PROFILE

Master of regional dance and drumming traditions of West Africa

Performer and choreographer, with over fifteen years with the Ballet National de Cote D’Ivoire (National Ballet of the Ivory Coast)

Founder of L’Ensemble Kotchegna D’Abidjan, now residing in the United States as the Kotchegna Dance Company

Toured and performed throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia

RECOGNITION

Brevet des Techniques Superieures des Arts et Culture
Republique de Cote d'Ivoires

The Ethnic Dance Award

Public Library of the Performing Arts’ Dance Collection Archive
New York Public Library

EXPERTISE

Dancer

Vado’s dance skills draw from an extensive knowledge of the traditional dances of the Ivory Coast and other West African countries. He is a member of several dance companies, as well as guest artist with many others, including companies of Brazilian, Haitian, Tap and Modern Dance. Since moving to the United States, he has taken part in innumerable performances and events across the country.

He also acts as an intermediary for the spirit of a Mask called Gue-Pelou, “God of the Sacred Forest.” In this role, the nine-foot tall Mask is a bridge between the world of the living and the spiritual realm of the ancestors. It performs dances and acrobatic feats, and acts as a protective power for those it encounters.

Dance Companies

Current Involvement

Ballet National de Cote D’Ivoire

Kotchegna Dance Company

founder and director

Urban Tap

member

Ballet D’Afrique Djoniba

member

Les Ballets Africain de Papa Ladji Camara

guest artist

S.P.I.R.I.T.S. S.O.A (Chicago)

guest artist

Seven Principles (New Jersey)

guest artist

Mamadou Dahoue and the Ancestral Messengers

guest artist

Afro Brazil Arts

guest artist

Maimouna Keita School of African Dance

Mask Dance Company

Recent Notable Performances

Symphony Space, NYC
Just Kidding!

Baruch College, NYC
Maimouna Keita Dance Conference

Museum for African Art, NYC

The New Victory Theater on Broadway, NYC
Urban Tap

West African Dance & Drum Conference, Los Angeles

Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis
Africa Festival

The Pittsburg Symphony, PA
Umoja African Arts

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Brooklyn, NY
Dance Africa ’98

American Museum of Natural History, NYC
Kwanzaa Celebration

Founder, Choreographer and Artistic Director – Kotchegna Dance Company

In Vado’s native language of Mahou, “kotchegna” means “messenger.” His troupe’s goal is to inspire joy and understanding through the power of dance and drum, promoting the exchange of culture worldwide.

As Founder and Director of the Kotchegna Dance Company, Vado has assembled a company of over sixteen dancers and drummers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Recent Notable Performances

Djoniba Drum & Dance Center, NYC
Matieni Kone Memorial

Symphony Space, NYC
Just Kidding!

Sullivan County Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY

John Jay College Theater, NYC
Badenya ’98

Dance and Drumming Instructor

Vado has been teaching dance and drumming to students in the New York City area since 1995. His students include professionals and novices. He also takes part in many educational programs for children, and tours extensively through the school systems of the New York City metropolitan area and beyond.

Dance Schools in New York City

Current Involvement

Alvin Ailey Dance School

instructor

New Dance Group

instructor

PMT Dance Studio

instructor

Djoniba Dance and Drum Center

Shekere Center

Ballet Arts

Fareta

Ifetayo

Drummer and Drum Maker

Vado has been making, repairing and playing drums since he was very young. His reputation for quality workmanship has attracted an international clientele of professionals including many West African drummers.