About Kolaam

Kolaam Dance is a a group of teaching artists led by Senegalese artist Idy Ciss. The group performs workshops and performances in schools throughout the Chicago area. The educational objective is to teach students dance and rhythm, and elements central to life in west Africa.

Kolaam’s primary program is the STORIES project, a cultural exchange program for students in the Chicago area and Thionck-Essyl, Senegal. STORIES is centered on developing students' problem solving skills and critical thinking through elements of storytelling, west African dance, drumming, and friendship