Amachiyana Payton
Amachiyana Payton started training with KanKouran West African Dance Company's Founder and Artistic Director, Assane Konte, when she was 4 years old. Her potential was undeniable. She quickly progressed into being a member of KanKouran's children's company, where she continued to train for the next 10 years in the various dance styles from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. During these formative years, Ama continued to improve her skills and technique as a dancer. But more importantly, she also developed self-love, estaished her cultural identity, strengthened her self- esteem, and experienced personal growth in many different areas of her life. She credits her time in KanKouran with making her into the person, dancer, and artist she is today.
After completing high school and transitioning through college and graduate school, Ama returned to Kankouran in 2013 and joined the Senior Company. Since 2014, she has been an active member of KanKouran, performing at local, national, and international venues, dazzling audiences with meticulous attention to detail and choreography, high energy, and the passion she brings to the stage. While Ama is a premier dancer in the Senior Company, she also serves as an assistant instructor for the Children's Company. In addition, she is also an assistant instructor for KanKouran's adult community dance classes.