Excitement is building in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, as the renowned West African drum and dance master, Fara Tolno, embarks on a week-long residency starting this Sunday, August 10. In collaboration with Steamboat Dance Theatre, Steamboat Creates, the Bud Werner Library, and the Steamboat African Dance & Drum Ensemble, this residency promises a vibrant immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of West Africa.
Kicking off the festivities, Tolno will grace the stage at the base of the picturesque Steamboat Ski Area, where attendees can experience an exhilarating evening of traditional rhythms and captivating dance. This introductory performance sets the tone for an engaging week filled with community-oriented programs that celebrate West African culture.
From Monday, August 11, through Thursday, August 14, Tolno will host a Youth Cultural Arts Camp at the Arts Depot designed for children aged 7 to 12. This unique camp will provide participants with the chance to explore the powerful connection between music and movement, with all drums and instruments provided. Additionally, Steamboat Dance Theatre is offering scholarships to ensure that as many kids as possible can join in on this exceptional opportunity.
For the older crowd, Tolno will conduct evening dance and drum intensives aimed at teens and adults. These sessions—scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Depot—will not only teach foundational African dance as part of the upcoming 2026 African Dance choreographic production but also dive deep into the traditional drumming styles and rhythms of Guinea, West Africa.
Young ones will also have two delightful free opportunities to engage with Tolno at the Bud Werner Library. On Tuesday, August 12, “Music and Movement with Fara Tolno” will be held in the library’s Storytime Room at 9:30 a.m. Later in the week, families are invited to “Stories in the Garden with Fara Tolno” at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15, set in the serene ambiance of the Yampa River Botanic Park.
The residency culminates with a donation-based community performance on the evening of Friday, August 15, at the Depot, featuring Tolno alongside local artists. This event not only allows participants to showcase their newfound skills, but also supports the nonprofit Kissidugu Foundation, which works to uplift communities through education and cultural preservation.
Curious to join the festivities? More details and registration links for the Youth Cultural Arts Camp and the evening dance and drum intensives can be found on the Kissidugu Foundation’s website. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of West Africa right here in Colorado!
Stay tuned for updates, and join us as we celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the African continent!
Tags: #WorldNews #Tourism #Arts #Culture #Dance #Music
