Steamboat Dances to the Beat of the African Drum

Courtesy of Angie Carroll.

Fara Tolno – although a Guinea native – is no stranger to Steamboat Springs. That’s because Steamboat’s roots with African dance and drum run deep. They can be traced back to when Robin Getter introduced the craft to the community in the '80s. In the decades that followed, Steamboat has embraced African dance and drums, creating a community of people who have choreographed dances for Steamboat Dance Theatre, attended workshops across the country (and the world, even) and hosted events that

bring master drummers to Steamboat because, as they point out, you can’t have African dance without African drums.

Early in August, Fara returned to Steamboat once again, taking up residency to teach a children’s camp at the Depot Art Center, an adult dance class and also a musicians' class. The week culminates in a showcase on Friday evening, which is also a fundraiser for Fara’s nonprofit, the Kissidugu Foundation.

The August residency was special to the Steamboat community, points out Jennie Lay, who has long been a part of the African dance and drum community here. “It's a chance for people to dive in again, reigniting both the vibe and volunteerism that goes into putting on an event like this,” she says.

Jennie, along with Angie Carroll, has taken classes with Fara for nearly three decades. Angie, who is the executive director of Fara’s foundation, helped him lead the camp and workshops in August. “When Fara came to the States – in 1998, from Guinea – he eventually moved to Durango,” Angie explains. “He’s been this hub in Colorado for a long time so a lot of Colorado dancers know him and have studied with him. We’ve built this community by going to the annual camps and conferences together. It really started from a small community of people who connected with the dance and drum aspect. Once we found it, we all started building community and friendship that has grown.”

Bringing Fara to Steamboat creates an opportunity for a new generation to get involved in what is often described as a “big, enthusiastic” dance and drum community. “When we go to camps in other communities, they all know us,” Jennie says. “People just really love and appreciate it here.”

With several sold-out shows at Strings over the years and a handful of old timers who know him and love him well, Fara has deep ties to Steamboat. “He’s truly a master and he’s truly a friend to Steamboat," Jennie says.