Tamara Thomas

Tamara will travel to Guinea with Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble and study with master drummers, traditional dancers, and a Guinea-based hip-hop group. During the two-week stay, she will apprentice with master M'bemba Bangoura as she learns the tale of Madi Sado. This intensive dance and music study will take place primarily in Conakry, with a weekend trip to Bangoura's village. She will also spend time with the internationally acclaimed hip-hop group Methodik. Upon returning to Philadelphia, Tamara will teach four workshops hosted by the children's component of the Kulu Mele African Dance Ensemble. These workshops will be open to the general public.