Djibril Camara is a master dancer from Boke, Guinea in West Africa. He spent his childhood dancing and began his formal training at the National School in Guinea’s capital, Conakry. Djibril was a principal dancer and choreographer for the international touring company Ballet du Afrique Noir of Senegal, as well as Troupe Federale Conakry and Ballet Bougarabou for 17 years, traversing Europe and Africa. Eventually his talent brought him to the U.S. for Ballet du Afrique’s presentation of the Mandika Epic on notable stages such as New York City’s Kennedy Center.

He has been sharing his love of West African dance and culture with the Champaign-Urbana community for several years now. He teaches classes twice a week at the Channing-Murray Foundation, offers private lessons and also leads the Mara Giri Dance Ensemble.

The Mara Giri Dance Ensemble, directed by and starring Djibril along with several of his most dedicated and experienced students, performs high energy West African dances accompanied by live drumming. Mara Giri Dance Ensemble shows are lively and fun for the whole family! nike