photo by Clement Yonkers
Sidiki Boze Sylla was born in Conakry, Guinea to a Wolof Mother and Soussou father. He was around music from a young age, accompanying his sister to her daily rehearsals from the age of nine. He participated in and won many local competitions in Guinea until ultimately he joined one of two top National Ballets of Guinea, Ballet National Djoliba. He toured extensively, performing throughout West Africa, as well as Australia, Belgium, China, England, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Korea, and the US.
From 1974-1980 Sidiki danced for his school ballet, Coleah Site which joined with other schools to form Ballet Coleah Centre. His first professional experience came as a dancer and choreographer for Ballet Commune Matam, and competitive dance company in Conakry from 1980 to 1984. In 1984 he joined Ballet National Djoliba where he was a dancer and participated in choreography and direction for thirteen years. During this time he also performed with Les Ballet Africains the other National Company in Guinea.
In 1997 Sikiki moved to the US and became Master Dancer, Principal Choreographer, and Artistic director of Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater. He has worked within Universities, Colleges, and private and public school systems in Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire teaching and sharing his traditions. He currently resides in Burlington, VT, and holds regular classes three times weekly and performs regularly.
