About the Artist

An accomplished dancer and drummer, Anssumane began his performing career at the age of 11 in his native Guinea Bissau. He danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau and was a member of contemporary dance troupe Africa Estranha. Anssumane has performed for ambassadors, presidents, and other internationals. His talent has led him to Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, South Africa, Libya, as well as all over the U.S. and Europe. While working with African Estanha, Anssumane created performance pieces that address strife and suffering (including abuse of power and inequitable access to clear water and other vital resources) in Guinea Bissau, which has been torn apart by coups and political violence for decades. Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2008, Anssumane has toured numerous states, performing as a dancer and drummer with the Voices of Africa Drum Ensemble. He has been a featured artist for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council’s “Humanities on the Road” initiative, choreographer for the Kùlú Mèlé African Dance Ensemble, recipient of “Best in Philly” Dance Class, and a two-time awardee of the Folk Art PA grant. Anssumane choreographed the showcase production for ArtWell’s Gala 2015 where Director Spike Lee and Poet Laureate Sonia Sanchez were in attendance. He was a member of the 2015 Barrymore recommended play, Black Nativity by Langston Hughes, at Theater Horizon. In addition to teaching traditional and contemporary dance styles from Guinea Bissau, he teaches a range of other West African dance styles in studios and schools in various Philadelphia neighborhoods.

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This event is appropriate for all ages

Audience Interaction

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn