Tell us about yourself. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Marilyn M. Sylla. I am a dance educator, performing artist, choreographer, drummer, specializing in the preservation of African and African culture through dance, music, song and theater. Since 1987 our group, Bamidele Dancers & Drummers (BD&D), has been on the touring roster of Young Audiences of Massachusetts presenting interactive performances for K-12 audiences. Our program can be adapted for those who are differently abled as well as adult audiences. I taught African dance for 24 years in the Five College Consortium. I am a wife, mother of a lovely daughter and wonderful son and am blessed that both my mother and father are alive and well.
Tell us about some projects you have worked on. Which one was your favorite and why?
In 1990, at 8 months pregnant, BD&D was selected to perform for Nelson Mandela before a crowd of 250,000 people during his Boston tour. We shared the stage with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Paul Simon, South Africa’s Johnny Clegg, Michelle Shocked, Bobby McFerrin, and local groups.
Directing the Immigrant Voices Concert for the past five years. Recent Immigrants, who live primarily in Western mass, audition to be selected to share their culture through song, dance, spoken word, and music. They proudly share their culture even as they start a new life in the United States.
What other art or artists have been inspirational to you in your work?
My husband, Sekou Sylla, former principal dancer, acrobat and musician with Les Ballets Africains, the National dance Company of the Republic of Guinee, West Africa. Denise Hawthorne Bey, the legendary Katherine Dunham (I had the pleasure of enjoying a rum cocktail with her in her apartment years ago), Pat Hall, and Youssouf Koumbassa.
Tell us about some other jobs you have had other than being an artist.
I was recruited to work on former President Jimmy Carter’s reelection campaign in Chicago. One of the highlights for me was spending time with the very charming Muhammed Ali and also Coretta Scott King. In the late 1980’s I worked in New York City in the law firm Blutrich Falcone and Miller. Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York was one of the partners in the firm.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a 30-40 minute interactive lecture demonstration of African and African rooted dance and music that can be live streamed for K-12 audiences. We are also creating a pre-recorded performance and workshops.