ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Italo Zambo

Italo Zambo was born in March 1938 in Dakar (Republic of Senegal). He showed great interest in dancing at a very early age, dropped out of school to enter in a dance company, and immediately became a principal of Les Ballet Demba Kanoute.

After performing with Le Ballet Demba Kanoute for three years, in 1955 he joined Les Ballets Africains of Keita Fodeba as a comedian, dancer, and acrobat. During the time Guinea was declaring its independence in 1958, Les Ballets Africains had its first big USA tour, presenting Italo Zambo as one of the stars.

He left Les Ballets Africains to serve for military in 1959, when Les Ballets Africains of Keita Fodeba became Les Ballets Africains of the Republic of Guinea. After completing military services, he joined Ballet National of Senegal as the director.

Italo Zambo returned to Les Ballets Africains of the Republic of Guinea as the rehearsal director in 1962. While working under this title for several years, he participated and got awarded for several film roles, including "L'Afrique Dance." He was also honored as the "Best Artist" by the president of Republic of Zaire.

Finally, he became a choreographer for Les Ballets Africains in 1975. Also helping with designs of  lighting and costumes, he acted as company's general supervisor until he became the Artistic Director in 1987. City of Dallas in USA has awarded him with the key of the city of Dallas, and honored him with citizenship to celebrate his contribution to the arts and sciences.