APTH Facilitators


FACILITATORS


Anssumane Silla
An accomplished dancer and drummer, Anssumane began his performing career at the age of 11 in his native Guinea Bissau. He danced professionally for over 18 years with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau. He was also a member of the contemporary dance troupe, Africa Estranha. Anssumane has entertained ambassadors, presidents and other international. His talent has led him to Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, South Africa and Libya.  
While working with African Estanha, Anssumane created performance pieces that address strife and suffering (including abuse of power and inequitable access to clear water and other vital resources) in Guinea Bissau, which has been torn apart by coups and political violence for decades.  
Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2008, Anssumane has toured numerous states, performing as a dancer and drummer with the Voices of Africa Drum Ensemble. He has been a featured artist for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council Humanities on the Road initiative, choreographer for the Kùlú Mèlé African Dance Ensemble, recipient of “Best in Philly” Dance Class, 2012 and two time awardee of the Folk Art PA grant.  
Anssumane choreographed the showcase production for ArtWell’s Gala 2015 where Director Spike Lee and Poet Laureate Sonia Sanchez were in attendance. He was a member of the 2015 Barrymore recommended play, Black Nativity by Langston Hughes, at Theater Horizons.  
In addition to teaching traditional (Bijagos, Balanta, Fula and Manjaco) and contemporary dance styles from Guinea Bissau, he teaches a range of other West African dance styles in studios and schools in various Philadelphia neighborhoods.    Click here to  Learn More About Anssumane Silla  

Angela "Sadio" Watson
Angela Sadio Watson, is the founder & artistic director of Camara Arts: Keeper of the tradition. Angela-Sadio is a community artist & 2019 Leeway Transformation Awardee, working with social justice and the performing arts to reclaim lost African heritage, empower youth through the arts, create space for expression and elevate consciousness. 
The natural outgrowth, progression, and partnership with Tyehimba is part of a grass roots approach to building community. Working to create space for youth to express themselves utilizing African dance and drumming; centers African pride and legacy through historical teachings that empower youth, women, and elders. 
Angela performed in Japan, Africa, Bolivia, St. Johns, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, throughout the US receiving a foundation in Guinea folklore through the protégé students of the legendary Papa Ladji Camara; with Papa Aziz Ahmed Abdulai & Dinese Bey. 
Angela was a Fulbright Scholar from 1997-1998 in Guinea, West Africa researching the history while training with national dance companies and studying community/village dances throughout Guinea. 
Angela Sadio has trained with other notable dance masters and troupes including: Mama Kadiatou Conte Forte, Mimo Camara, Sekouba Camara, Moustapha Bangoura, and dance companies (Wose, Balafon, KuluMele, Troupe Dada, Voices of Africa, to name a few). 
Sadio is a published author in the Encyclopedia of Africa and the Americas on the history of African dance here in America. 
Angela-Sadio is a CEC board member & a proud partner in the production that brought DanceAfrica Philadelphia 2013. 
Ms. Watson holds numerous degrees recently completing a second Masters’ degree in Dance Research from Temple U. This year marks her 30th year celebration of study, teaching, & performing African dances.
Click here to Learn More About Angela "Sadio" Watson

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah
Nana Baakan has been extensively involved in my own spiritual development for over 30 years. I have also assisted in the spiritual and mental development of a number of clients as part of the work that I do. Anything that I may teach has been applied to my personal life with great results. I am an ordained minister as well as an initiated Priestess of the Akan Spiritual Tradition of Ghana West Africa. 
I began my journey when I was born into this incarnation and have done much study in spirituality through my journey through Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Tao and various African Traditions, i.e., Yoruba, Voodoo, Kemetic and Akan. I am presently giving workshops/discussion called. "Entering the Mystic Realms" where we discuss Dream Interpretations and Metaphysics. 
I am a Mental Health Professional, an Educator, Entrepreneur and Healer. My varied travels and studies through: Education, Spirituality, Health & Wellness has allowed me to be able access and be accessible to people from a variety of backgrounds and persuasions. As a business owner I have acquired various skills in Business  Management, Marketing and Information Systems related to the business. 
I am a performing artist, Managing Director/Founder of The "Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble. As a performing artists, I have acquired skills in the West African Arts, Cultural and Traditional/Non-Traditional Music. I have used my skills as a Seamstress/Tailor to outfit the Entire Ensemble. 
There are many facets to who I am on this plane, in short, I consider myself a Metaphysician. 
I wish to facilitate the expansion of each person's awareness, allowing their own soul inclinations to come forth and answer some questions for them that may be puzzling to them. The path towards Spiritual Consciousness and Awareness is full of many turns, ups and downs. So I am there to comfort them and bring as much understanding as I can to them with the help of the Most High. 
Click here to learn more about Nana Baakan Agyiriwah

Sophia Sanchez
Sophia Sanchez is the co-owner of a Travel Company named Designed Expeditions.  What we aim to achieve at Designed Expeditions is to customize travel arrangements specifically designed to our client’s unique personal style.  There are many reasons people travel and everyone has different expectations and outcomes that they are looking to gain from their travel experiences.  We’re here to ensure you have the travel experience you desire.
Sophia has 24 years of professional experience in the travel industry and have collaborated with individuals on travel related projects / events both here in the US and internationally.  Her passion is travel and she is always willing and ready to help others make memories and gain the many life changing benefits that travel can provide.  
“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.” – Paula Bendfeldt


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