Honoring the Legacy and Vision of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble

A Legacy Rooted in Tradition and Innovation

Balafon West African Dance Ensemble stands as a vibrant force in preserving and celebrating traditional West African dance. At the heart of its history is Founder and Artistic Director, Mama Kadiatou Conte-Forte (1955 – 2022), a revered cultural bearer and advocate for African arts. Having toured with Guinea’s national dance companies, she brought her profound vision to the United States, using dance as a medium to connect people across cultures. Her leadership and passion left an indelible mark on the African arts community, inspiring generations of dancers and cultural enthusiasts.

The Ensemble: A Journey Through Time

Balafon’s roots trace back to Washington, D.C., in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where it first established its presence. In 2005, Conte was recruited to Umoja African Arts, expanding the ensemble’s reach. The group later reformed in Pittsburgh, where it continues to thrive, maintaining a network of active alumni in various cities. Today, Balafon is a powerhouse of performance and programming, engaging audiences throughout Pittsburgh and the Eastern U.S. Through prestigious residencies with top drummers and participation in major projects and productions, the ensemble remains a leading voice in African dance.

Balafon: More Than an Ensemble, A Movement

Established as a Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) in 2010, Balafon has evolved into an influential arts organization. It remained artistically directed until 2020, when the introduction of a managing director role helped strengthen its organizational structure. Today, the ensemble continues to honor its roots while expanding its reach, ensuring that traditional West African dance remains a vibrant and celebrated art form.

Core Ideology: The Heartbeat of Balafon

VISION To elevate global appreciation for African dance.

MISSION Balafon creates enriching opportunities to experience the joyful spirit of traditional West African dance, with a special focus on the contributions of women in the art form.

VALUES Balafon thrives on the fundamental belief that dance uplifts lives, fostering:

• Community: Unifying people through shared cultural experiences.
• Creative Spirit: Encouraging authentic self-expression.
• Excellence: Cultivating skill, discipline, and artistic brilliance.
• Freedom & Well-Being: Promoting liberation, courage, and care.
• Heritage: Honoring ancestral gifts and preserving cultural wisdom.

Strategic Direction: Moving Forward with Purpose

Balafon is dedicated to growth, sustainability, and impact, guided by six key strategic goals:

• Get the Word Out: Enhance visibility through strategic marketing and outreach.
• Get Organized: Strengthen both artistic and administrative structures.
• Get the People: Develop a staffing plan that includes strong artistic leadership.
• Get Healing: Foster collaboration and unity among Pittsburgh’s African arts organizations.
• Get Rooted: Design and implement culturally humanistic programming.
• Get Money & Resources: Ensure sustainable funding through active board engagement and resource development.

Join the Movement

As Balafon continues to grow and evolve, we invite dancers, supporters, and cultural enthusiasts to be part of this journey. Whether through performances, workshops, or community engagement, the spirit of West African dance lives on—in every step, every rhythm, and every heart touched by its energy.

Stay connected and celebrate the power of movement with us!