ABOUT

Cheick Sissoko - Master Dancer, Drummer and Oral Historian

I am from Cote Divoire West Africa of the Bambara ethnic group from mali. I am one of eleven children, born and raised around music, Dance and storytelling. My parents realized my natural talent and love for Dance when I was the age of ten. My parents support and understanding helped me a lot at my after-school Dance activities. Less than a year prior to my commitment to Dance I was admitted to my home town Dance company, Lion D'or of Koumassi, upon auditioning. I Danced in live performances, television shows and competitions all around Cote D'ivoire for five years. In the fall of 1998 I came to the U.S.A to continue my education in NYC at Washington Irving high school. My love for Dance kept growing while committed to school. I soon became a regular Drummer and Dance Teacher at Djoniba Dance and Drum Center in NYC where my talent began to develop other Dance forms.