About Us
AkomaAsa Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts and culture organisation, and it's where young artists explore, discover and develop life skills. For over a decade, we've been building creative futures through Western and African Diaspora dance, music, drama, and performance training that honors heritage while opening doors to educational and professional opportunities.
We work with children and young people (ages 6-16+) who are ready to move, create, and claim their space in the arts. Through established partnerships with institutions like Central School of Ballet, our programs create pathways from training to career connecting young artists with professional-level instruction, work experience, and performance opportunities.
What we offer:
Western and African dance, music, and performing arts training.
Accredited youth work training that transforms arts passion into employment skills and opportunities
Partnership pathways with Central School of Ballet and other leading institutions for progression into further education and professional dance
A youth performance company where young artists train and gain performance experience and skills.
International youth exchanges that expand worldviews, build global artistic networks, and develop confident young citizens
Cultural education rooted in African and Caribbean heritage—fostering identity, belonging, and pride through artistic expression
AkomaAsa is building futures, nurturing identity, and creating the next generation of skilled confident artists.
Founded by
Akosua Boakye BEM
Akosua Boakye is the founder and director of AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy and a distinguished leader in the performing arts community. As a director, dance educator, and performing arts movement practitioner, Akosua has made significant contributions to arts education and cultural empowerment. She served as the Cub Academy Coordinator and Children's Casting Director for Disney's West End musical, The Lion King, in London and on the UK tour for over 8 years.
Akosua's work empowers children and young people through arts, culture, and heritage, helping them develop essential skills for dance and performing arts, build strong relationships and networks, and enhance their health and well-being. She has also built partnerships with various organisations to provide better access and valuable learning opportunities for dancers, thereby enhancing dance education accessibility.
In 2019, she co-founded the Thea Barnes Legacy Fund (TBLF), an independent fund supporting individuals in creative fields that reflect Thea's interests in arts and education.
Recognised for her leadership role and impact in the arts sector, Akosua was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) from the New Year's Honours list. She has also received accolades such as the Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) Trailblazer Fellowship and the One Dance UK Teaching Mentoring Programme.
Her pedagogical approaches also examine the influence of social and cultural factors on students' experiences in performing arts training, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Our vision
To be the leading performing arts academy in the UK that bridges cultural divides and transforms lives. Empower children and young people of African and Caribbean descent through creative education that celebrates identity, honors heritage, and builds futures. AkomaAsa creates inclusive, culturally competent communities where young people don't just learn to perform, they learn to lead, advocate and reshape the creative industries.
Our core values
Cultural Duality & Heritage Pride
Excellence Without Compromise
Empowerment Through Education
Holistic Development
We nurture the whole person through our four core pillars:
Arts/Creativity - Technical excellence across multiple disciplines
Cultural Heritage - Identity, belonging, and cultural understanding
Professional Development - Industry skills and career preparation
Personal Wellbeing - Mental health, confidence, and life skills
Inclusion & Belonging
Community & Connection
Innovation & Transformation
Responsiveness & Partnership
Collaborative Working
We actively participate in the continuous process of teaching and learning about African, Caribbean, and Western social, cultural, and historical connections. Through collaborative working relationships, the organisation tailors its programs to cultivate creativity, confidence, and skills in the next generation of young creators.
Our Mission
AkomaAsa Arts Academy exists to:
Provide rigorous pre-vocational training that honors cultural duality, offering African Diaspora and Caribbean dance, music, and performing arts alongside Western training with equal professional recognition and excellence.
We develop the whole person/performer:
Building cultural pride, identity, and belonging through heritage-centered education
Creating pathways to professional careers both on-stage and in leadership roles.
Fostering mental wellbeing, confidence, and life skills through supportive creative spaces
Preparing versatile artists equipped for success in any creative context without compromising their cultural authenticity
Through strategic partnerships with Central School of Ballet, The Place - London Contemporary Dance School, Just Us Dance Theatre and community organizations, we create direct progression routes to further education and employment.
Our ISCEE international exchange programs to Africa and the Caribbean, we reconnect young people with ancestral heritage, building global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.
Reshaping industry systems. Develop cultural ambassadors who transform creative spaces, establishing new benchmarks for excellence that honor heritage while driving innovation in the performing arts sector.
Inspire Change Through National and International Opportunities. Ensure access for marginalised groups. AkomaAsa Arts is dedicated to providing national and international opportunities that bring together children and young people (CYP) from diverse backgrounds. We ensure that, regardless of their circumstances or abilities, all young individuals gain firsthand access to arts and cultural education. By collaborating with parents, individuals, and organisations, we strive to inspire change and promote inclusivity through our ISCEE and other projects.
Multi-disciplinary Arts
AkomaAsa Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts education and cultural empowerment organisation. We deliver dance, music, drama and performance training for children and young people (CYP) aged 6- 16+.
The academy offers two arts educational programmes: African Diaspora Dance & Music and Performing Arts.
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