West African choreographers will dance unique work Oct. 7 at Cornell

Choreographers and dancers Seydou Boro and Salia Sanou perform "figninto," which they will bring to Cornell's Schwartz Center for one night only, Oct. 7. Marc Coudrais

Cornell is a long way from the small West African country of Burkina Faso, where newly acclaimed choreographers Seydou Boro and Salia Sanou found their calling in dance. The two dancers have won international attention for their unique choreographic blend of traditional African dance, contemporary dance and extreme athleticism.

Currently touring North America, the company of Salia nï Seydou will perform at Cornell's Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. This is a one-evening-only performance.

Drawing on the cultural and historical traditions of African movement and their work with French choreographer Mathilde Monnier, Salia nï Seydou creates intense theatrical works with strong narrative and social messages. The choreographers and one other West African dancer will be performing "figninto" at Cornell, a tale of friendship and the failure to communicate fully in the face of death. Percussion and African violin will accompany this moving piece. "figninto" received first prize at the Competition of African Contemporary Dance (1997) and the Audience Award for best production at the Montreal Festival International de Nouvelle Danse (1999).

The choreographers recently have been working with Ballet Ethnic, a dance company based in Atlanta, on an Africa-Exchange Residency Project. Salia nï Seydou is creating a new work, "Wilanee," set to traditional blues guitar.

Tickets in advance for this exceptional night of dance are $25 for students and seniors and $30 for the general public. For information or tickets, call or visit the box office in the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; 254-ARTS.