Acogny Technique

WHAT IS ACOGNY TECHNIQUE?

The Acogny Technique, created by Germaine Acogny and transmitted to 17 artists worldwide, is both a dance practice and a philosophy. It is rooted in West African dances while incorporating Western influences.

This method emphasises embodiment, connection, collective movement, and the respect for each body’s natural potential and strength through rhythm and motion.

A key focus is spinal mobility, with most movements revolving around four fundamental elements: pulsation, undulation, contraction, and vibration/tremulation. These elements are inspired by nature—plants, animals—as well as scenes from everyday African life. This fusion gives rise to a unique style that is pure, powerful, and elegant.

Alesandra Seutin: Acogny Technique Master Teacher

Alesandra Seutin believes that every individual has the power to live in movement and express themselves boldly.

Known for her unique and hybrid physical language, Alesandra will guide you toward deep grounding and a dance that flows from the inside out, emphasising posture, spinal fluidity, and musicality. Her classes are captivating and dynamic, encouraging dancers to engage all their senses, emotions, and expressions, accompanied by live musicians. Get ready to move and vocalise while dancing.

A dancer of exceptional grace and power, as well as a talented teacher, Alesandra Seutin is an internationally renowned artist from the African diaspora. This experimental African dance workshop is based on the Acogny Technique, founded by Germaine Acogny, widely recognised as the “Mother of African Contemporary Dance.” This technique is one of the few codified African modern dance techniques and among the most respected.

In 2010, Germaine Acogny personally selected Alesandra to help transmit her technique. Since 2014, Alesandra has been teaching the Acogny Technique at ÉmEcole des Sables in Senegal and worldwide.

“The body. The timing. The grounding. The pulsation. The expression. The atmosphere. The strength. The sensation. The structure. The flow. The connection. The freedom of the body through discipline. This is the Acogny Technique.”