Lamine Thiam
Lamine Thiam, born in Senegal in 1972, is a world-renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher, drummer, and actor who specializes in cultivating West African Dance and maintaining his traditional homeland dance forms. His specializations are in dance art forms Sabar, Djembe, and Bourgarabou.[1]
Early Childhood[edit]
Lamine Thiam grew up in Dakar and lived a happy childhood that instilled in him “peace, love, and togetherness.”[1] Thiam lived happily between his mother’s and father’s houses with his many brothers and sisters. As a young child, Thiam loved creatively assembling instruments to bring dancing, singing, and music to life. From a young age, Lamine Thiam was recognized for his natural talent for dancing and his family and friends of the neighborhood would frequently call attention to his ability. He did not find much excitement in school, but rather in entertaining others and being outdoors. Family cultural traditions introduced him to many styles and ways of dancing, singing, and drumming, such as Sabar rhythms. From baptisms to weddings, the neighborhood would gather together at the home; there were no rules or regulations at the gatherings, just joy, art, and dance. [1]
Training[edit]
One of Lamine Thiam’s older brothers was a tremendous inspiration to the beginnings of Thiam’s training. His brother was a professional dancer, who died at the age of 25. His brother’s encouragement supported and pushed Lamine Thiam to begin training at the Manhattan Dance School at the age of 15. He had teachers from all over the world such as America, Europe, and Africa. He was taught dance forms such as Modern, Jazz, Ballet, African, and Contemporary.[1] He was very driven and focused on his training. Lamine Thiam would have over five hours of rehearsal during each day of the week, following his regular day of school. This training allowed him to become a professional dancer in Senegal and to begin his travels around the world teaching, sharing, and training. At the age of eighteen was his first professional distinction. Already being involved with multiple dance companies prior to the age of 18, the companies saw his drive and hunger for dance and rewarded him with the ability to perform with the company officially. Overall, Lamine Thiam left an impressive streak behind him for his work ethic, drive, passion, and skill. His work ethic was often set as an example by teachers to his peers. Thiam found himself a part of many dance companies. Seeing himself as a learner and student, he was focused on researching, growing, and learning as an artist. Though dance companies often prefer the individual member to belong to their group only. [1] Lamine Thiam fought against this so that he would be able to train with a multitude of companies. He felt that he did not just fit into one group or company. [1]
Choreography and Teaching[edit]
Lamine Thiam came to America in 1993. His mission is to share his love for humans and life.[1] He strongly believes African dance is healing for the psyche and healing for the world. “African dance is love.” [1] He now travels all over the world for dance including New York, San Diego, Mexico, and Africa. He believes as a dancer, one can live anywhere as the body is always moving. His teachings cherish hard workers, energetic movers, and passionate learners. [1] Lamine Thiam’s work is athletic, vigorous, and all-embracing. Like many forms of African dance, there is an aesthetic of cool meaning the act that combines soul, power, energy, and clarity. Thiam’s movement is unique to his culture; the specific movement can be described as asymmetric, indirect approaches, and free. [2] In 1994, he created his company, Bursar African Dance and Drum. He invited a multitude of people to come to see his choreography and ultimately share his work. [1] Lamine Thiam creates based on his feelings. Feeling, charisma, and expressions of African dance cannot be bound by western lens and language. Language cannot fully capture the full essence of African dance. Lamine Thiam uses his movement and feelings to describe his dance. [3] He loves storytelling and sharing his narratives. He has taught dancers from all over the world and from all walks of life. Lamine Thiam brings his local practices internationally. There is an emphasis seen in the world as information is more at our fingertips with technology. There is an important part of the dance in regional tourism and teaching the form globally.[4] He wishes for every human being to feel well and healthy. He gives his part to this wish by teaching African dance. [1]
Career[edit]
Lamine Thiam has held a feature role in the movie Amistad. He was originally hired as an extra, but soon became a principle for his work ethic and charisma. Simultaneously, Lamine Thiam was directing and working with his company in New York City. Lamine has performed in multiple major performances from Europe to The United States.[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Digital Collections, The New York Public Library. "(moving image) Interview with Lamine Thiam, (2013)". The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
- ↑ Gottschild, Breada D. (2001). "Stripping the Emperor: The Africanist Presence in American Concert Dance". African Roots/American Cultures: Africa in the Creation of the Americas. pp. 89–103.
- ↑ Myers, Josh (2012). "On Aesthetic Reasoning in Africana Studies". livefromplanetearth.org. The Last Generation of Black People. NewYork: The Liberator Magazine. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ↑ Daniel, Yvonne (2011). Caribbean and Atlantic Diaspora Dance: Igniting Citizenship. Illinois: Urbana, Ill. : University of Illinois Press, c2011. p. 1-24. ISBN 9780252093579. Retrieved 10 October 2020. Search this book on
- New York Library - Digital Collections
- Stripping the Emperor: The Africanist Presence in American Concert Dance - article
- On Aesthetic Reasoning in Africana Studies - website
- Caribbean and Atlantic Diaspora Dance: Igniting Citizenship - book
LAMINE THIAM[edit]
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