THE SMALL DANCERS OF ISSIA

Kind : Patrimonial dance

Prize list : MASA, Turned in China, in Switzerland and in Japan

Date of creation : 01/01/1996

They are very young, but no shortage of talent. From the dense forest and 370 km from Abidjan, small Issia dancers have won the heart of thousands of people to market the arts and entertainment Africain (Masa). Their performance was so marked that the minds of many buyers performances were hustled to their door for a future international representation. Market arts and entertainment Africain (Masa) 2003 will remain etched in the memory of many spectators came to follow everything that Africa is full of cultural riches. The spectacle of young dancers Issia left so far the strongest impression. They are called toddlers because the older was only 15 years in the group of 15 people (including three singers and four musicians). They did better than their elders. ILST exude maturity and admired. Voices like that of nightingales, drummers fingered magic of talented dancers mastered to perfection the didissabré, a dance full-Bete country. At their entrance on stage, singers and musicians create a sort of spoken dialogue to enable the dancers onstage. Beautiful. The beauty of the gesture earned them a thunderous applause from an enthralled public. Then the master of ceremony between stage and invites young people to produce. On a devilish look gourd with tom-toms, the boys begin to move. One by one, they revisit the whole heritage in dance didissabré Bete. It reminds us breakdancing (hip-hop). The smallest group is attracting the most attention. He was nicknamed "the star Issia. The camera flashes crackle. His movements on stage makes the show more lively and attractive. The demonstration of the group is amazing. So much so that it enabled them to establish contacts with several buyers of shows from various backgrounds. A group that made its way: Issia The group is currently made its merry way. Founded in 1966, the troupe has trained several dancers from the region. "It's almost become a school here, we derive our inspiration for songs and dances of the village. At night, people sing and dance with gourds fitted with beads," explains Raphael Tape, president of the company . He said: "The aim is to train only youth whose ages range between 7 and 15 years." Once reached this age, the person must leave the group to give way to younger. To integrate the company, it must first pass a test conducted in the village. "The selection process is rigorous only for the talented are chosen. " To John Philip Niango, band manager and adviser for cultural action training, the troupe has almost acquired acclaim both nationally and internationally. Small Issia dancers have participated in almost all the national holidays of the country. Even better, they get the 3rd prize of FESNAC (National Festival of Arts and Culture) in 1997 and second prize in 1998. On the international scene, they were flown to various destinations: Senegal, France, USA, Holland, Switzerland, China ... The glorious march of young dancers Issia not stop there because already on their agenda, they are given appointments with buyers of several shows in Brazil, France and Canada.