Source: Neil Dunn, 785-532-6870, neildunn@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/dance
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

AFRICAN MUSICIAN BERNARD WOMA TO TEACH MASTER CLASSES FOR K-STATE DANCE PROGRAM

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University dance program, in collaboration with the K-State Student Governing Association, will host African musician Bernard Woma Feb. 15-19.

A native of Ghana, Woma is an African xylophonist and lead drummer of the National Dance Company of Ghana. He has toured worldwide to share traditional African culture, social music and dance.

Woma will teach dance program master classes with dancer Evelyn Yaa Bekyore throughout the week. He also will teach sessions at noon Friday, Feb. 19, as part of the Wamego Fine Arts Fair at the Wamego Middle School.

In addition, Woma will present a lecture-performance at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in K-State's Nichols Theater. The performance is free and open to the public. Other events may be scheduled.

"Having Bernard here is wonderful because he will be sharing his traditions and culture with the community -- an opportunity that most would not be able to experience without actually traveling to Africa," said Neil Dunn, instructor of communication studies, theater and dance at K-State.

Woma's recent appearances in the U.S. include performances with the New York Philharmonic and the Ethos Percussion group, and teaching and performing at the African Xylophone Festival in New York.

Woma also is the artistic director of the Saakumu Dance Troupe and the founder and director of the Dagara Music and Arts Center in Accra, Ghana.

For more information about Woma's visit, contact Dunn at neildunn@k-state.edu or 785-532-6870. More information about the K-State dance program is available at http://www.k-state.edu/dance