Anthony Wilder has always been an enthusiast of the arts, rather an enthusiast of music or art or dance. He got introduced to the arts at age 11 and soon found his passion in music and dance. Anthony attended Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts, where he was introduced to all the arts. Here, he got his first taste to African dance through drumming. He drummed for two years with the help of drummers from Ko-Thi Dance Company in Milwaukee, which was also the same group that sparked his passion for African Dance.
After a 5-year hiatus from dancing, he went back to African dance during his undergraduate career at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Since then, he has danced with the African Students Association and studied with Chris Walker and Nani Agbeli. He joined Atimevu Drum and Dance Group in November 2009 and is glad to also join Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble as their newest member. Anthony recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with his BA in Music Performance and Journalism. He is currently applying to Masters Programs in Counseling Psychology.

 Genya Erling has been dancing for most of her life, exploring a broad range of dance forms in private classes and through the university.  As soon as she discovered African dance she realized it was her passion and she has been focusing on it ever since.  Genya has studied with master African dancers from Guinea, Mali, Ghana, and Jamaica.  Genya is currently working on a PhD in the Nelson Institute Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin working on food sustainability and community development.

Photo by Chris Hoppe

Kyle Traska is a multi-faceted percussionist originally from Oregon, Wisconsin. Kyle has performed with Youngblood Brass Band, Cougar, Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, The Big Payback, the Tony Casteneda Latin Jazz Ensemble, and Limanya Drum and Dance Ensmeble. A graduate of Lawrence Conservatory, Kyle is a two-time Downbeat Award winner for his work with the funk establishment Fatbook, and was the winner of the Neale-Silva Competition, performing live on NPR in 2007. A dedicated teacher since 2005, Kyle has worked with classical percussion ensembles, marching percussion ensembles, and world drumming ensembles as well as with individual students from beginner to advanced levels.

Mandjou Mara has directed numerous groups in Guinea and the U.S.  His expertise includes djembe, dundun, sangban, kenkene, in additon to traditional and contemporary song.  Read his biography for more information.

Maya Kadakia is a dynamic and firey performer, instructor, and choreographer.  She has spent time studying dance and music in Guinea and Mali.  Check out her biography for more information.

Michael Walls is a long-time drummer and instructor in the Madison area.  He is dedicated to studying traditional African music.

Photo by Chris Hoppe

Susan (Soukaseume) Neeley has been studying West African dance with Maya Kadakia since January 2009.  She is a graduate of Winona State University in Winona, MN where she received her BA in Choreography and Dance Management.  Susan has performed featured pieces by renowned choreographers and had her choreography selected to represent WSU at American College Dance Festivals across the nation.

Photo by Nataraj Hauser