PMT Dance Studio Faculty Profiles

Saturnin Ba

West African Dance

Note: Saturnin Ba will be subbing for Ismael Kouyate during his run with FELA! until further notice.

     Saturnin Ba was born in Man, in the western region of the Ivory Coast. He began dancing and singing when he was a young boy in his village, where he would regularly join up with a group of his friends to dance “au clair de la lune” (by moonlight). He left Man for Abidjan to dance with the troupe GLAHOZIETY, and then formed BADEGNA of which he became Assistant Choreographer. He later joined the troupe AKLYSSO, touring with them to Conakry, Guinea. In Conakry, AKLYSSO reformed and was renamed AMOUSSOU, of which Saturnin became the Assistant Director. AMOUSSOU collaborated and performed with many Guinean troupes, ultimately joining forces with members of the FODEBA KEITA SCHOOL OF ACROBATIC ARTS to tour Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mali on a contract with the renowned UNIVERSOULCIRCUS.

     Saturnin arrived in NYC in March 2009 and is excited to have the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience of the rich culture of the Ivory Coast.

Class Description:

     Saturnin teaches dances which are based on traditional and “Contemporian Brut” (new modern creations) ballets from the Ivory Coast. His classes are accompanied by live djembe and dundun drumming. His style is vibrant, full of energy and spirit and encourages a balance of strength and flexibility.

All levels are welcome to the joy of dance! Power to the people!