By Walter Rutledge
One of the more rewarding aspects of being a cultural commentator is the opportunity to observe so much young talent. People from all walks of life converge on New York City with their dreams wrapped in the invincibility of youth. It’s amazing! It’s like seeing Geese flying south, Salmon swimming upstream and sometimes Lemming to the sea. Regardless, many have sacrificed with the hope of fulfilling their destiny, of living their dream. Amina Konaté is living her dream.
At 16, she left her home of La Rochelle, a historic coastal city in southwest France approximately 300 miles from Paris to study at the prestigious Béjart School in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2021, she made the life altering decision to try her luck in America. She studied at the Ailey School and a year later performed in Philadelphia Dance Company’s (PHILADANCO!) apprentice company Danco 2 (D/2). While making her way in both the City of Brotherly Love and the Big Apple, she caught the eye of Jamel Gaines the founder of Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet (JGCO).
Gaines immediately invited Konaté into the Creative Outlet family. A dance family is a group of kindred souls working together and at the same time pursuing personal excellence. A natural nurturer, Gaines quickly gravitated toward her strong technical base, solid and consistent work ethic, and most important teachable spirit. Her commitment to the craft is an asset in the creative process, those transformational moments when artist and muse become one.
Over her four-year relationship with JGCO we have seen her grow into a polished multifaceted performer in both ensemble works and in leading roles. This season Konaté is prominently featured in the season’s production of Juneteenth. The presentation is the company’s annual tribute to Black independence and self-determination. In addition to JGCO, Konaté is performing with the internationally renowned Urban Bush Women, and upcoming companies CRDANCE and Accent Dance NYC. We were able to catch up with this “artist to watch” as she prepared for a fast paced and diverse season.
