Thiossane Institute’s director Ms. Suzan Bradford Kounta is a community partner for the Dance Department at The Ohio State University. Read about her accomplishments and see her new work set on OSU students and performed in Brazil.

Co-founder and Artistic Director of Thiossane West African Dance Institute Suzan Bradford Kounta is a dancer, instructor and choreographer of traditional West African Dance. In spring 2018, Ohio State Dance students had the privilege of opting for Kounta’s traditional West African class for their movement practice in lieu of ballet. The class offered students an in depth understanding of the musicality, techniques and relevance of traditional West African dance as it relates to authentic movement and its influences in other dance forms. Accomplished musicians of this traditional art form Jesse “Krate” Jackson and Kevin Seals accompanied each class for a full and rich experience. The curriculum included rhythms and techniques from the countries of Mali, Senegal and Guinea. (read more here)

Name? NiaAdjowa Sheard

What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio

When did you join Thiossane?

Story has it, I’ve been dancing since being in the womb; but I officially started dancing at age one

When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?

Support because there are lot of different families here. We’ve experienced death, marriage, divorce, children raised, and injuries and through all of that, we’ve been able to endure and support one another. When we lost our dad, no one was like, “That’s their family business; let me stay out of it.” The sentiment was, let’s go clean the house, let’s give the kids rides, let’s support the family. We felt completely supported by our Thiossane family. Read more

Name? Kevin Seals

What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio

When did you join Thiossane?

Originally started with ABCDE at age 12, then returned in 2009 after going to college

When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?

West African culture – its music, dance, and food. Then I would have to say family. Read more

Name? Quianna Simpson

What city are you from? Columbus, Ohio

When did you join Thiossane?

Original member; began with the company at age seven

When you think of Thiossane, what immediately comes to mind? What does Thiossane mean to you?

When I think of Thiossane, I think of family, community, togetherness, respect, and all the great makings of a quality life. I can’t imagine my life without Thiossane. I don’t think I would be as happy dancing somewhere else. Read more