Artist Spotlight: Amina Konaté
“Being able to work hard on such an important subject is deeply fulfilling…”
Welcome back to another Artist Spotlight! This time we are delighted to introduce you to Amina Konaté. Amina is a talented, hardworking dancer with a passion for using dance to inspire change.
Why We’re Excited:
Amina has been a joy to watch grow into the artist she is today. Her dedication, intelligence, and powerful performances embody the spirit of our mission. We believe she has all the traits for a successful career in dance. We can’t wait for you to see her in action!
Please enjoy the conversation we had with her about her start as dancer, her place in this project, and other fun facts!
Full Interview with Amina
What inspired you to become a dancer?
I think the first time I was introduced to dance was as a toddler, led by my sister and cousins when we danced together in my living room. Later, the idea of sharing moments and conveying a message through a discipline that is both athletic and artistic convinced me to pursue this passion and turn it into a career. Seeing the audience’s reactions at the shows I attended, along with my own feelings, and realizing how much art can change lives truly inspired me to dance and hopefully become a performer capable of doing exactly that.
What drew you to the WITNESS project, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance?
What drew me to the WITNESS project is the duty of remembrance while conveying a message of hope. The idea of shedding light on people who were oppressed, a story that unfortunately is not unique to slavery but resonates with many throughout human history, was compelling to me. I hope the audience finds the courage to revisit these cruel moments, not only to remember but to seek better solutions to move forward.
In what ways do you feel the intersection of contemporary circus and ballet in WITNESS challenges traditional narratives in dance?
I find this blend of techniques both interesting and important for the artist and the audience. While maintaining an impressive and mesmerizing aspect, contemporary circus is intriguing because its element of risk mirrors the challenges our characters might face. It brings a rawness and sometimes a closer connection to reality, which is essential for a story as complex and delicate as this one. We want to really move the audience and leave a mark, so combining ballet, which is a famously complex and impressive technique, with the demanding and captivating aspects of contemporary circus, feels like a great way to do that.
Can you share a memorable moment from your dance career?
I had the opportunity to dance in a ballet called “Four Little Girls”, which pays homage to the four girls who were killed in a Ku Klux Klan attack on a church in Alabama in 1963. In this four-person ballet, each dancer represents one of the girls, and their pictures are shown one after another in the background. When I turned around and saw Addie Mae Collins’ picture, I was filled with emotion. Not only was I performing to honor her, but I also felt a deep connection between my dance and her memory. There was also an intense connection with the audience, as if everyone could feel her and the injustice she had suffered.
Can you share a moment during rehearsals for WITNESS that was particularly impactful for you?
I started dancing with RudduR Dance as an apprentice, which means I didn’t perform in the first show I participated in. Instead, I had the chance to be in the audience and witness the premiere. Seeing the work from the outside and being surprised by a story I thought I already knew had a profound impact on me. Having the opportunity to be part of the creation and rehearsal process, and still experience the final result in such a striking way, was just amazing. It gave me even more faith in the work and a stronger desire to be a part of it next time.
What does performing at this iconic venue mean to you as an artist?
It is a legendary and iconic venue! It’s incredible to have the chance to perform in a theater that has seen so many exceptional artists, especially because it has highlighted Black artists in a place deeply influenced by Black culture.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m really excited for the performances! Being able to work hard on such an important subject is deeply fulfilling but also challenging, so finally presenting it to the audience will truly highlight the impact and significance of our work.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends, watch movies and shows, and play piano.
Thank you for joining this artist spotlight; we are so happy to have Amina on our team! We invite you to explore her Instagram page and website bio to learn more about her inspiring work. If you feel compelled, please consider supporting Amina through our Adopt an Artist Program, which helps provide resources and opportunities for talented artists like her. Your support makes a significant difference in fostering creativity and supporting the arts community.
If you can, please, donate to RudduR Dance and help us better the world through dance!