The Call of Senegal with Nathan Fallou

In this first part of an interview with Nathan, he describes how he felt called to move to Senegal, recognizing that dance classes with other foreigners weren’t necessarily getting to the heart of the culture. He learnt the native language of Wolof, finding out that the interactions in Wolof were very rhythmic, and sometimes a vibe or feeling was more important than the literal words he was saying.

Nathan describes his experiences learning to understand the percussion and dance tradition of Sabar, how the dance improvisations were very much like a conversation, even to the extent that it is used for dispute resolution between families. He also learnt how the dance and the culture might awaken or transform his sexual energies.

In later sections of this interview, Nathan will explain what it was like working with acclaimed musician, teacher and saint, Doudou N’Diaye Rose.

Content warning: discussions of sex