Gansango Music & Dance draws on the stunning talent of a multicultural group of international dancers and musicians presenting traditional and contemporary dance and music from West Africa.

The company is directed by Etienne Cakpo, originally from Benin and now a teacher and choreographer based in Seattle, Washington. Gansango company collaborating artists perform regularly in the Seattle area, nationally and internationally.

Gansango features traditional dance from Benin, including Vodoun ritualistic dances, regional social ceremony dances, such as the Chenkoumé dance from Savalou, and royal historical dances such as the Zehli dance from the late 1800's.

Live kora (21-string harp), djembe (drum) and percussion accompany modern dance arrangements based on traditional movement and rhythms while costumes from West Africa provide color and cultural context for the dance.

Gansango Music & Dance is available for performances and instruction