This year's Maimouna Keita Dance Concert on Saturday April 23rd 2011 was dedicated to the late Abdou Kounta, a dear friend of our company. Abdou Kounta, native-born Senegalese and renowned ambassador of West African dance, music and culture, made his transition Monday, January 24, 2011. A musician with the Ballet National du Senegal, he toured the world as an ambassador of West African dance, music and culture. After coming to the United States in 1976, he co-founded the Kankouran West African Dance Company, Washington D.C., where he served as Music Director until 1992. Upon relocating to Columbus, Ohio in 1997, he co-founded Thiossane West African Dance Institute in 2000. His artistic skills were requested in Japan, as well as with several symphony orchestras throughout the United States. His mastery skills will continue to echo rhythms throughout the lives of family, friends and students for generations to come.