Professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor Lacina Coulibaly merges traditional African dances with contemporary influences.
In 1995 Lacina co-founded the renowned Cie Kongo Bâ Teria dance company. His performance was featured in the award-winning creation “Vin Nem,” featured in the documentary film Movement (R)Evolution Africa (2007). He has collaborated throughout his career with esteemed international dance companies such as Salia ni Seydou, Faso Danse Theatre, Tché Tché, Anikaya, and Urban Bush Women and with artists such as Emily Coates, Amy Sullivan, Kota Yamakazi, Seydou Coulibaly, and Nora Chipaumire. Beyond the stage, Lacina has dedicated time to pedagogical work in social and educational programs. His involvement as a choreographer and associate artistic/pedagogical director for the Engagement Féminin project in Ouagadougou has been instrumental in training and empowering female dancers in Africa. His most recent work, “Until the Lion Tells the Story…” delves into ancient African civilizations, emphasizing the importance of history in strengthening communities.
His expertise extends to teaching and directing dance projects with students at Barnard College, Sarah Lawrence College, ACES, Florida University, Brown University, New School, UCLA, and CDC la Termitière. In addition to his artistic and pedagogical achievements, Lacina has developed Sigini, an innovative analytical approach to African dances, particularly West African dance, and a pedagogical approach for designing and sculpting movement. He is currently Associate Artistic Director at Yale Dance Lab, and Artistic Director of Hakili Sigi.