Lions of Africa

The Amsterdam Public Library gets in the World Cup swing of things with Lions of Africa, a sensational dance production that runs throughout June and July.

Senegalese sensation

The Lions of Africa are a group of highly-skilled Senegalese dancers, acrobats and musicians, with acclaimed dancer, singer and choreographer Laye Ananas at the helm.

The Lion Dance

The performance is centred on the 'Lion Dance', based on an age-old African tale of an old man defending his family from a lion attack who discovered he could change into a lion.

African magic

The story goes that his gift has been passed on through the generations and that the ceremony of the 'false lions' rose out of a desire to hone the special skill. This magical ceremony, known as 'Djau' contains elements of acrobatics, dance and vocals and is a true spectacle to behold.