Intercultural Dialogue through Dance – A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity

In January and February 2025, the dance workshops, in collaboration with the Centre de Développement Chorégraphique (CDC) La Termitière as part of this year’s Artist-in-Residence program, focused on the theme of “intercultural dialogue.” Under the motto “The Connection to Others,” the workshops centered around encountering foreign cultures and collectively exploring dance traditions from different regions.

“Who is the other? This question is at the heart of our workshop,” explains workshop leader Moussa Samaké. “We want to show that cultural diversity is not a barrier but an enrichment.” The participants, mostly young internally displaced individuals, were introduced to traditional dances from various regions of Burkina Faso and West Africa. At the same time, urban dance styles such as Hip-Hop and Krump were introduced to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

A key aspect was the connection between historical dance forms and contemporary expressions. “Dance is a universal means of communication,” says Tamar Ouédraogo. “It connects people across language and cultural boundaries.” In the workshops, a variety of choreographies emerged that combined both traditional and modern elements. The workshops not only promoted intercultural exchange but also strengthened the unity within the group. The young participants learned to accept each other’s differences and view them as an opportunity for collective growth. “It was fascinating to watch how the participants opened up and expressed themselves through dance,” reports Sanou Hamidou. Through this intercultural exploration, the participants created a repertoire of dances that celebrated Africa’s cultural diversity while also fostering dialogue between the past and the present.

This year’s Artist-in-Residence program is supported by: