Diene Sagna

Diene Sagna (born in Dakar, Senegal), is a West African dancer, teacher, choreographer, percussionist, singer and Artistic Director for Yaye Dib Sabar Company.

Known worldwide as Diene 'Waaw Waaw' Sagna, he is based in London, UK and works as both a solo artist and with his company Yaye Dib Sabar (named after his late mother), which he founded in 2011.

Training in Senegal

Diene specialises in Senegalese Sabar dance but is also highly skilled in many other West African rhythms and dance. He trained at the prestigious Centre Culturel Régional Blaise Senghor as well as with a number of Ballet groups in Senegal, including Forêt Sacrée du Sénégal, Daradji, Davidson Boys and under the guidance of his eldest brother, Mbaye Ndiaye, choreographer and principal dancer for Le Ballet National du Senegal.

Work

Diene has worked in 29 countries, across 5 continents and travels regularly to teach, choreograph and perform. His aim is to educate, share and promote West African arts and culture, with communities and professionals. He does this through classes and workshops, performances, in schools, as well as organising social and cultural events. This includes his annual training holiday to his hometown of Dakar, Senegal as well as the annual West African drum and dance event 'JUMPforJOY!!' held in London, UK since 2011.

As a dance artist, Diene has worked with some of West Africa's greatest artists, including Youssou N'Dour, Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Coumba Gawlo, Mory Kanté, Angélique Kidjo and Georges Momboye.

Career Highlights

• Performing at The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, London, UK for the 'Baaba Maal and Friends' show, as choreographed by Georges Momboye
• Performing at Stade de France, Paris as a dancer for Coumba Gawlo Seck
• Teaching and performing at WOMAD, UK Festival
• Representing Africa for the World Music & Dance GITEX 2008 Etisalat at the World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE
• Organising 'JUMPforJOY!!', West African Dance event with his company Yaye Dib Sabar in London, UK

Yaye Dib Sabar Company

In 2013, Diene has been working more closely with Yaye Dib Sabar to build up the performance element of the company. New and exciting choreographies and shows are emerging, mixing a range of West African rhythms and dance traditions with contemporary, urban and Latin dance forms. The company has been described as 'truly professional' and 'inspiring'.