HISTORY
Balafon was born in Washington D.C. in 1997 out of the passion for dance that Kadiatou Conte shared with her core of dedicated students. Approaching dance as a way to share the joy of African arts and offer culturally responsive health and wellness, the performance company was involved in youth and community engagement while also mastering classic dance styles often shared on the Kennedy Center stage.
Today based out of Pittsburgh, PA, Balafon works in partnership with local artists, alumni dancers from all over the country, and master dancers and musicians from around the world. From school to communities to the theater, Balafon programs offer ways for people of all generations, backgrounds and physical abilities to discover a love for African culture and experience dancing out loud.
Bringing Mama Kadiatou’s theatrical flair gained from years touring with Guinea’s national dance company, and her desire to break the mold as one of the few women-led directors of an ensemble, Balafon skillfully blends the classic traditions of West African culture with contemporary arts and social consciousness. Elaborately colorful costumes, heart stirring live music, and high energy movement captivate, inspire and energize audiences from all backgrounds and walks of life
Today based out of Pittsburgh, PA, Balafon works in partnership with local artists, alumni dancers from all over the country, and master dancers and musicians from around the world. From school to communities to the theater, Balafon programs offer ways for people of all generations, backgrounds and physical abilities to discover a love for African culture and experience dancing out loud.
Bringing Mama Kadiatou’s theatrical flair gained from years touring with Guinea’s national dance company, and her desire to break the mold as one of the few women-led directors of an ensemble, Balafon skillfully blends the classic traditions of West African culture with contemporary arts and social consciousness. Elaborately colorful costumes, heart stirring live music, and high energy movement captivate, inspire and energize audiences from all backgrounds and walks of life
Dedicated to passing down rich cultural and musical traditions, it is only fitting that Balafon is named after the traditional West African instrument that has carried on the melody of the ancient Mali empire region of West Africa for over 700 years. The Balafon is an ancestor to instruments such as the marimba and xylophone.
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KADIATOU "MAMA" CONTEFOUNDER + CHOREOGRAPHERKadiatou Conte Forte (affectionately referred to as Mama Kadiatou) devotes her life and career to passing on her African dance mastery and creating authentic dance experiences. Whether experienced artists, young people, or members of the community of all ages, she encourages everyone to know and embrace their own style and challenge themselves. Her extensive career <link to the full bio or CV> teaching and performing around the world has earned her respect and acknowledgment as a grand “Mama” of the African arts world.
Along with dance, Mama Kadiatou teaches the importance of mental and physical fortitude and the importance of loving and accepting ourselves and one another. Grounded in her unfailing faith, high regard for each of our own special God-given gifts and talents, and appreciation of the importance for mutual respect, Mama Kadiatou touches the lives of people from all walks of life. Her traditional Guinean cooking and homemade ginger beer are also well loved! |