Through dance, Khoudia Touré advances social causes in Senegal
Dancer Khoudia Touré talks to us about her art, Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and how she is making things happen in Senegal
With her heart still pounding and a few drops of sweat falling from her forehead, Khoudia Touré finishes her training under the warm November sun in Dakar, Senegal, and settles in for an interview with the Olympics.com team.
"For me, it's important to do things in my country, to promote, to help other dancers to get known, to practise and to be a bit of a bridge between abroad and Senegal," the 37-year-old Franco-Senegalese dancer and choreographer tells us.
In this non-air-conditioned gymnasium, Touré reflects on her journey, marked by her love of dance and driven by an irresistible desire to move not only bodies but also social issues.
For someone who describes herself as an "Artivist," dance is more than just a sport; it's a philosophy of life.
"Okay, dancing? But dancing for what?"
A professional dancer and choreographer, Khoudia Touré has long been immersed in the rhythms of music, particularly in hip-hop movement.
"My passion has always been dance. My love for hip-hop came in Senegal. It's a country deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. There's a liberated energy, and hip-hop speaks to everyone— men, women, young, old... I saw people spinning on their heads, and I thought, 'wow, this is incredible.' Hip-hop was truly love at first sight."
More than just an escape, dance is a flame that has never stopped growing within Khoudia Touré as she gained experience.
"It's a culture where you learn a lot. By practicing outside, taking classes, meeting other dancers. That's really how you acquire this dance."
"When I dance, the first thing I feel is a vibration. It's the vibrations of the music, the energy of the music, the rhythms, the instruments, the lyrics that will carry me and take me into a universe I don't know."
When she dances, Touré forgets everything. Or almost everything. Because she remains aware of the power of her sport, her art, her talent to others. Not just a dancer, she defines herself as an "artivist," a combination of the words artist and activist.
"On Instagram, I wrote "artivist" because I believe that art, culture, and sports are something that can transform our lives so much that we want to share it with others." - Khoudia Touré to Olympics.com
"Many artists here in Senegal practice their art, but also use it for a cause and thus create a movement around it."
Dance is not just an individual practice for Khoudia Touré, who has been passionate about her art since a young age, but also captivating for her students. The young woman wants to go beyond the dance floor and have a real impact on society.
"Today, with many dancers, we also ask ourselves: 'Okay, dance? But dance for what?' Can dance be used to reach people who don't have access to it, to create a movement within a community?"
Thus, Touré makes things happen... through dance. She helps her students progress, but not only that.
"With our association, we brought dance to a juvenile detention center. These are young detainees who don't engage in physical activity. And thanks to dance, they start to reconnect with their bodies and regain some energy. There is always something to discover, always something to improve."
Moreover, she uses her art as a means of empowerment for women, convinced of the strong potential dancing in Senegal provided "they are not limited by their family or social circle. They need to have confidence. Often, the obstacles are social. But there are many girls doing great things, battles, competitions, classes. They have their own businesses, which is very promising."
While she could have pursued her art in other countries, Khoudia Touré chose Senegal and Dakar, her hometown. Anything but a coincidence.
Un cours de danse hip-hop de Khoudia Touré à Dakar
Importance of Senegal, Dakar
"Being in Senegal, in Dakar, is important. It's also important to do things in your own country.
The tone is determined, the voice steady, the ambitions present: Dakar sounded like an obvious choice for Khoudia Touré.
"That's where it's happening, where there's enormous potential. Dance is part of culture, and in Dakar there's an enormous amount of talent, energy and desire, so that's very inspiring. I want to create opportunities for the dancers here who train very hard."
As a land of sport and hospitality, Senegal will welcome the world during the upcoming Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026. For Khoudia Touré, Senegalese dancers will rise to the occasion.
"It's really promising. We're in 2024 now, so in two years, it's going to be amazing in my opinion (laughs), because the level is already very high, and it's only going to rise!"
With the dance sport of breaking making an Olympic debut at Paris 2024, the profile of dancing is set to rise ahead of the Youth Olympics, which will also bring added attention.
"There's a lot going on here in Senegal right now, and the eyes of the international community are on Senegal. It's a country that is artistically strong, culturally strong. There's also a great tradition of sport, so we've got a lot going on here.
For Khoudia Touré, the YOG will be more than just a spotlight on Senegalese sports. They will have a lasting positive effect on the country.
"I think with all the potential that's here, the YOG will have an effect that will further boost and elevate everything here. There's also the legacy. What will remain after the Youth Olympic Games? I think there will be a lot of impact in Senegal, and it's already begun!"
A boost comparable to another phenomenon for her is group dancing, which Olympics.com witnessed later during a nighttime class led by Touré.
"The energy from others really boosts everything we do; it brings a sense of giving our all in the present moment and living it 300%. It's a concentrated mix of feelings, adrenaline, and pushing beyond our comfort zone and limits. That's what's so beautiful. That's what makes us dance."