Sunmolu Kouyate
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Professional educator and organization development consultant with over 18 years of experience in the performing arts and education sectors. Expertise in neo-African Diasporic dance forms, complemented by a performance history at prestigious international festivals. As director of dance for the Baobab Tree Foundation and resident instructor at the VIVA School, Sunmolu demonstrates a commitment to talent cultivation and cultural connection through dance. Proven track record in strategic planning, operational improvement, and collaborative management that drives organizational effectiveness.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Dance
Baobab Tree Foundation
Upper Marlboro, MD
09.2023 - Current
- Supervise and coordinate the achievement of artistic objectives within the dance division.
- Oversee coordination of dance teachers for students in grades K-12.
- Create and manage rehearsal schedules involving teaching artists and studio allocations.
- Maintain high-performance quality criteria for every dance number during the yearly production.
- Leads creative vision for the RBG Steppers, a youth program under the Baobab Tree Foundation.
- Recruit and manage instructors specializing in various dance styles.
Resident Instructor
VIVA School
Washington, USA
09.2022 - Current
- Resident instructor at VIVA School in Washington, D.C. guiding pre-professional dancers aged 13-18.
- Guide level 3/4 students in mastering traditional West African Dance styles.
- Chosen as choreographer for the 2023 and 2024 performance seasons.
- Track learning progress by recording performance metrics.
- Participate in professional development sessions to remain updated on best teaching practices.
Production Manager/Djembe Djunkies
Djembe Djunkies LLC
Washington, DC
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Managed interactions with collaborators from multiple fields like dance companies and music professionals.
- Facilitated lodging arrangements for visiting artists.
- Recruited skilled choreographers, musicians, graphic designers, tailors, and interns.
- Developed and maintained productive partnerships with over 20 performing arts companies, facilitating their involvement and assisting in the organization of their membership base
- Organized planning meetings with Djembe Djunkies director, choreographers, World Culture Festival staff, and musical directors.
- Negotiated and finalized contract agreements to secure favorable terms.
Professional Dancer/ ASA Kelenya
ASA! Fitness
Washington, DC
06.2015 - 06.2021
- Performed at international and national events including Essence Festival in New Orleans, the Smithsonian in Washington DC, Carnival in Antigua, and Ghana.
- Performed alongside internationally renowned artists including Estelle, Wale, Fally Ipupa, and Iyanya.
Education
M.S. - Organization Development
American University
B.S. - Education
North Carolina State University
Skills
- Dance Performance
- Choreography
- Organization Development
- Dance Education
- Merchandise management
- Artistic collaboration
- Show Production Management
- Staff recruitment
- Physical fitness
- Rehearsal Management
- Team management
- Decision-making
- Task delegation
- Contract management
- Schedule preparation
Certification
Standards of Excellence Licensed Consultant
Yearsofexperience
20 years Youth Development
18 years Dance Education
10 years Performance Experience
7 years Organization Development/Project Management
Timeline
Director of Dance
Baobab Tree Foundation
09.2023 - Current
Production Manager/Djembe Djunkies
Djembe Djunkies LLC
01.2023 - 11.2023
Resident Instructor
VIVA School
09.2022 - Current
Professional Dancer/ ASA Kelenya
ASA! Fitness
06.2015 - 06.2021
M.S. - Organization Development
American University
B.S. - Education
North Carolina State University
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