Clément Assémian
akan dance culture bearer
Born in Cote d’Ivoire, Clément Assémian is a dancer, choreographer, singer and teacher. His people are Agni ('Anyi') within the larger Akan heritage gorup. Clément says that Akan music and dance are considered sacred in their native villages... so in the past, only initiates had the right of access to instruments and dance. These days, dance is becoming more democratic – and more commercialised. It participates in the meeting of cultures.
A child of two dancers, Clément learned dance from his parents. His formal dance training begain in the early 1980s with Marie Rose Guiraud and the Kouame Black Show company. Clément went on stage in 1985 with Ralph Glendmore of the Alvin Ailey company. Since 2000, the year of his arrival in France, Clement has shared the stage with Hugues Anoi, Niels Robitzky alias Storm, Nathalie "Jazzy Lee" Robitzky, Alex Benth, Max Laure Bourjolly.
Clément transmits a wide range of codes, from Coupé Decale to the indigenous rhythms of his native village of Aby-Samandje, Ivory Coast. His shows and classes are accompanied by live drums. Since the 90s he has taught in many countries: Ivory Coast, France, Germany, Tunisia.
Clément teaches 6 days a week in Toulouse, France, through his Association Anouan and at Studio Hop. He says "Le nom « Anouan » résume l'état d'esprit du danseur – en Agni, ucela signifie une porte qui s'ouvre. Moi, j'ouvre la porte à tous ceux qui souhaitent connaître la culture africaine…"
Clément invites dancers from Europe to train in his home village. In 2016, Clement established a charitable association that supports schooling and culture of children in his native village – les Amis d’Aby Samandje. His current project is to establish Conservatory of Akan and Agni dance in Ivory Coast, to preserve and transmit the rich rhythm culture of his people.
Olivier, Mano, Ladji SanogoDirection, Camera: The authorWork IN PROGRESS (unedited)Lighting tech:
MJC Pont des Demoiselles
Performance of Abodan rhythm. In the village, this rhythm is played on different, local indigenous intruments. One resembles a cajon (resonant wooden box) and is struck with the heels of the hands. There are usually many more drummers. Source: Clément Assemian
Booking enquiries: clement.assemian@yahoo.fr | Photo credits: photography and video on this page is by the author.