Samba Diallo

About The Artist

African dance and culture have been in Samba’s blood since birth. Born and raised in Cote-D’Ivoire, West Africa (known as the Ivory-Coast), he began choreographing, teaching, and performing dance while attending college. During this time he was also an actor with the Theatrical Union of Krindjabo, Africa. Later he founded his own dance company, Rosaire de Treichville, and won first place in the national dance and theatre competition at Varietoscope. His work was named Best Choreography and Samba was honored by Kouassi Lenoir, the mayor of Treichville, his hometown. During the same year Samba Diallo become a Artistic Advisor for several of the other dance companies in the competition.

Most notably, Samba performed around the world with the National Ballet of the Ivory-Coast from 1987 until 1995, when he relocated to the United States. He received a certificate from the National Ballet and is educated in African Art and Culture: Option dance and music. (School of Fines Art in Abidjan).

Samba's work has been covered by national and international media and has earned him a reputation as a representative of the culture of Cote d'Ivoire.

Since his relocation to the United States, Samba’s passion for dance has not wavered. He has performed across the country with several dance troupes in various festivals. Samba has performed at universities and colleges including Tuskegee University, Georgia State University, Ohio University, Christopher University, Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Berry College and Shorter College. He has also performed and taught in the Atlanta Public Schools, High Middle School Summer Camp and in public library programs around the country. In 1996 Samba was invited to perform at the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games and was an Assistant to the Choreographer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games that same year.

Samba has performed and choreographed for organizations and with companies such us Fusion Production, National Black Arts Festival, Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, the Chattanooga Zoo, Georgia World Congress Center, NGALA Private Reserve and the High Museum of Art. He has performed in The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, For Sister Only, and 100 Black Men.

In 1998 Samba founded a new dance company, Attoungblan: African Dance Theatre. This company's performances function as outlets for Samba's creative expression as well as avenues through which the rich culture of Cote d'Ivoire may be shared with audiences across the country and around the world. With his newly redesigned Arts and Culture Education Program (ACEP),
Samba Diallo is presently available for lectures, workshops, master classes and performances in venues such as schools, museums and corporate events.

"Sharing my culture with others is my passion. I will do so with respect, understanding, energy, and lot of joy."

Samba Diallo
Dance and drumming Instructor
Phone: 404 840 5342
E-mail: dsamfly@aol.com
www.sambadiallo.com