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Biography
Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge
Assistant Professor of Dance, choreographer, performer,
received some the finest training in Canada, the
United States, and Ghana: The National Ballet School of Canada,
L' Academie des Grands
Ballet Canadiens, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Alvin
Ailey American Dance Center and University of Ghana's School of
Performing Arts. She
holds a B.F.A. in Dance Choreography (Concordia University),
a M.F.A. in Dance Ethnology (York University), and a Ph.D. in Education
(Culture
and Values in Education). Both her M.F.A. “
Atsiagbkor: Documentation of an Ewe Dance Form” and Ph.D. “Ewe
Culture as Expressed in Ghana West Africa Through Adzogbo Dance Ceremony:
A Foundation for the Development of Interactive Multimedia Educational
Material” research took her to West Africa, where she studied
the Music and Dances of
Ghana. While in Ghana, she taught Contemporary Dance
to its national dance company, The Ghana Dance Ensemble.
Recently employed as an Assistant Professor of
Dance at Denison University (Ohio) teaching African dance,
and Adjunct Professor of dance at West Virginia
University (West Virginia) teaching World Dance,
modern and jazz techniques, she is presently an
Assistant Professor of Dance at Ohio University teaching African
Dance, Culture, Jazz and Modern
dance. She is also a guest performer in West Virginia
University’s
internationally touring African Ensemble, their World Music Center‘s
annual concert; and guest lecturer and teacher at West Virginia University’s
Annual African Music and Dance course held in Ghana, West Africa, where
she trains every summer. Ms. Badu-Younge's past affiliate as
a performer include the Philadelphia Dance Company or
Philadanco (Philadelphia), and The Forces of Nature
Dance Company (New York).
Zelma has instructed, lectured, performed, given
workshops or choreographed in the United States,
Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, China, and
Ghana; in the United States, Princeton University,
(NJ), Emory University (GA), Penn State, Fayette
(PA), Middle Tennessee State University, (TN),
Northern Kentucky University
(KY), Bowdoin College
(ME), California State University in Long Beach,
(CA)
at the 5th National High School Dance Festival,
Southern Illinois University, (IL), University
of Toledo, Denison University, Miami University,
and Ohio University (OH), West Virginia University,
(WV), The Committee for
African-American
Observance/Dreamkeepers (SC); in Canada, York
University, (TO), Concordia University, University of Quebec
in Montreal, Mc Gill University (Mtl),
Compagnie Nyata Nyata: Tambours et danse (QC),
Simon Fraser University (BC), the Montreal Jubilation
Gospel Choir (QC); in Ghana, University
of Ghana, Institute of African Studies (W/A);
and in Mexico, The International Conference on Dance
Research 1990 and 1995
(Mexico).
Dr. Badu-Younge has
received several awards from the African, and
Caribbean Communities in Toronto; from Government
bodies for her Organization Makpoloo Dance Initiative,
including the City of North York, Municipality
of Metropolitan Toronto, Toronto Arts Council,
Ontario Arts Council, and the Ministry
of Culture.
In 1993, Zelma was honored with a nomination
for Outstanding Choreography by the Dora
Mavor Moore Awards (equivalent to the Tony Awards) and
received a Laidlaw Foundation and Canada Council Arts Grant "B” Award
(equivalent to The National Endowment to the
Arts) to create her work Yaa Asantewa: A hybrid of dance,
music, visual art, and interactive multimedia
computer technology (1995), a Chalmers Award
for choreography (1997) as well as a Canadian Year of Asia Pacific
(CYAP)
grant
to collaborate with Classical Indian Dancer
(Odissi-Style). She recently received a Research
Grant from Ohio University’s,
College of Fine Arts.
Recently, Badu-Younge performed in Sacheon,
South Korea at the Sacheon International
Percussion Festival Celebration with Azaguno,
a newly formed African Drum and
Dance Company founded and directed by herself and Dr. Paschal Younge.
In Beijing, China, she performed at the “Africa Meets Asia: Dialogue Between China
and Africa in Music and Halim El- Dabh Symposium”; in Princeton, NJ at
Princeton University’s Second International Symposium on the Music of
Africa, and in Montreal, Quebec at the Congress on Research in Dance International
Annual
Conference.
Zelma has performed in Taipei at the Taiwan University
of the Arts sponsored by Taipei Arts International
Association, and in Seoul, South Korea to perform in the World Cup;
in Toronto for Dance Immersion, a
Canadian national dance festival (April 2004), completed a 5-cities
tour in Taiwan, including Taiwan’s
National Theater (June, 2004), and performed at an International
Festival in Tainin City, Taiwan (August,
2004). Her upcoming activities include performing in Taiwan, China,
and the United States;
teaching in Ghana, England, and Canada; and co-directing Performing
Africa! Visualizing Africa!!
New Perspectives in African Performing and Visual
Arts: The First Biannual International Conference
for Performers, Visual Artists, Educators, Teachers and Scholars
held
at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
Website: www.ohiou.edu/africanarts.
Vitae
Professional TeachingExperience
Ohio University, Assistant Professor of Dance, African & Jazz dance Tech. &
Culture, Athens, OH (Sept. 03 - Pres.).
West Virginia Universityís, Ninth Annual Summer Course in African Music and
Dance, Ghana, W A, Guest Lecturer and Dance Instructor Dir. -- Dr. Paschal Y. Younge
(Summer 04).
Compangnie Nyata Nyata, Tambour et Danse, Congo, Ghana, Dir. Zab Maboungou, Montreal,
Que. (Summer 04).
Denison University, Ass. Professor of Dance, African technique, repertory and culture.
Granville, OH (Sept. 02 - May, 03).
West Virginia University, Adj. Prof. of Dance, Introduction to Dance, World Dance.
Morgantown, WV (Aug. 02 - May 03).
Miami University, Residency, West African Dance. Oxford, OH (Fall 2001, 2002).
Taiwan Dance Festival, 3 weeks, African Dance, Taipei Arts Intíl Association,
Taipei, TW (July, 02).
DeKalb School of the Arts, Guest Teacher, African Dance, Atlanta, GA (April 2002).
Ohio University, One Week Residency, West African, Afro-contemporary Dance. Athens,
OH (Jan. 02).
West Virginia University - Annual Summer Course in African Music and Dance, 3-week
course held in Ghana, West Africa, guest dance instructor and lecturer, (Summers
1999 - present).
West Virginia University, Dept. of Music, Guest Artist, African, World Dance, Morgantown,
(2000 -present).
University of Toledo, Residency, West African Music and Dance, Toledo, Ohio, (July
2001).
West Virginia University, Theater Dept., Guest teacher, West African Dance, MGW,
WV (March, April 01).
Southern Illinois University, One week Residency, Performance, African Dance, Carbondale,
Ill. (Feb. ë01)
Emory University, Dance Program, Course Dir.- West African Dance, Atlanta, Georgia,
(Fall 1999).
DeKalb School of the Arts, Dance Coordinator, Atlanta, Georgia (Aug. 1999 - 2000).
Georgia State University, Dance Program, African-Contemporary Dance Workshop, Atlanta,
GA (1999).
DeKalb Center for the Performing Arts. Teacher and Dir. Repertory Dance Company,
Atlanta, GA (98-99).
York University, Facultyís of Fine Art - Dance & Cultural Studies, Course
Director - West African (95-97).
The Canadian Childrenís Dance Theatre, West African Dance Instructor, Toronto.
(1995).
Ontario Arts Education Institute, Artist Leader, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto. (August
1995).
The Ghana Dance Ensemble, Institute of African Studies/ U. of Ghana, (W.A.) (Sept.-Dec.í91
& Augí95).
Professional Development for Artists Engaged in Arts Ed.-Workshop Leader, Ont. Arts
Council, (Feb.'95).
Lecture Demonstrations & Dance Workshops- Metropolitan Toronto & Markham,
Boards of Ed. (91- 95).
W. African & Jazz summer dance workshop, ìArtworksî, Harbourfront
Centre, Toronto. (Summer 1992).
Committee for African-American Observances/DreamKeepers. Childrenís Art Center,
S.Carolina. (1991).
York University Dept. of Dance, Modern Dance Course, Afro-Modern, TO. (Sept.-Dec.
90, Jan.-May 91).
Concordia University, Dept. of Contemporary Dance, Course Director, Afro-Modern,
Mtl. (Sept. 87-90,
Concordia University, Dept. of Contemporary Dance, Workshop, African Dance, Mtl.
(Sept. ë94).
La Companie de Dance Jo Lechay, Dance Factory. W.African, Modern, & Jazz, Priv.
Studio, Mtl. (88-89).
Dance Factory, Scholarship Program, Private Studio - West African & Jazz Dance,
Montreal. (1988-1989).
Sleighton School, Private Delinquent School - Jazz Dance, Lima, PA. (March - June
1986).
Westtown School, Private School - Jazz Dance, Westtown, PA. (March - May 1986).
Teaneck High School, Modern Dance Club - Modern & West African Dance, Teaneck,
NJ. (1982-1983).
Education
McGill University - Ph.D. Degree -- Education Jan. 1998 ñ Nov. 2002,
Montreal, Quebec Canada Department of Integrated Studies in Education,
Thesis Topic: Ewe Culture as Expressed in Ghana, West Africa Through Adzogbo Dance
Ceremony: A Foundation For Development of Interactive Multimedia Educational Materials.
University du Quebec a Montreal - Ph.D. Student, Sept. -- Dec. 1997, Montreal,
Quebec Canada
Etudes et Practiques des Arts, Courses: Methodologie, Francais (Inter.)
York University - M.F.A. Degree -- Dance Ethnology, Sept. 1990 ñ Nov. 1992
Toronto, Ontario Canada Thesis: Atsiagbekor: Documentation of an Ewe Dance Form.
Video Documentation of an Ewe Traditional Dance from Ghana. Teaching Assistantships,
Graduate Assistantships, Research Grant.
Concordia University - GRAD DIPL Sport Admin. Candidate 1989 Montreal, Quebec Canada
Courses: Organization Behavior, Administration
Concordia University - B.F.A. Dance Choreography 1983 ñ 1985 Montreal, Quebec
Canada
York University- B.F.A. Honours Candidate 1980 ñ 1982, Toronto, Ontario Canada
Modern Dance Major, Full Ballet load Full Scholarship (summer 1982).
Professional Dance Experience
Azaguno, Ten Drum. International Arts Festival. Beijing China.
Performance (January 29-February 14, 2007).
Azaguno, Ten Drum. International Arts Festival. Taipei,
Taiwan Republic of China. Performance (December 14-25,
2006).Community and Campus Day. African Music and
Dance Presentation. Ohio University, Old Nelson Commons.
Athens, Ohio (October 14, 2006).
Azaguno, Sacheon International Percussion Festival.
: Sacheon, South Korea (July 29 - August 6, 2006).
Sacheon International Percussion Festival, Performed
dance duet with Indonesian dancer/percussionist: Ketu
Rina in “The Passion” (August 3-6, 2006).
African Culture Through the Arts: Performance “Fume
Fume” Performed at, Freedom Hotel Conference Centre.
Ho, Ghana (July 1, 2006).
Heritage: Celebration of African Culture through
the Arts. Co-Producer, Presenter & Artistic Dir.; Choreographer,
Performer, Co-Fundraiser, Publicist and Outreach. Ohio
University, Templeton-Blackburn Memorial University,
Athens, Ohio (May 12, 2006).
35 Anniversary Celebration, Terpsichorean Modern
Dance Club. Teaneck H. S. “Mia Woezo” Trio NJ.
(Feb. 19, 2006).
Azaguno, Second International Symposium on the
Music of Africa (and Dance) Princeton University,
Taplin
Auditorium, Princeton, NJ (December 9, 2005).
Congress on Research in Dance International Annual
Conference Topic: Dance and Human Rights. Performance “Marie-Joseph
Angelique. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Piscine Theatre
(Nov. 12, 2005).
Community and Campus Day. African Music and Dance
Presentation. Ohio University, Old Nelson Commons. Athens,
Ohio (November 5, 2005).
Ohio University, School of Music. Percussion
Concert: Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium,
Foyer.
African Music and Dance presentation. Athens,
Ohio (October
2005).
Africa Meets Asia: Dialogue Between China
and Africa in Music and Halim El-Dabh
Symposium Central Conservatory
of Music. A Concert of Chinese and African
Music (and Dance) Showcase. Beijing,
Republic of China
(October
20, 2005).
World Dance Concert "Tour de Monde" Fundraising
concert. “Kpanlongo” Ohio University. Shirley
Wimmer Theatre. Athens, Ohio (October 10, 2005).
Rhythms of Africa, Traditional Music
and Dance. Cultural Centre, Accra,
Ghana; Ho,
and Aflao
Cultural Groups,
Ho and Aflao Ghana (July 2005).
Ohio University African Ensemble, “Creole Africaine:
Celebration the Many Cultures of Africa” Director
and Performer. Positions held: Prod., Artistic Dir.,
Choreographer, Performer and Fundraiser, Visual Artist
(mask maker), Publicist and Outreach. Ohio University,
Elizabeth Baker Theater, Kantner Hall, Athens, Ohio (April
2, 3, 2005).
Bowdoin College, performance of
three Master drummers and Dancers
from
Ghana performing “Atsiagbekor,
Kpanlongo and Gahu” (demonstration- performance)
Brunswick, Maine (March 2005).
Azaguno, Southern Illinois University,
Sponsored by School of Music & Fine Arts. Shryock Auditorium, Carbondale,
IL. (February 2005).
Azaguno, Northern Kentucky University,
Greaves Concert Hall. Highland
Heights, Kentucky
(February 2005).
West Virginia University, World
Music Center “A
Concert of African Music and Dance” 10th Anniversary
Celebration. Guest performer, choreographer. Dir. by
Dr. Paschal Yao Younge, Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre,
CAC, Morgantown, West Virginia (February 2005).
Dancers for Peace – performance/choreographic collaboration
-- Classical Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Ghanaian,
and Spanish dance forms. Winchester Street Theatre – Toronto,
Ontario CA (January 2005).
Ohio University “Homecoming” presentation,
Ohio University, Shirley Wimmer Dance Theatre, Athens,
OH (January 2005).
Dancers for Peace – performance/choreographic collaboration
-- Classical Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Ghanaian,
and Spanish dance forms. Public Showing, Studio 505,
Toronto, Ont. CA (December 2004).
West Virginia University
African Ensemble Tour,
guest performer,
dancer & percussionist -- Dir.: Dr. Paschal
Yao Younge, One hour concert, Pennsylvania State University,
Fayetteville, USA (August 2004). Azaguno, Taiwan International
Drum Festival, Organization. – Ten Drum Percussion,
Taiwan, ROC, Twenty min. - One hour concerts (August
6-16).
Azaguno, Taiwan National
(5 city) tour, Organization.
-
Ju Percussion
Foundation,
Two Hour Concerts.
Taiwan, ROC (May 29-June
8, 2004).
Azaguno, YWCA, Free --
African Dance and Drum
Concert for
the Community,
Parkersburg, West
Virginia
(2004).
Azaguno, Dance Immersion,
Curator - Vivine
Scarlett, du Maurier
Theatre Centre,
Forty minute concerts.
Toronto, Canada (April
21-25, 2004).
West Virginia University
African Ensemble,
guest performer
percussionist -- Dir.
of Ensemble: Dr.
Paschal
Yao Younge, Lakeview
Resort & Scanticon Conference Center, Morgantown,
West Virginia (April 2004).
Ohio University
African Ensemble,
guest performer – Bamaaya,
Directed by Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge, Ohio University, Athens,
Ohio (April 2,3, 2004).
Azaguno, International
Symposium on
the Music (and Dance)
of Africa, Two
hour
concert, Princeton
University, Princeton,
New Jersey. Directed
by Dr. Kofi Agawu
(October 10,
2003).
West Virginia
University,
guest performer,
World Music
and African Music
Concerts, Two
hour concert,
Morgantown,
West
Virginia, USA
(February 2000-2003).
Taiwan Dance
Festival,
African Dance,
Taiwan University
of the
Arts, Taipei,
TW (July,
02).
World Cup
Opening
Ceremony, Azaguno
(Drum & Dance
Co.) 2 weeks, Seoul, S. Korea (May 2002).
West Virginia
University,
World
Music and
African
Music
Concerts (Feb. and
April,
2000
- present).
Seoul
Drum
Festival,
WVU African
Ensemble
performances,
1 week,
Seoul,
South
Korea
(Oct.
2001).
Director,
Choreographer,
Instructor,
Admin.,
Prod.
Makpoloo
Dance
Init./
Badu
Dance
Co.
(1992-present)
Dance
Immersion,
Curator
-
Vivine Scarlett,
du
Maurier
Threatre
Centre,
Toronto.
(February
1995-1998).
Series
808 “Mata-Metrova” - Collaboration,
Classical Indian (Odissi) & W. African (Ashanti),
TO. (Nov. 97).
Randy
Glynn’s studio Improv. duet with Elizabeth
Langley, Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia (Aug. 1997).
Tangente, “Acendanse”, Director - Dina Davida.
L’Agora de la Danse Thr., Montreal. (April 1994 & 1997).
Third
International Conference
on Dance
Research, Moreilla,
(Dec. 1990)
Mexico City,
(Dec.1996).
Canada
Dance Festival-
(National Event)
Prod.- Cathy
Levi, Perform. & Workshop, Ottawa (June 1996).
Peterborough
New Dance
Festival, Curator/Prod.-
Bill Kimball,
Perf. & Workshop, Peterborough (April 96).
Dancing
on the
Edge Festival,
Director -
Donna Spencer,
Firehall Art
Ctr., Vancouver.
(April 1995 & 1996).
Makpoloo
Dance Initiative
- Leah
Posluns Theatre
Arts & Premiere
Dance Thr., NY & TO. (Jan. 1996).
National
Ballet of
Canada’s “Chance to Dance” Festival,
Harbourfront Centre, Toronto. (August 1995).
du
Maurier LTD’s “Concert Stage”, Dir.-
Don Shipley, Capital Thr. & CTV (TV), Moncton. (May
1995).
Milk
International Children’s Festival, Dir. Don
Shipley - Harbourfront Centre, Toronto. (May 1994 & 1995).
Spring
Arts Festival,
Director -
Andy McKim,
Tarragon Theatre,
Toronto (April
1995).
Morningside
(CBC-Radio), Broadcaster
- Peter
Gzowski, Perform. & Interview, Toronto. (April 1995).
Art
Gallery of
Ontario -
African Heritage
Celebration, Toronto.
(February 1995).
Dancers
for Life,
Co-Dirs. Laura
Taler & Julia Sasso,
Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto. (Jan. 1995).
First
Night Toronto,
BCE Bldg., & Metro Toronto Con.
Ctr., John Bassett Thr., Toronto (Dec.1993 & 1994).
danceALCHEMY,
Director -
Mimi Beck,
Betty Oliphant
Theatre, Toronto.
(October 1994).
Makpoloo
Dance Init.-
Ford Ctr.
for the
Performing Arts & Premiere
Dance Thr., NY & TO. (Sept. 1994).
World
Championship of
Basketball, Opening
Ceremony, Nathan
Phillip Square,
Toronto. (August
1994).
“
Creole Africaine”, Ontario Place, Science Ctr. & Skylight
Thr. Summer Festival, TO & N Y. (Aug 1994).
DanceWorks
81- “Articulated Fusion Works”,
du Maurier Theatre Centre, Toronto. (November 1994).
Collective
Journey, Director
- Zelma
Badu. Winchester
Street Theatre.
Toronto. (March
1993).
Harbourfront
Centre Festivals,
Premiere Dance
Thr., & Harbourfront
Ctr., Toronto (July 1992 & Oct. 1993).
McMichael
Canadian Art
Collection. “Festival of
Folklore:” Art Gallery, Kleinberg. (December 1992).
“
fFIDA” Festival, Dir. A. Kaeja, “Rhythmic
Cycles” duet - Deepti Gupta, Winchester St. Thr.,
TO. (Aug. 92).
“
World of Music Art & Dance” (WOMAD) Festival,
Harbourfront Center, Toronto. (July 1992).
The
Third International
NCA Conference “CELAFI
Festival” Harbourfront Ctr., Toronto. (July 1992).
A.D.U.C.C.
Danscene ‘92, National Dance Festival & Conference,
Burnaby BC. (April 1992).
“
The Last Super at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/The Promised
Land" Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane & Co. PDT,TO.
(‘91).
Rhythm
of the
World Festival,
International Festival,
Director -
Koko Amartefio,
Montreal. (July
1989).
Seguin & Co., & Ya Ya Dialo, “Tam Tam Plus”,
Spectrum Theatre, Montreal. (May 1989).
Sweet
Saturday Night/Off
Broadway US
Tour, Prod
-Gordon Crowe,
Dir.Abdel Salaam,
N.Y. (Jan-Mar ‘87).
Forces
of Nature
Dance Company,
African and
Modern Dance,
Dir. Abdel
Salaam, New
York. (86
- 87).
The
Philadelphia Dance
Company (Philadanco),
Director. Joan
Myers Brown,
PA. (1985-1986).
Dance Training
The National Ballet School of Canada, Classical Ballet, Toronto. (1971-1975).
L’Academie des Grands Ballet Canadiens, Classical Ballet, Modern,
Dance, Montreal. (1975-1977).
Harkness School of Ballet, Classical Ballet, Modern
and Jazz Dance, New York. (Summer 1980).
Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet, Modern, Jazz and
African Dance, New York. (Summer 1982-1983).
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Ballet,
Graham, Dunham and Horton technique, NY. (82-83).
Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal. Jazz and Modern Dance,
Montreal. (1983-1985).
L’Academie de Ballet du Centre Ville, Classical Ballet-Bolshoi & Kirov
Techniques-Scholarship, Mtl. (83-85).
Music and Dances of Ghana, York University - Course
Dirs. A. Adzenyah & H. Mensah, TO. (1990).
Ghanaian - Drum, Dance & Sing- Univ. of Ghana, School of Performing
Arts, Ghana. W. Africa
(Sept.- Dec.‘91, sum. 95 & 99).
Elizabeth Langley, Intensive Choreographic Training,
Montreal and Nova Scotia (July - Sept., 1997).
Robert Cole - Course Director, Denison University,
Ballet technique, (September 2002- 2003).
Ballet – West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA,
(September 2002- 2003).
Modern Dance Technique - Ohio University, Course
Director -- Kim N. Nofsinger Athens, Ohio, USA (Sept. – Nov., 2003).
Training Workshops
Traditional and/or
Contemporary, Ghanaian Dance and – Ewe,
Dagamba, Ga-Adangbe and Akan (Three weeks, June 11-July
3, 2006).
Traditional Visual Arts – Batik (Ho, Ghana) and
Adinkra -- University of Education, Winneba, Ghana (July
2006).
Senegalese Dance Tech. instructor – Assane Konte,
Dir.: KanKouran West African Dance Company, Wash., DC.
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA (One week, May 2006).
Balinese Dance Tech., instructor - Dr. I Nyoman
Sedana, Chair – Dept. of Theatre, Indonesian Arts Institute,
Bali, Indonesia. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA (May
2006).
Classical Indian Dance Tech. (Kathak), inst. – Joanna
De Souza. Ohio Univ., Athens, OH, USA (Two weeks, Jan
2006).
Traditional Ghanaian Dance and Music - Ewe, Akan,
Ga, Dagamba, and Dagarti traditional villages, Ghana, W.
Africa. (Three weeks, July-Aug. 2005).
Traditional Ghanaian Visual Arts – Batik, Ewe traditional
village, Ghana, West Africa. (One week – July,
2005).
First Nation Dance (Woodland Cree), Circle & Snake
dance Tech., – Ohio University, School of Dance,
Instructor – Oominah, White Dove Crow, White Crow,
Athens, Ohio, USA June 2005).
West African , Cote d’Ivoire Dance Tech. – Ohio
University, School of Dance, Inst. – Samba Diallo,
Athens, Ohio, USA (Two weeks, May 2005).
Classical Indian Dance Tech. (Kathak), inst. – Joanna
De Souza. Ohio Univ., Athens, OH, USA (Two weeks, May
2005).
Dance, Flamenco Dance Tech. –– Ohio University,
School of Dance, Inst. – Susana Di Palma, Athens,
OH, USA (One week, May 2005).
Brazilian, Capoeira Dance/Martial Arts Technique-Ohio
University, School of Dance, Instructor – Dr. Virginia
Gorlinski, Athens, Ohio, USA (May 2005).
Egyptian Dance Technique – course director, Rihab
Bagnole. Athens, Ohio (Two sessions -- March, 2005).
Caribbean, Trinidadian & Dunham Dance Techniques – Ohio
University, School of Dance, Inst. – Patrick Parson,
Athens, Ohio, USA (Two weeks, March –April 2005).
Classical Indian Dance Workshop, Bharatanatyam
technique. Instructor -- D. Gunaseelan, Toronto, Ont. CA, Dec.,
2004).
Spanish Dance Workshop, Flamenco Dance. Instructor – Lesya
Starr, Toronto, Ont. CA (December, 2004).
Azerbaijan Dance Workshop, Dervish-Sufism. Instructor
-- Sashar Zarif, Toronto, Ont. CA (December 2004).
Mexican
Dance Workshop, Yaqui deer dance of Sonora. Instructor
-- Norma Araiza, Toronto, Ont. CA (December 2004).
Mask Making Workshop, Completion of Level’s One
and Level Two. Peau d’Ame, Workshop Director --
Francis DuboisTorres. Montreal, Que. CA. (Six- Six Hour
Private Sessions – December, 2004).
Congolese Dance Technique, Cercle d'Expression
Artistique Compagnie Nyata Nyata, Course Director -- Odile Wanuke,
Workshop Director -- Zab Maboungou, Montreal, Que.
CA.
(Two Weeks – July, 2004).
Traditional Ghanaian Dance - Ewe, Akan, Ga, Dagamba,
and Dagarti traditional villages, Ghana, West Africa.
(Three weeks -- June-July, 2004).
Moroccan/Egyptian Dance Technique – Westmount Cultural
Centre, Course Director -- Maria Garcia, Montreal, Que.
CA. (Two Weeks –July, 2004).
Balinese “Kecak” Rhythmic Chant – Cliff
DeArment, Bali & Beyond West Virginia University,
Morgantown, WV, USA, (April 2004).
Latin Percussion – Rodrigo Chavez, University of
Toronto, Worlds of Music/Cassava Latin Rhythms, TO, ON,
Canada (December, 2004).
Katherine Dunham – Dunham Technique, International
Association of Blacks in Dance, Washington, DC (January
2003).
International Association of Blacks in Dance – Workshops
with Kariamu Welsh Asante (African-American), l’Antoinette
Stines (Caribbean Contemporary), Assane Konte ( West
African – Guinea), Chuck Davis (African- American)
Washington, DC, ( Jan 2003).
Traditional Ghanaian Dance - Ewe, Akan, Ga, Dangme,
Nzema, Dagamba, and Dagarti traditional villages (summers 1999
- present).
Conjunto Folklorico National de Cuba, private lessons,
Juan Garcia Fernandez -- General Director, Cuba (March
01 & August 2002).
Elizabeth Langley- Course Dir., Choreographic Master
Class, curator Denise Fugiwara, TO (June 95).
Amaniyea Payne- International Association of Blacks
in Dance -- West African Dance, Philadelphia (January 1994).
Amparo Sangiago -- Workshop (West African and Caribbean
Dance) Makpolo Dance Initiative, TO (Oct. 1993).
Phylis Lamhut - Course Director, Modern Dance,
York University, Toronto. (January 1991).
Deepti Gupta - Course Director, Kathak - Classical
North Indian Dance, York U., Toronto. (1991).
Maria Garcia - Course Director, Flamenco Dance,
York U., Toronto. (1990).
Natsu Nikajima - Course Director, Japanese Buto
Dance, Concordia University, Montreal. (1989).
Pearl Renalds - Course Director, Dunham Dance Technique,
Concordia U., Montreal. (1989).
Su-Quan Diop - Course Director, Senegalese and
Guinea Dance Tech., Montreal. (1989).
Lorimil Machado - Course Dir., Afro-Brazilian Dance,
New York. (1987).
Michael Peters - Course Director, Jazz Dance, New
York. (1983).
Maurice Hines - Course Director, Advanced Tap,
New York. (1983).
Current Choreographies
ìResearch Grant, College of Fine Arts, Ohio University
- $2,000.00 (September 2003).
Chalmers Award For Training, Ontario Arts Council - $6,800.00
(July, 1997).
Canada’s Year of Asia Pacific, for Creation - duet (Classical Indian & W.African)
- $2,000.00 (June 97)
Laidlaw Foundation, Grant For Creation - Yaa Asantewa
- $3,000.00 (Sept. 1995).
Canada Council Arts Grant “B”, Choreography - Yaa Asantewa
- $22,000.00 (June 1995).
Municipality of Metro. Toronto, Makpoloo Dance Init.
Project Grant. - $2,500.00 (For both - 1994 &1995).
City of North York, Arts Award, Makpoloo Dance Init.
Project Grant. - $4,500.00 (For both - 94 &95).
Ontario Arts Council, Dance Initiative Award, For Makpoloo
Dance Initiative - $8,000.00 (1994).
Oman Ghana Award - Outstanding Performer- Royal York
Hotel, Toronto. (November 1994).
Performing Arts Awards - Outstanding Performer - Jamaican-Canadian
Centre. Toronto. (Aug 1994).
Toronto Arts Council - Grant to Composer, For Marie-Joseph
Angelique Project. (1993).
Nomination for “Outstanding Choreography”, Dora Mavor Moore
Awards “Torgbewo Metrova” TO (May 1993).
Reflections 92- Ministry of Culture and Communication,
Grant for Collective Journey Project. (1992).
Toronto Arts Council, Grant for Collective Journey
Dance Project. (1992).
Young Volunteer, Quebec Project Grant, Video Documentary:
Women Artist Building Bridges. Mtl. (1989).
Professional Conferences
“Ewe Culture as Express in Ghana West Africa: From the Village
to the Stage-- Atsiagbekor.” Africa Meets Asia: Dialogue Between
China and Africa in Music and Halim El-Dabh Symposium Central Conservatory
of Music. African Beijing, Republic of China (October 2005).
“
African Diasporic Dance and Education Today: Global Perspectives” Popular
Culture Association & American Culture Association/ Section: Dance & Culture
San Diego, California, USA (March 2005)
“
Developing African Dance Movement for the Classroom” Florida Music
Educator’s Association (FMEA) Presentation.Tampa, Florida, USA (March
2005)
Discussion on African Dance, Middle Tennessee State
University Radio. Murfreesboro, TN, USA (November 2004).
“Mia Woezo” Entertainment-Education Conference, Director Dr. Vibert
Cambridge, African-American Studies, Ohio University, Baker Center, Athens, Ohio,
USA ( April 2004).
“
Ewe Culture as Express in Ghana West Africa: From the Village to the Stage--
Atsiagbekor.” Faculty Affiliates Program. Ohio University, School of Interdisciplinary
Arts. Athens, Ohio, USA (February, 2004).
“
Ewe Culture as Express in Ghana West Africa: From the Village to the Stage--
Atsiagbekor.” Movement R(Evolution) Dialogues: Contemporary Performance
In and Of Africa. The Gwendolen M. Carter Conference in African Studies and 2004
Congress on Research in Dance Special Topics Conference. Gainesville, Florida,
USA (Feb. 2004).
Viewing Performance Presentation: For Nunyamo Dance
and Music Concert. Ohio University, School of Interdisciplinary
Arts, Athens, Ohio, USA (April 2004).
Wendy Michener Symposium: Exploring Canada's African
Dance Heritage, Presentation – “African
Diasporic Dance and Education Today: Global Perspectives” (November 17,
2003).
AfriCan Dance Conference, International Dance Conference,
Toronto, On. (November 2003).
, Performance presentation with Azaguno Princeton
University, Princeton NJJ, USA (October 10, 2003).
Congress on Research in Dance(CORD)/World Dance
Alliance Asia Pacific (WDA Asia Pacific) International
Conference in Taipei, Presentation invitation – Paper “Ewe Culture
as Express in Ghana West Africa: From the Village to the State” and Dance
Workshop “Atsiagbekor” Taipei, Taiwan (August 2003).
Popular Culture Association (PCA)/American Culture
Association (ACA), Presentation – Paper “Ewe
Culture as Express in Ghana West Africa: From the Village to the State to the
West,” New Orleans, LA (April 2003).
The African Diaspora in the Americas: Current Research,
Ohio University (April 2003).
Cultural Catalysts: Making Changes, raising Awareness,
Ghanaian Dance Workshop, Denison University ( Feb., 2003).
International Association of Blacks in Dance – different locations Jan.
94, Jan. 02, and Jan. 03).
Third International Conference on Dance Research,
Moreilla, (Dec. 1990) Mexico City, (Dec.1996).
Professional Associations
2002-present Ohio Dance – USA.
2002-present Arts International – USA.
2002-present Popular Culture Association/ American
Culture Association USA.
2001-present World Dance Alliance - USA.
2001-present Congress on Research in Dance – USA.
1995-present International Association for Black
in Dance – USA.
1994 – present Dance Ontario – Canada.
Additional Professional Activities
Azaguno Drum and Dance Ensemble -- Dance Director
and Choreographer (website: Azaguno.com) 2002-present).
Juror, Advisor & Appraiser For: Canada Council for the
Arts. (1994-1999).
Lambton, Kent, and Other Vistas, Play by Andre
Alexis, Dir. Ross Mason Chore. Laura Taler. (Oct.
1995).
Instructor for Private Dance Courses (Ballet, Modern,
Jazz, W. African). (1987-present).
Advisor For: Ontario Arts Council’s “Dance Initiatives” & “Art
Education” Programs. (1994-1995).
Advisor For: Toronto Arts Council’s “Grants to
Choreographers Program.” (September 1992).
Soloist, Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Director
- Dr. Trevor Payne Montreal. (1988-1989).
Administrator for: Women Artist’s Building Bridges. Montreal.
(1989).
Languages
Working Knowledge of Spanish.
French Language Class (Montreal, Quebec) Completed
Intermediate level
University of Quebec a Montreal (French University)
Ewe Language Class (Ho, Ghana): Completed Beginning
level course and (three week intensive) Independent
Study.
Choreography
and Future Creative Works
“7 Hills” Collaboration - Joanna De Souza, Canadian
National Award recipient, Kathak (Classical Indian) & W. African dance
fusion. Original music composed by Ian De Souza. Shirley
Wimmer Theatre, Ohio University. (May 24-26, 2006).
Re-work. “RhythmKeepers” a blend of W. African, Tap & Irish
dance. Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium. Ohio University. (May 12,
2006) & Princeton University’s 2nd Annual International Symposium
on the Music of Africa, Taplin Auditorium, Princeton
University, Princeton, NJ. (Dec. 9, 2006).
“Mahogany Blue” a
choreopoem. Poetry, live video fed images, original music and live
African drumming. Performers: Sophia Daley (vocals),
Agya Boakye Boaten (African Drumming) and videography
by Julie Cruse. Shirley Wimmer Theatre, Ohio University (March 2- 4,
2006).
Re-work: “Marie-Joseph Angelique” from solo to group work
(seven performers). Original recorded music by: Daniel
Janke. Live percussion by: Dr. Paschal Yao Younge. Set Design by: Marua
Gahan. Piscine Theatre,
Montreal, Que. CA (November 12, 2005).
“Metrova” African Contemporary Dance form. MTSU Dance Theatre, An
Evening of Dance, MTSU Tucker Theatre. Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro,
TN, USA (April 21-23, 2005).
“Guaguanco” Cuban dance form choreographed for Creole Africaine Dance
and Music Concert. Ohio University, Elizabeth Baker Theater, Kantner Hall, Athens,
Ohio, USA (April 2, 3, 2005).
Arrangements of Traditional
African Dance
“Kpatsa”
“Sanga”
“Kpanlongo”
“Bamaaya”
-Ghanaian dance form choreographed for Nunyamo African
Dance & Music Concert.
Ohio University, Elizabeth Baker Theater, Kantner Hall, Athens, Ohio,
USA (April 3, 4, 2004).
“Mia Woezo” Reconstruction of Work, for three dancers. Elizabeth
Baker Theater, Kantner Hall, Athens, Ohio, USA.
“
Toto-Metrov” An African contemporary co-work for
solo dancer and solo percussionist choreographed for Azaguno
-International Symposium on the Music of Africa. Princeton University,
Princeton, NJ, USA (October 10, 2003).
“
Bata” Nigerian dance (group)
“
Atsiagbekor” Ghanaian War dance (group)
“
Isukuti” Kenyan dance (group)
“
Bamaaya” Ghanaian dance (group)
“
Jera” Ghanaian dance (group)
“
Creole Africaine” An Original Contemporary (7 dancers)
Work combining, West African, South African and North
American Step Dance. Arranged for Azaguno.
“
Mbende” A dance (group) from Zimbabwe
-International Symposium on the Music of Africa. Princeton
University, Princeton, NJ, USA (October 10, 2003).
“ Malivata” A dance (group) from Tanzania co-arranged with Dr.
Paschal Younge
“
Gahu” A dance (group) from Ghana co-arranged
with Dr. Paschal Younge
“
Kpatsa” A dance (group) from Ghana co-arranged with Dr.
Paschal Younge
“
Bamaaya” A dance (group) from Ghana
“
Sanga” A dance (group) from Ghana
-“Creole Africaine: Celebrating the Many Cultures of Africa.” Con.,
Denison Univ., Granville, OH, USA (Feb. 28, Mar.1, ‘03),
“
Kpanlongo” A dance (group) from Ghana
“
Gota” A dance (group) from Ghana
Atsiagbekor” A dance (group) from
Ghana
Bamaaya” A dance (group) from
Ghana
“
Jera” A dance (group) from Ghana
“
Sofa/Kassa ” A dance (group) from Guinea
-“Aza (festival) A Celebration of African Dancing, Drumming & Singing.” Concert,
Denison Univ. Granville,
OH, USA (Nov. 15, 16, 2002).
“RhythmKeepers” -
African-Tap dance fusion, Collaboration
-- Julie Maynard, Atlanta, Georgia (98-00).
“
Introspection into the Unknown” - Harbourfront
Centre, Toronto. (February 1997).
“
Yaa Asantewa” - Premiere Dance Theatre, Toronto
(Jan. 1996) Dancing on the Edge Festival. Vancouver (April
1996).
“
MudCreature” - Dancing on the Edge Festival,
Fire Hall Art Centre. Vancouver. (April 1995).
“
Marie-Joseph Angelique” & “Creole Africaine” -
Ford Centre for the Perform. Arts, & Premiere Dance Thr,
TO. (Sept. 1994).
“
Mia Wezo” - Tangente, L’Agora de la Danse Theatre,
Montreal. (April 1994).
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel
Choir - Concert, Director-Trevor
Payne, (1993, 1995 & 1997).
“
Torgbewo Metrova” - World Premiere- DanceWorks 81, du
Maurier Theatre Centre, Toronto. (November 1993).
“
Va Mi Dzo” - WOMAD Festival, Harbourfront
Centre, Toronto. (August 1992).
“ Rhythmic Cycles” -
African-Classical
Indian
(Kathak)
-
Collaboration Deepti
Gupta, “fFIDA” Festival, Winchester
St. Th, TO. (August 1992).
“
The Rhythm Within” - International Conference
on Dance Research, Moreila, Mexico. (December 1990).
Contact WORK
Ohio University
School of Dance
Putnam Hall 222
Athens, OH, 45701
Tel. 740 593 1826
E-mail: or baduyou@ohio.edu
Photo
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