The Essence of Dance
by Greta-Marie Becker
2025 || 1h29 || Free Entry

In partnership with Bigger Motion, a Pan-African sales, distribution, and impact company championing bold, socially-driven films from Africa and the African diaspora.

The documentary traces the journey of Germaine Acogny, the ‘mother of African contemporary dance’, one of Africa’s most influential artists. A pioneer in blending traditional West African dance with European influences, she has shaped contemporary dance worldwide. With over 50 years of performing and teaching, the 80-year-old dance icon received the Golden Lion for Dance at the 2021 Venice Dance Festival for her lifetime achievements. Many African dancers will have attended, or aspire to attend her dance school, Ecole des Sables, in Senegal.

A portrait of the ‘mother of contemporary African dance’. With more than 50 years of career on the international stage and teaching young dancers in Senegal and around the world, Germaine Acogny, now 80 years old, has become an iconic figure across an entire continent.

The screening will be followed by Q&A with Germaine Acogny.

Trailer