ORIGIN
Zaouli is a traditional mask dance of the Guro ethnic group of Côte D’Ivoire that was created in the 1950s, legends agree the inspiration behind the dance was a beautiful girl named Djela Lou Zaouli daughter of Zaouli.

THE MASK
Although the Zaouli dance is performed by men, the Zaouli mask represents feminine beauty.
The mask is Made of Yaranza wood and can take six days to carve.

THE LEG MOVEMENT
The leg movements are fast and furious and steps must not be repeated, the upper body remains almost still, while the legs and feet create a mesmerizing spectacle, during the performance the dancer changes once he wears the mask and he becomes possessed by the spirit of the mask
He’s separated from all that is happening around him Once he puts the mask on, it will no longer be him dancing, but the spirit that possesses his body.
when this happens the dance becomes fast and furious; the masked man churning up dust beneath his feet. Provoked to keep up the pace by [the frenetic rhythm of the drum and flute], it’s a superhuman effort guided by the spirits.

THE BEAT
The beat is completely out of this world and the unique part of the Zaouli dance is that drummers actually flow the dancer not the other round.

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