Webmaster: Cris Mendoza-Howell

Central  Valley  Dance  Festival

Central Valley Dance Presents

Last Updated:May 17, 2008

 

 

Afrikatitudes

Who I am:

Yao graduated from the School of Dance and Cultural Exchange (EDEC), in Abidjan. Mentored by the pioneer of African choreography Rose Marie Guiraud, he learned many tribal dances of his native country, study performing and administrative art.

Yao performed with the Guirivoires dance company around the world and where he taught his African heritage. He was awarded a grant as fellow exchange student by the United States Information Agency and The Madame Walker Theater in Indianapolis, IN.

 

He worked with the Dayton Comp temporary dance company in Dayton, OH. and several other dance companies and choreographers in Africa, Germany and New York.
Through his cultural sharing, Yao teaches techniques movement that are outside the mainstream, how dance impacts his culture, the role and function of dance in the social setting of his ethnic group. Yao’s dance encompass both non traditional and classical traditional dance. His teaching activities may have special appeal to the grade that studies Africa as a part of their social studies core. He delivers vibrant moves blended with grace and happiness. He recently lectured at the University of Santa Clara, Ca about “The impact of colonialism on traditional Ivorian dances”.

Yao is currently teaches African Dance at the California Arts Academy in Fresno, Ca.

Who we are:

Debuting their first full length concert in October 2002, they have since been asked to perform as guest artists in numerous concerts, benefits, and showcases throughout the country. They recently performed in the annual festival for Dancers Responding to AIDS in New York City and showcased in the L.A. Dance Invitational, a benefit for the Gay and Lesbian Center in Los Angeles. In 2000, Martha Kelly-Fierro was awarded the Gold Leo award at the Jazz Dance World Congress for her choreography set on her company. Altered Modalities has performed at the University of Arizona, Fullerton College, California Polytechnic University SLO, Fresno City College, and College of the Sequoias. Altered Modalities offers workshops to their community and works with students who would otherwise not be able to experience dance.

 

The Director:

Martha Kelley-Fierro’s eclectic choreography stems from her background of well-versed dance training, including jazz, tap, ballet, and modern. She has assisted New York & L.A. based choreographers Keith Clifton and Jeff Amsden and studied extensively with Mia Michaels, Artistic Director of  R.A.W. and choreographer for Cirque de Soleil, and Jenn Ballard, Artistic Director for Cedar Lake Dance Ensemble. Her choreography received recognition nationwide such as The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company.