Germaine Acogny – The Essence of Dance

The world of dance has undergone a recent transformation, shifting focus away from Europe and North America toward other continents, histories, and canons. This is reflected in Greta-Marie Becker’s recent documentary, Germaine Acogny – The Essence of Dance. In the 2010s, Wim Wenders captivated cinema audiences with his film about German choreographer Pina Bausch — now it’s Senegalese legend Germaine Acogny’s turn.
Acogny, who also performed at the Helsinki Festival in 2025, is a pioneering figure in contemporary African dance. She runs a globally renowned dance school in Senegal. Dancers travel to École des Sables from around the world to study under Acogny, whose technique blends Western modern dance with traditional West African dance styles.
Full of movement and dance, Becker’s documentary not only explores Acogny’s life and work, but also the cultural and artistic context in which she moves. The film is a portrait of a strong-willed artist and teacher and the power of dance to question the status quo and lead us toward something new.
A must-see for anyone with a passion for dance!

Nelia Naumanen