Interview with Foeye Oto Longa, Dance Master for Compagnie Jant-Bi

LONGA, FOEYE OTO

·         How long have you been with the company?

·         You were born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. What influenced you to become a dancer?

·         You have trained at the The International Centre for Traditional and Contemporary African Dances (Ecole des Sables).  What has your experience been like training and working at the centre with Germaine Acogny, as well as dancers from the whole of Africa?

·         The piece you will be performing in Seattle is called Waxtaan. What is the inspiration behind the piece, and what meaning does the work have for you specifically?

·         What does the clothing worn during the performance represent?

·         You have participated in several educational activities in the Seattle Public Schools during your time here. Why is it important for you to participate in the educational work along with on-stage performances? How has teaching others impacted you personally?

Dance Master, Choreographer; dance historian, he was born in RDC (Congo) also works with the National Institut of Art in RDC.  He dances and helps Germaine Acogny and has been with the company Jant-Bi starting with “Fagaala” in 2004.