Serge Aimé Coulibaly

Serge Aimé Coulibaly is a dancer and choreographer from Burkina Faso. He was born in Bobo Diou- lasso, and has worked in Europe and the rest of the world since 2001. His inspiration is rooted in African culture and his art is committed to the necessity of powerful contemporary dance. A dance rooted in emotion but also the bearer of reflection and hope. His vigorous expressiveness makes his work universal and finds a response on several continents. Since he set up his Faso Dance Théâtre company in 2002, Serge Aimé Coulibaly has been exploring complex themes, with the desire to offer young people a genuine positive dynamism. His productions have been presented in many theatres all over Europe and Africa and have been invited to several festivals. These include Wakatt (2020), Kirina (2018), Kalakuta Republik (2016), Nuit Blanche à Ouagadougou (2014), Fadjiri (2013), Khokuma 7° Sud (2011), Babemba (2008), Soli- tude d’un Homme Intègre (2007), A Benguer (2006), Minimini (2002). 

His open view of the world and of differences, which he always questions, plus his constructive energy and will to persevere, has led to collaboration with several other artists since the beginning of his career. He regularly works on international productions, both as a performer and choreographer. He worked with Moïse Touré (La Maladie de la Mort, 2015), with Marrukegu Company in Australia (Cut the Sky, 2014 and Burning Daylight, 2009), with Farid Berki (Double Jeu, 2013), with Julie Dossavi (Cross and Share, 2012), with Alain Platel (C(H)OEURS, 2012 and Wolf, 2003), with Kalpana Raghuraman (I lost my English, 2008) and with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (Tempus Fugit, 2004). 

Serge Aimé Coulibaly’s work, always in motion and fueled by curiosity and generosity, has aroused the inter- est and confidence of a great many organisations. In addition, his desire and will to share his knowledge has led him to make dance pieces for amateur dancers. During his artistic training with the FEEREN company in Burkina Faso, headed by Amadou Bourou, and afterwards in his time at Le Centre National Chorégraphique de Nantes, under Claude Brumachon, Serge Aimé Coulibaly was able to develop his talent and personal tastes and then transfer them into art. He aims to develop an original creativity and involves the dancers and choreographers who attend his masterclasses in questioning their responsibility as performing artists and the power of the vocabulary that has a significance in their role as citizens. 

To provide a place for experimentation and concrete reflection for his creations and his concept of artistic commitment, Serge Aimé Coulibaly set up Ankata in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso: an international laboratory for research and production in the performing arts. It’s open to everyone and is a cross- roads for exchanges between different continents, disciplines and communities with the common aim of inventing the future.