Michel Kouakou is an Ivorian choreographer and dancer, recognized for his international contributions to contemporary dance. He is the founder and artistic director of Daara Dance and the recipient of the 2012 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance and the Carnegie Corporation Great Immigrants Award.
Michel Kouakou | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Ivorian |
| Education | Hollins University (MFA in Dance) |
| Occupation(s) | Choreographer, dancer, founder and director of Daara Dance |
Early life and education
editBorn in Côte d'Ivoire, Kouakou began under the mentorship of Werewere Liking in the village of Ki Yi M'Bock in Abidjan, where he was introduced to the spiritual dimensions of art. He then studied with choreographers such as Germaine Acogny in Senegal and Bud Blumenthal in Brussels.[1] Kouakou pursued formal education in dance, earning an MFA from Hollins University in Virginia.[2]
Career
editKouakou's career is marked by a number of influences, drawing from his African heritage and encounters with various international dance forms, including Butoh in Japan. His work reflects a dialogue between traditional West African and American contemporary dance, with themes of identity and displacement. In 2003, he founded Daara Dance, leading the company to international recognition through performances and workshops in Europe, Japan, and the United States.[3] His dance style has been influenced by choreographer Reggie Wilson.[4]
Awards and recognition
editKouakou has received a number of awards for his work, including the Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Research in Dance (2012), the U.S./Japan Creative Artists Program fellowship (2008), and the New York Foundation for the Arts Artists' Fellowship (2007).[5] He was awarded the 2012 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance for his impact as an immigrant artist enriching the American arts landscape.[6][7] That same year, the Carnegie Corporation of New York recognized him as one of their Great Immigrants.[8]
Personal life
editKouakou is based in Los Angeles.[9]
References
edit- ^ Seibert, Brian (2012-11-19). "African Echoes That Inspire Global Vision". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ "Michel Kouakou - 2012 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance". Vilcek Foundation. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
- ^ "Michel Kouakou: Founder and Director, Daara Dance". Vilcek Foundation. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
- ^ Rocco, Claudia La (2007-10-22). "Dances Quickly Created, Influenced by 2 Continents". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ Josephs, Susan (2012-05-26). "Michel Kouakou brings global perspective to dance". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ "Ivory Coast Choreographer and Dancer Michel Kouakou Wins Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
- ^ Bloom, Julie (2012-02-13). "Dance Awards for Baryshnikov and Forsythe". The New York Times - ArtsBeat. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
- ^ "Michael Kouakou - Carnegie Great Immigrants 2012". Carnegie Corporation of New York.
- ^ "Michel Kouakou Biography". Vilcek Foundation. Retrieved 2024-02-04.