Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge

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 in Canada, and the United States; with her high-energy synthesis of West African traditions combined with other world dance forms.
 
A multi-award winning choreographer, professional dance artist, teacher and scholar, has shared the stage with many international artists; and has instructed, lectured, performed, or choreographed in 26 American States and Canadian Provinces, as well as in Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Mainland China, Italy, Germany, and Ghana.
 
As Dance Director/ Choreographer of and performer in Azaguno (Azaguno.com) she appeared with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (Hong Kong), at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference (Toronto); and recently presented her new creation Africa Meets Asia, a 45-minute work exploring the fusion of African and Asian dance and music at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre in Toronto.
 
Badu-Younge, Professor of Dance at Ohio University, 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. (Deans List) in Integrated Studies in Education (McGill University) and is a recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Faculty Academics and Research.
 
Zelma recently presented at the 2014 World Dance Alliance Global Summit in Angers, France, 2014 PASMAE-PATAG Conference, University of Education in Winneba, Ghana and the 2013 International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) in Shanghai, China; has been invited as guest panelist for the Society of Dance History Scholars in Toronto, Canada; and guest speaker for Princeton University's 3rd Annual International Symposium on the Music of Africa.
 
She is a member of the Ohio Department of Education's Committee for the Arts and Innovative Thinking and the Ohio Dance Board of Trustees. Badu-Younge's new works were recently premiered/performed in Diema, a festival & Concert of New Contemporary Music and Dance of Ghana in June of 2015. This festival involved over 150 artists from Ghana, Canada, China and USA.