TRAVEL TO MALI
Program Overview
Mali is a West African country known for its vibrant and booming traditional culture. With its rich history, Mali is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore a new culture or deepen their knowledge of an existing one. Uniquely, students at Yeredon are integrated into a community of Malian artists, which provides the most important education of all.
At Yeredon you will receive state of the art training in Malian dance forms, as well as drumming, textile arts, language lessons, history and other cultural practices. Your professors and local friends will answer questions, facilitate jam sessions, and teach you first-hand about the traditions of Malian life and art. In addition to group-class experiences, students will be invited to attend and often, participate in ceremonies, performances, weddings, parties, and many other events. There are also opportunities to visit with a local partnering village, Jinijela. Outside of classes and trips, there is much to explore in the heart of Bamako, including the National Museum of Art and History, Grand Artisanal Market, and more!
About Doumanzana
The Yeredon Centre is located in a large house in the Doumanzana district of Bamako in Mali, West Africa. Located in the northern part of the city, Doumanzana is one of the further-removed districts; it is therefore a mix of rural and urban life, and tends to be a region less frequented by expats. Living in Doumanzana brings a sense of community and immersion, while still providing access to the city’s hottest clubs and cultural offerings. Yeredon is one block from the public transportation stop.
Yeredon Centre is just a short walk or ride away from the Fajigila and Nafaji markets. These open air markets are home to fruit and vegetable stands, fabric shops, jewelry makers, and more!
Our Facility
The Yeredon Centre is a dormitory style facility that consists of over a dozen bedrooms, which students can share with a roommate. Each room is equipped with a raised bed mattress, mosquito net, ceiling fan. There are also two kitchens, three showers, three toilets, running water, and electricity. Language and history classes are held inside in the living room or dining room, while dance and drum classes are held on the roof in the dance studio, which is equipped with mirrors and fans. The house boasts stunning views of Dumanzana and Bamako.
Areas of Study
The possibilities for study at Yeredon are endless, and instructors in just about any artistic tradition of Mali can be arranged. The Coulibaly family have a long-standing relationship with some of Mali’s finest artists, and you could study with them! The program is extremely flexible, and can be tailored to students’ specific interests. Students are given significant freedom to facilitate their own interests using resources and connections provided by Yeredon.
Contemporary African Dance
Malinke style Guitar
Balafon (Bala)
Kora
N’Goni
African Hip-Hop
Malian History & Topics of West Africa
Past additional classes have included:
Djun Djun
Talking Drum / Hand Drum
Drum making
Soku (one-string violin)
Singing
Bogolon (Malian mud cloth) making
A TYPICAL DAY’S RETREAT AGENDA
8 am Breakfast + Bambara Language Tutoring
9 am Yoga + Meditation
10am Traditional Dance Intensive
11am Traditional Drum Intensive
12pm Prepared Lunch
1-6pm Independent Studies (Apprenticeships, Creative Community Project, Cultural Field Trips, etc...)
6pm Prepared Dinner
Evenings are typically for rest, socializing, creative time, evening outings, and independent studies.
Inquiry Form
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Interested in taking a trip to the Yeredon Centre for the Malian Arts?
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