The traditional sabar drum, played with a small wooden stick, might be a bit shocking for those who’ve never heard it because it’s more piercing and high-pitched than a regular djembe played by hand (and played LOUD). Both types of these drums were incorporated into the performance, and groups of male and female dancers took turns challenging each other flirtatiously. This type of group improv would be seen at any traditional celebration like a wedding or baby-naming party, and features high jumps, hip twists and leg kicks that make this form of dance particularly physical. When the men go face to face, they simulate fights in dance, often ending with a “ref” breaking it up, or the whole group separating the two and calling for the crowd to judge the winner. During these parts, it was strikingly similar to a break-dancing competition or capoeira.

The kora and bellaphone, two melodic instruments, were also featured exquisitely by soloists, and at the end of the night the troupe invited audience members to get up and shake a bit. There must have been a few sabar students in the house, because a few took up the challenge, and looked pretty good up there.