Courtney Henry
Dakar, Senegal
Soumbedioune Fish Market
After living in Berlin where fresh seafood is quite difficult to find, Dakar’s abundance of fish, straight from the Atlantic ocean, is my favorite aspect of the cuisine. It just doesn’t get any fresher! And to be able to pick and buy your fish directly from those who caught it that morning makes me feel like a real local. The men bring there brightly pirogues, or canoes in daily around 4pm and the bustle begins as vendors sell, and women are on site to grill your catch right on the spot.
Selly Raby Kane Showroom
Tripling as Selly Raby Kane’s showroom, workshop, and home, Rue 103 is where I like to go to get a taste of whimsy and inspiration from the future of Africa. This fashion designer is a young, curious artist whose custom tailored pieces are a hypnotic fusion of traditional fabrics and science fiction design. Beyonce has been spotted wearing her famed shrimp Kimono. She is apart of an artist collective MUUS DU TUX consisting of filmmakers, musicians, & painters. Their goal is to provide new perspective to the African narrative, and I’m here for it!
Museum of Black Civilizations
This brand new, architectural beauty holds within it historical artifacts and art work directly from the source of this vast continent. In an effort to define their own history, Senegal is leading the way in demanding countless stolen works from museums around the world be returned. I love the vastness of the space as the four-story structure combines the traditional form of a circular African village hut with a modern glass and wood facade, that reflects a back outdoor plaza with some of my favorite views of the port.
Ngor Island
A surfer’s paradise and my perfect mini getaway, hop upon a fishing boat and take a short sail across to a small yet cavernous island with private beaches, amazing seafood restaurants, and winding foot trails among beautiful sprawling villas. My favorite time to come is during sunset, when I trek to the back west of the island and sit at the most breathtaking lookout point. Down below you'll spot the last surfers of the day and watch as the sky relaxes into soft pinks and oranges.
Dakar has a vibrancy that is unmatched by any other place I’ve traveled. Vibrancy of spirit from the people, vibrancy of color from the fresh fruits and fish caught, of the impeccably adorned men and women, even the sunsets. Laissez faire in the approach but so rich in music, culture, commerce...it’s a vibe!
I choose to live my creative and professional life as one. I have been a professional contemporary ballet dancer for over 10 years now, dance being my first passion since the age of 9. I see my artistic life as forever unfolding so I also am a freelance writer, teacher, model, and new mother!