The Ailey School

Etana Sissoko (Kissimme, FL) began her dance training at Fantashique Apprentice Dance Company in Orlando, Florida. She continued her dance training throughout middle and high school at the esteemed Osceola County School for the Arts (OCSA). At OCSA, Etana trained in classical ballet, modern dance techniques and performed in solo and ensemble works in department concerts, local showcase concerts, charity events and the FDEO Florida State Honors Concert. She studied techniques for choreographic process and developed works in contemporary, modern and liturgical styles. Etana was the 2019 ArtsAlive Dance Scholarship Recipient for Osceola County. At The Ailey School, Etama has had the opportunity to work with choreographers Clifton Brown, Mark Caserta, Sonia Dawkins, Chuck Wilt, Sarah Wingo, Francesca Harper, and Janice Rosario. Etana performed Festa Barroca at the New York City Center Opening Night Performance for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  She graduated in May 2023 from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program as a double major in Dance and Psychology. In addition to pursuing a career in the performing arts, she is a change agent through Black Psychology, social activism and policy change, and dance activism.