Vado Diomande

Vado Diomande started dancing at the age of four, learning the dance and drum traditions of his Mahouka people. At an early age, he was initiated into becoming the keeper of the sacred mask dance on stilts, Gue-Pelou. This distinction brought him to the Ballet National de Cote d’Ivoire, where he became a principal dancer for more than 15 years. He maintains a commitment to the integrity of his country's many village traditions, promoting the 60+ diverse tribes within Côte d'Ivoire. 

Vado’s repertoire elevated his career to choreograph and tour extensively throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. In 1989, he established L’Ensemble Kokiegna d’Abidjan, which has resided in New York City as the Kotchegna Dance Company since 1994. In Vado’s native language Mahou, ‘kotchegna’ means messenger. His troupe’s mission is to inspire joy and understanding through the power of dance and drum, promoting the exchange of culture worldwide. 

Today, Vado continues to strengthen his experience as a choreographer, artistic director, teacher, and performer. He also takes part in many educational programs for children in New York City schools and beyond.