The Company Forè-Foté School of Drum & Dance is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional instruction in the music, dance, and culture of Guinea, West Africa. In spite of all its popularity, the music and dance of the djembe ensemble continues to be one of the least understood and most mis-represented musical forms throughout the world and especially in the United States. To help educate a growing populous, dispel common misconceptions about the music and instruments origins', and to help preserve the traditional music of Guinea's indigenous cultures, Forè-Foté conducts hundreds of workshops and lecture demonstrations throughout the world each year. From elementary school children to University music students, Community Centers to Corporations, Forè-Foté offers beginning through advanced professional level instruction in Djembe, Sangban, Kenkeni, Doundoumba and Dance. Expert teachers are dedicated to providing not only the finest technical instruction, but in-depth, accurate histories of the rhythms and dances and their cultural origins, traditional uses and applications. All instructors are certified by M. Lamine "Dibo" Camara and the Company Forè-Foté School of Drum and Dance and are well versed in not only the music of Dibo's shared ethnicities, but those of the surrounding primary djembe playing ethnic groups in Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast.
The Forè-Foté Schools offer a variety of classes throughout the year to meet the the public's need. Drum and dance classes on offered throughout the year at our two full time schools of drum and dance in Los Angeles, CA and Ashland, OR. M. Lamine "Dibo" Camara and members of Forè-Foté conduct special Masters Series workshops & retreats throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, often with guest artists from Guinea, while School and University programs are usually scheduled to accompany Forè-Foté performances in various locations. The highlight of each year for Forè-Foté School of Drum & Dance students is the annual Guinea Workshop. Located on the beautiful tropical island of Roume, (a 1hr boat ride from the capital city of Conakry), it is the longest running organized camp in Guinea for international students of percussion and dance. Providing two- to four-week residencies in Guinea's dry season (December through March) the camp offers students the unique opportunity to live and participate in a real Susu village while studying up to eight hours per day with premier instructors chosen from Guinea's National Ballets.
If you have not experienced a Forè-Foté event or just need more, it's easy to book a performance, workshop, or School/University program by clicking on the link on the left and filling out the event form. Also, be sure to check the Calendar regularly for up-to-date listings, times, and locations of all Forè-Foté events.