École des Sables - 2025

L'imaginaire Noire: MonaMohau's journey through École des Sables, Senegal

MonaMohau had the incredible opportunity to immerse herself in the heart of African dance at École des Sables in Senegal — the continent’s most renowned international center for traditional and contemporary dance. Being accepted into the program was an honor, but stepping onto the sun-soaked studios and open-air stages of the school quickly became so much more than an achievement — it was a journey of ancestral remembrance and spiritual connection.

At École des Sables, she spent months learning under some of Africa’s most respected teachers and choreographers, studying both traditional dance forms from West and Southern Africa and contemporary movements that honor and evolve these traditions. Every class, every rhythm, every movement felt like a dialogue with generations past — a way of remembering the stories, the struggles, and the celebrations that shaped African culture.

During this time, MonaMohau became a certified first-year dancer of the African Diaspora Program, a recognition of her dedication and mastery of both traditional and contemporary African dance. This certification reflects her commitment to preserving and evolving African dance, connecting with ancestral wisdom, and bringing these teachings into her work as a performer, teacher, and cultural ambassador.

Her experience in Senegal deepened her understanding of her purpose as an artist: being a bridge between the traditional and the modern, and to use dance as a vessel for cultural memory and spiritual connection. Each movement she creates, each workshop she teaches, is rooted in this philosophy. It is about more than steps or choreography — it is about invoking a collective remembering, a connection to roots, and a celebration of African identity wherever she goes.

Returning to Sweden after her time in Senegal, MonaMohau carries this knowledge into every performance and class. Whether collaborating with artists, teaching Afro Dance workshops, or curating cultural events, she channels the lessons, rhythms, and ancestral wisdom she absorbed at École des Sables. African dance, for her, is living history — it is spiritual, communal, and deeply alive.

MonaMohau’s journey in Senegal confirmed what she has long felt in her heart, and it is hrough her work, she continues to honor her ancestors, share African culture, and inspire others to reconnect with the beauty and power of their heritage.