Part-Time Lecturer
Contact Information
Biography
Manimou Camara's strength as a dynamic performing artist and teacher lies in his strong roots with some of Guinea, West Africa's most beloved performing groups; Ballet Merveille and Ballet Saamato (www.saamato.com). His primary percussion education was spent with Sekou Dico Sylla, Karamoko Daman (Karamo Dama, sangban recording artist for Mamady Keita), nationally recognized Ballet Saamato, and as lead Dundun player for Kemoko Sano's world reknowned Ballet Merveille. He began dancing as a young child at traditional Guerze ceremonies and then later at Malinke style Dundunba's in Conakry, Guinea's Capitol. In Seattle Manimou directs his own dance and percussion group Manimou Camara and Denbaya, he works with Spectrum Dance Theater as an Artist in Residence at Seattle public schools, as lead Djembe player for traditional music group Message from Guinea, and he teaches workshops at schools and universities throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah and California. He also teaches weekly drum and dance classes throughout the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Manimou lives to share his passion for dance, rhythms and life.