Germaine Acogny

Germaine Acogny is not only the “mother of contemporary African dance,” but also one of Africa’s most important artistic voices. Rooted in traditional West African dances and drawing on European dance forms, she developed her very own Acogny technique. More than 50 years on international stages and her work as a mentor to young dancers in Senegal and around the world have made the 81-year-old artist a dance icon for an entire continent. In 2021, this extraordinary dancer, choreographer, and teacher was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Dance Biennale.