Kenyan-American Choreographer Blends East African & French Dance

In Lyon, France, Kenyan-American choreographer Wanjiru Kamuyu led around 60 dancers in a performance of “Shangwe, le bal”, a project celebrating East African heritage. Kamuyu, born in Kenya to Kenyan and African-American parents, has lived in France for 19 years and sought to integrate her background into her work.

The performance is a collaboration with choreographers from Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania, blending Kiswahili and French language and movement. Kamuyu actively includes the audience, teaching them words in Kiswahili and encouraging participation.

Notably, the performance also incorporates French sign language with the inclusion of two deaf dancers, furthering its multicultural and multilingual approach. “Shangwe, le bal” aims to offer both performers and audience members a journey of cultural discovery rooted in East Africa.