2023 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / Layepro / CAMARA, Mouhamed
On the evening of October 31, 2023, during the opening ceremony of the Dakar en Jeux Festival at the Monument de la Renaissance, the public had the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of traditional dances and outfits from the 14 regions of Senegal. A dazzling visual spectacle was offered to all.
Artists from all regions of Senegal came together to set the stage of the Monument de la Renaissance on fire, and the result was more than successful. Traditional dance troupes from the regions of Louga, Matam, Kédougou, and many others, highlighted the beauty of their choreographies. Their colorful costumes intoxicated the audience during this second edition of the Dakar en Jeux Festival.
Just above the majestic stairs of the Renaissance monument, Fatou Mbodj, a choreographer, was preparing to go on stage with her troupe "Warango Pinal" (waves in Fulani). Just thinking about this young woman dressed in a large colorful boubou and golden necklaces, one could feel her excitement. She confided, "Nothing too serious, rest assured, it's excitement. I can't wait to go on stage!" Her impatience was palpable and was reflected in her gestures. Fatou Mbodj's troupe specializes in Al Pulaar dances, such as the "Wolele" and the "Wongo."
2023 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / Layepro / CAMARA, Mouhamed
Also present at the festival, the Diourbel region stood out with its dancers dressed in black and white, wearing large black necklaces around their necks. “We are wearing Baye Fall outfits,” said Fallou Ndiaye, a member of the Diourbel dance troupe. He informed us that his troupe had distinguished itself many times in national dance competitions, winning numerous prizes at FESNAC (National Festival of Arts and Culture).
2023 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / Layepro / CAMARA, Mouhamed
The Ziguinchor region was also proudly represented by its dancers, dressed in outfits decorated with cowrie shells. They were preparing to perform the "lindieng" and the "diambo," two typical dances from the Ziguinchor region, usually performed at important events, such as weddings. Abdoulaye Diassi and Bernadette Diambang, two members of the troupe, told us about their success as the best dance troupe at FESNAC last year.
2023 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / Layepro / CAMARA, Mouhamed
Among the diversity of dancers present at the festival, the Dakar region also had its say. The Dakar troupe proposed to introduce the dance of the Lebous, the name of the former inhabitants of the Ouakam district, near the Monument de la Renaissance. "We want to pay tribute to the Lebou culture," explained Aya Badji, the choreographer of the Dakar troupe.
2023 / International Olympic Committee (IOC) / Layepro / CAMARA, Mouhamed
This opening ceremony would not have been possible without the hard work of Gacirah Diagne, dancer, choreographer, and cultural promoter in Senegal, as well as the person in charge of the opening ceremony of Dakar en Jeux. "We collaborated with different artists, troupes, dancers from urban cultures, DJs, and a traditional singer to accompany the evening. Through them, I wanted to highlight the richness of Senegal's cultural and artistic expressions. We moved from tradition to modernity, by including youth."
Choosing the opening ceremony at the Renaissance Monument was a logical choice for Gacirah Diagne. She emphasized, “This majestic statue, with the mother, the father, and the child pointing to the future, symbolizes the future of Senegal, marked by the development and unity of an entire country heading towards the unknown. A future that will see the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which we are currently preparing and which will bring together the youth of the entire world.”
All the dancers and choreographers united their talents to celebrate Senegalese culture, enthusiastically descending the steps of the monument, in order to highlight the cultural diversity of Senegal, to the great delight of lovers of this rich and fascinating culture.
