The Danse des Jongleurs (Dance of the Jugglers) performed by members of the Yacouba group in the Man region of Côte d’Ivoire was for me, very disquieting. The dance involves a man who throws little girls up into the air and then catches them, often while holding knives. The girls were maybe 5 or 6 years old, and did not appear at all happy to be a part of the spectacle. At times when the man would call them up, they literally dragged their feet and drooped their heads. The dance is said to highlight the strength, agility, and precision of the man, as well as the courage and trust of the young girls who participate. The male performers are often trained from a young age, and must possess strength, coordination, and confidence. The knives symbolize danger and the ability of master perilous situations, reinforcing the theme of bravery and control. This image shows one of the little girls in the air after having been tossed, with a man with knife pointed skyward ready to catch her.

The Dance of the Jugglers, performed in the Man region of Côte d’Ivoire was for me, very disquieting. Little girls are tossed into the air and caught by a man wielding knives.
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