Barakissa Coulibaly, member of CID–UNESCO (The International Dance Council), is a West African dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder. Originally from Abobo, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. She began her career in traditional African dance in 1990 with “Fotemogoban” before joining the National Ballet of the Ivory Coast. She later worked with “Djolem,” performing in Switzerland, Greece, Spain, France, Germany, and many other countries.

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With over 20 years of professional experience, Barakissa has dedicated her career to sharing African and diaspora dance across the world, blending tradition, storytelling, and contemporary expression. She has taught at the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina Asheville, and she now works in Chicago with youth through schools and community programs. In 2013, she founded BC-Foundation, a non-profit program supporting the youth of Abidjan through the arts, reaffirming her commitment to cultural transmission and community empowerment.