EveryBody Dances with Lasso

EveryBody Dances @ Yale Schwarzman Center brings local and visiting dance artists to our Dance Studio to teach masterclasses in jazz, hip hop, salsa, modern, contemporary, precision dance and more! All community members are welcome. This week's class will be led by Lasso and is open to all levels. 

Workshop Description: 

"This workshop emphasizes the (intention)ality and kinetic nature of our daily movements, exploring how these concepts can lead to innovative movement compositions that reflect on the way we visualize, feel, and think about dance.

"It introduces the notion that nothing remains static; rather, everything is continually transformed and redefined by its context. Participants will dis(cover) how everyday movements and gestures can be poetically structured, highlighting rhythm, energy, and the coordination of body parts to convey meaning and/or share experiences.

"In my cultural background, dance embodies both comm(unity) and self-dis(cover)y. I view dance as a relationship—between our bodies, the earth, others, and the surrounding world, both seen and unseen. It is within this harmonious relationship that rhythm emerges and takes form.

"In this workshop, we will also immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of West African Dance, un(cover)ing its fundamental principles, philosophy, and transformative potential. Guided by the experienced instructor Lacina Coulibaly, this session will reflect his ongoing research, known as Sigini, which is rooted in the (esse)ntial principles of dance in Sub-Saharan Africa." - Lacina Coulibaly (Lasso) 

Lacina Coulibaly (Lasso) 

Lacina is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and educator known for blending Traditional African Dance with contemporary styles. Co-founding the dance Company Kongo Bâ Teria in 1995, they gained acclaim with the award-winning piece Vin Nem, captivating audiences across Europe and the U.S. Collaborating with renowned companies like Salia ni Seydou, Faso Danse Theatre, and Urban Bush Women, Lacina showcases a unique artistic vision.

His latest work, Until the Lion Tells the Story…, received praise from the New York Times, describing Lacina as a "riveting presence in quiet command of the space." Beyond performance, Lacina empowers aspiring dancers through educational initiatives, notably the Engagement Feminin project in Ouagadougou.

Currently, Coulibaly serves as a faculty member at Yale University and teaches at institutions such as Brown University, Barnard College, New School, and Sarah Lawrence College. As the artistic director of Compagnie Hakili Sigi, Lacina continues to inspire the next generation with innovative choreography and teaching methodologies.