About Us

Mission Statement:

Sharing the joy and passion of Guinean culture through vibrant music and dance, enhancing education, sustaining strong community bonds, promoting emotional and physical health: We expand worldviews, while instilling sensitivity of all cultures and values of team work and positive challenge in an encouraging environment.

Won Tan Nara Productions is

Alseny Yansane, dynamic teacher and fourteen year performing artist with world renowned Ballets Africains has dazzled audiences across the globe with his fancy footwork, powerful percussion and heart stopping acrobatics. Alseny is internationally recognized as a cultural ambassador for his broad understanding of the dances, rhythms and traditions from each geographical region of Guinea and has brought new songs and musical arrangements to the Pacific Northwest. Alseny is a wonderful teacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun, adored by students of all ages who snap to attention in his presence.

Andrea DiPalma has spent close to seven years in Guinea, immersing herself in the art, culture, and way of life. She has trained with many disciplined and visionary artists, performed in a variety of prestigious venues and collaborated with Alseny to teach young people wanting to become performance artists. Because she is fluent in Susu, Guinea’s national language, Andrea has been able to transcend much of the cultural barrier and gain an appreciation and understanding of the inner workings of Guinean society. Throughout the Pacific Northwest she is recognized by educators for her creative curriculum development, classroom management skills and her ability to integrate educational themes with Won Tan Nara Productions’ interactive residencies.