Insider/Outsider or the space between – my journey from West Africa to North America and back. Reflections on life, identity and the blurred boundaries, challenges and frustrations I find myself navigating through as an Insider/outsider within the two continents I call home.
Bio: Zelma Badu-Younge, one of the most charismatic cultural fusion artists, captivates her audience as she steps on stage. This mesmerizing performer is considered one of the most electrifying choreographers, with her high-energy synthesis of West African traditions combined with other world dance forms. A natural born mover, it’s been said that she could dance before she could walk. Zelma’s passion for dance led her to study at the National Ballet School of Canada (Toronto), l’Academie des Grands Ballet Canadiens (Montreal), Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (New York City) and at University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts. She holds a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance and Choreography (Concordia University), a M.F.A. in Dance Ethnology (York University), and a Ph.D. in Culture and Values in Education (McGill University).
Dr. Badu-Younge is Professor of Dance at Ohio University, and Dance Director/Choreographer for Azaguno, a multi-ethnic ensemble focusing on research, preservation and the performance of global forms. She has presented scholarly papers, conducted workshops or performed internationally in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia, including guest speaker at Princeton University’s 3rd International Symposium on the Music of Africa, and Society of Dance History Scholars Conference on Dance Dramaturgy at York University. Zelma performed as solo vocalist with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir in New York City and throughout Canada and Germany and has produced multicultural arts festivals, concerts, conferences and symposia.
A recipient of the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award – choreography (2016 & 2008), NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Faculty Academics and Research and multiple awards in Canada – the prestigious Chalmers Awards for Creativity and Excellence in the Arts, Laidlaw Foundation, and Canada Council for the Arts Awards. She was also highlighted in a cover story as a Cultural Ambassador in Dance Teacher Magazine. Zelma Badu-Younge, one of the most charismatic cultural fusion artists, captivates her audience as she steps on stage. This mesmerizing performer is considered one of the most electrifying choreographers, with her high-energy synthesis of West African traditions combined with other world dance forms. A natural born mover, it’s been said that she could dance before she could walk. Zelma’s passion for dance led her to study at the National Ballet School of Canada (Toronto), l’Academie des Grands Ballet Canadiens (Montreal), Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (New York City) and at University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts. She holds a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance and Choreography (Concordia University), a M.F.A. in Dance Ethnology (York University), and a Ph.D. in Culture and Values in Education (McGill University).
Dr. Badu-Younge is Professor of Dance at Ohio University, and Dance Director/Choreographer for Azaguno, a multi-ethnic ensemble focusing on research, preservation and the performance of global forms. She has presented scholarly papers, conducted workshops or performed internationally in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia, including guest speaker at Princeton University’s 3rd International Symposium on the Music of Africa, and Society of Dance History Scholars Conference on Dance Dramaturgy at York University. Zelma performed as solo vocalist with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir in New York City and throughout Canada and Germany and has produced multicultural arts festivals, concerts, conferences and symposia.
A recipient of the Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award – choreography (2016 & 2008), NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Faculty Academics and Research and multiple awards in Canada – the prestigious Chalmers Awards for Creativity and Excellence in the Arts, Laidlaw Foundation, and Canada Council for the Arts Awards. She was also highlighted in a cover story as a Cultural Ambassador in Dance Teacher Magazine. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
