Wed. & Fri., 6:30-8:00 p.m. (Beginner)
Sat., 12:30-2 p.m. (All Levels)
Class Description
A cultural experience, form of therapy, social gathering, and “exercise.” By relating the dance to exercise, it welcomes anyone who is inspired to move their body to the beat of live drums.
Instructor: Biboti Ouikahilo
By Andrew Hida, 2011
Biboti Ouikahilo was born in the Sinfra Progouri West region of the Ivory Coast, West Africa. In December of 1980, Biboti began his professional dance, drum and choreography career with the prominent Ivory Coast National Company of the Dance & Drum.
In 1997, after spending 17 years with the National Company of the Dance & Drum, Biboti came to the United States and paired up with other artists to create Africa Azolou, a celebratory show of Africa, Brazil and the United States. The success of the company brought the show to Ohio, Chicago and New York City.
New York City became the homeland for his West African teaching styles and techniques. Biboti taught for 6 years in NYC performing, teaching classes at the renowned Djoniba Dance and Drum Center, He worked with young children at Ifetayo Cultural Arts, in Brooklyn, NY.
In July, 2003, Biboti moved to Syracuse, NY, where he currently shares his artistic talents with the Central New York community, k-12, colleges and universities through workshops, classes, performances and lecture/demonstrations. In 1994, Biboti founded Wacheva Cultural Arts in Ivory Coast; in 2004, he revived the organization in Syracuse; and in 2008, Wacheva became incorporated and received a not-for-profit status. In September 2009, Biboti and Wacheva opened “One Village Dance Centre: The place for dance and drum in Central New York.”
Biboti’s intention is to share his love, passion and joy for West African dance and drum with the CNY community, uniting and celebrating the diversity of the world’s cultures. Read full bio
