Instagram @Akosua_ASA

For Akosua, traditional West African dance was ritual before it was performance and urban African dance styles were part of social gathering before they were an Instagram video. While the majority of movers are catching onto the trend of African dance styles one popular dance move at a time, Akosua uses dance language to shine a wider spotlight on African culture as a whole. A dance scholar, performer, choreographer, movement coach, and artistic director; Akosua is working to strike a balance between the commercial industry and the underground universe that is traditional African dance. 

 

Born and raised in Washington DC, Akosua is a product of Ghanaian culture, a traditional Senegalese ballet, and a hint of life in the Caribbean. She made her first appearance on stage at age 3. Her early work in choreography and dance instruction began at age 13 for a collection of after school programs in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. She taught her first adult West African dance class at age 15, an achievement that would jump start her career in choreography. Akosua’s undergraduate career at Howard University is a melting pot of both exercise science and an introduction to the world of modern and contemporary dance. An experience on which she bases unique strategies as a movement coach. 

 

She founded ASA! Enterprises in 2011 - an umbrella company covering ASA!, one of the first international African dance fitness programs,  a line of sport and dance apparel, a group fitness certification, the SBJ Dance and Mentorship program and the ASA! Body Personal Training Studio. She is also the co-founder of the Antigua-based carnival company, FUZE. She is an injury rehabilitation specialist and personal trainer with 4 national certifications, 2 degrees, and 10 years experience in the physical therapy and fitness industries. She has traveled the world as a performer and dance instructor gracing stages, TV screens, and studios across the United States, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and West Africa. She has worked with celebrities across cultures including Jidenna, Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Machel Montano, Fally Ipupa and more. With every opportunity, Akosua moves from and through culture. 

​

She holds a

• Bachelor's Degree in Sports Medicine from Howard University

• Master's Degree in Human Performance and Rehabilitation from California University of Pennsylvania 

• The Performance Enhancement Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine 

• The Corrective Exercise Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine 

• The Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine 

• The Personal Training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine 

​

Performance & Choreographic Work

(Artists)

• Jidenna

• Busta Rhymes

• Estelle

• Machel Montano

• Janet Jackson

• Fally Ipupa

• Iyanya

• Wale

• Viuex Farka Toure

​

Performance & Choreographic Work

(Dance and Production Companies)

• Paramount Pictures

• Marvel Comic Universe

• BET

• MTV

• Alvin Ailey 

• Essence Fest

• Eilat Festival (Israel)

• Farafina Kan

• Nai Zou and Co.

• Dishibem

• Dono Drum and Dance Ensemble

• Memory of African Culture

​

Entrepreneurship

• ASA! (Founder/Creator)

  • The international African dance-fitness craze, sport apparel and group fitness certification established 2011

• ASA! Body Studio (Founder/Creator)

  • In-person and virtual personal training and rehabilitation services established 2017

• ASA! Kelenya (Founder/Choreographer)

  • The hottest Afrocan dance company blending Afrobeat, Coupe Decale, and Soukous dance styles

• FUZE Carnival (Co-Founder/Costume Designer)

  • The award-winning Afro-Caribbean Mas Troupe taking Antigua Carnival by storm