“We feel a duty to contribute to the development of the society in which we live, the place we come from… Bolomakoté, the artists’ neighborhood, the cradle of traditional balafon music—culture is our identity, our soul, our life, our light, our history, and our pride. Anyone who comes from Bolomakoté—like Dramane Ouattara, who has lived there since he was a child—grows up to the sounds of balafons playing soothing, harmonious melodies, accompanied by dance steps at traditional ceremonies and cabarets. Dramane has had a deep love affair with dance since he was young; as a teacher of traditional Mandinka dances, his style is characterized by movements that blend various influences yet remain firmly rooted in traditional Mandinka dance. His specialty is the Balafon dances of Bolomakoté, his hometown—traditional dances typical of the Bolomakoté neighborhood in Bobo-Dioulasso, the cultural capital of Burkina Faso. His deep connection to music has also allowed him to develop a strong musical foundation. A dancer brimming with energy and dynamism, Dramane dances and shares his knowledge with love and passion. Come experience the warmth of his dances, the depth of his movements, and let the magic of Mandinka traditions sweep you away.”