Lunch: rice and sauce (consieh (peanut butter), yeh tinseh (tomato), woureh or tadeh bourehreh (greens), marahoulanyi (eggplant)...) These usually include fish.

Dinner: salad, fried fish, meat and potatoes, potato salad

Let us know your dietary needs.

 "Mandjou has a crew of genuine and friendly musicians and dancers, great cooks, in-house tailors, and many other fine folks that made my time in Conakry eventful and fun.  Mandjou is very connected in Conakry - he sings and plays in many different niches, giving us a view of the full spectrum of music in Guinea.  I can't imagine a more musical experience in Africa.  Classes were challenging and fun, and the teachers were full of encouragement towards us.  My favorite part was the sense of community and friendship in Mandjou's crew.  I can't wait to go back!" 

--John Doing, Percussionist, Educator, Composer

One of the excursions.  This one was to the island of Roume.

 Drum class - students could learn djembe and/or traditional duns

Dance class

Bamba, tailor, drummer, dancer, balafonist, and his apprentices making unique, not to mention swank clothing, just for you.

Use your dance skills at doundounbas and sabars.

Guinea has many beautiful natural areas.

This is La Voile de la Marie, a waterfall near Kindia.

Learn to play traditional dunduns which include playing the bell, in addition to djembe classes.

Additional classes can be arranged for other instruments. Ansu asks, "Why not?"

Woureh bourehreh- sauce made of sweet potato leaves, tomatoes, palm oil and fish.

 Purified water comes in bags.  Drink no other.  No joke.