Workshop: Olivier's workshops introduce students to the dance, music and culture of West African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal. A master drummer and dancer, Mr. Tarpaga includes live music in all his workshops, helping students understand the critical relationship between dance and music in traditional West African society. Students learn to recognize drum patterns and demonstrate the accompanying West African dances as they increase their understanding of key dance elements such as rhythm, focus and teamwork. They also discuss the importance of dance in the daily lives of West African people, learn to identify and name the music and dance of different West African ethnic groups, learn several West African language greetings, and make connections between the dance workshops and individual experiences.

Olivier Tarpaga is a choreographer, dancer, and djembe drummer originally from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. From 1994-2001 he trained with Salia Sanou of Companie Salia Ni Seydou. From 1997-2001 he toured Africa, Europe, and America as a professional dancer with the Bourgeon du Burkina. From 1999-2002 he toured internationally as a Djembe drummer and Storyteller with Amadou Kienou's Ensemble Foteban. In 2000 Tarpaga co-founded Compagnie T, which was selected as a finalist at the fifth choreographic encounters of Africa and Indian Ocean in Madagascar. In 2002 he moved to the USA where he co-founded BAKER & TARPAGA DANCE PROJECT (www.btdanceproject.com). He has performed and taught dance and drumming throughout the USA, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, France, Germany, England, Wales, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Canada, French Guyana, Israel, South Africa, Botswana, Burkina Faso and Mali. He teaches African Dance in the Department of World Arts and Cultures UCLA, and in the Fullerton and Los Angeles School Districts. He is in the dance company of David Rousseve/REALITY.

Price:
$75 per 45-minute workshop, plus possible planning fee. Minimum four workshops per day must be scheduled.

Age Group: All ages
Capacity: 1 Classroom (maximum of 35 students, plus regular teacher)
Availability: Year Round

Teacher In-Service Price: $100/hour (2-hour minimum required), plus additional planning fee.
Capacity: 40 Educators

To design an arts education program with this artist, please call (213) 250-ARTS or email education@musiccenter.org.

Prices are for services between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.