Favour Oluwaseunla Odusola: Bridging Cultures Through Movement
Multidisciplinary Artist • Dance Educator • Creative Producer
Afro•Contemporary | Theatre | Founder UMA • Co-creator WAVE & JAIVA
[email protected] | @officialpak_
About Me
As a Nigerian-born, Dublin-based multidisciplinary artist, I blend Afro dance, contemporary movement, and theatrical elements to create powerful performances that transcend cultural boundaries. My artistic journey is rooted in the rich traditions of Nigerian dance forms while embracing contemporary expressions that speak to global audiences.
With over 9 years of professional experience, I've had the privilege of performing internationally and collaborating with African A-list artists including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Asake, and Diamond Platnumz. My work has also led to partnerships with major global brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and leading financial institutions who recognize the power of cultural expression through movement.
As the founder of UMA and co-creator of WAVE and JAIVA Dance Camp, I've established platforms that unite hundreds of dancers annually in Ireland, fostering community, cultural exchange, and artistic growth. My mission extends beyond performance to education, community building, and creating spaces where African dance traditions can flourish in new contexts.
Sharing the joy of movement through dance education
Key Achievements
9+
Years of Experience
Professional performance and creative production across multiple disciplines and international venues
6+
Countries
International performance experience bringing Afro-Contemporary dance to global audiences
300+
Dancers United
Created platforms that bring together hundreds of dancers annually in Ireland through UMA, WAVE, and JAIVA
20+
Major Collaborations
Worked with A-list artists like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and global brands including Coca-Cola and Pepsi
My journey as an artist has been recognized through multiple Arts Council awards, including Project Awards, Bursaries, and Agility Awards, which have enabled me to expand my creative vision and impact. These achievements reflect my commitment to excellence in dance and cultural production, while creating sustainable platforms for artistic expression.
Impact Metrics
80%+
WAVE Attendance
Consistent high attendance since 2022, with support from Arts Council & Dublin City Council
100+
JAIVA Annual Trainees
Dancers trained each year in authentic Afro-dance techniques and traditions
200+
UMA Participants
Weekly classes engaging hundreds of participants annually in Afro-Contemporary dance
"Our funding metrics show that Favour's programs consistently deliver exceptional community engagement and artistic outcomes, making them worthy investments in Ireland's cultural landscape."
— Arts Council Evaluation Committee, 2024 Project Award
Program Success Indicators:
  • Diverse participant demographics across age, ethnicity, and experience levels
  • High retention rates and returning participants
  • Sustainable funding model combining grants, sponsorships, and participant fees
  • Documented artistic development of regular participants
  • Growing waitlists demonstrating community demand
Notable Performances
1
International Festivals
  • AFRONATION Festival - Portugal's premier celebration of African music and dance
  • St. Patrick's Festival - Representing cultural diversity in Ireland's national celebration
  • Death and the King's Horseman (UK) - Featured performer in Wole Soyinka's classic work
2
Irish Arts Festivals
  • 5 Lamps Festival - Community arts celebration in Dublin's north inner city
  • Scene + Heard Festival - Platform for new work and experimental performance
  • Mother Tongues Festival - Celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity
  • Electric Picnic & All Together Now - Ireland's premier music and arts festivals
3
Dance Institutions
  • Irish Youth Dance Festival (2023/2024) - Featured performer and workshop facilitator
  • CoisCéim Dance Theatre - Collaborations with Ireland's leading contemporary dance company
  • Irish Modern Dance Theatre - Performance and choreographic contributions
Each performance opportunity has allowed me to showcase the vibrancy of Afro-Contemporary dance while creating meaningful connections with diverse audiences. My performances blend technical excellence with cultural authenticity, creating memorable experiences that celebrate the power of movement as a universal language.
Teaching Experience
My approach to dance education centers on cultural context, technical excellence, and joyful expression. I've had the privilege of sharing African dance traditions with thousands of students across Ireland through these partnerships:
Dance Schools
  • Fly Dance Studio
  • CoisCéim Dance Theatre
  • District Funk
  • Dance Revelation Studios
  • TU Dublin
  • Kareen VYBZ Cork
  • Back Street Dance Studio
  • World Fusion Dance Crew
  • C&N Dance Company
Companies & Institutions
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Accenture
  • Pfizer
  • Central Bank of Ireland
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Dance Ireland
  • Project Arts Centre
  • Workday
  • Longford Africans Network
  • Tipperary Arts Council Creative Places
Festivals
  • 5 Lamps Arts Festival
  • Electric Picnic
  • All Together Now Festival
  • St. Patrick's Festival
  • Mother Tongues Festival
  • Africa Day Celebrations
  • Dublin Dance Festival
  • Cork Midsummer Festival
My teaching philosophy emphasizes cultural context alongside technical instruction. Each class or workshop becomes a journey into the rich heritage of African dance forms, connecting participants to traditions while encouraging personal expression and joy in movement.
Awards & Funding
1
Arts Council Bursary Awards (2022, 2023)
Received consecutive bursaries to support artistic development and exploration of Afro-Contemporary dance forms. These awards enabled intensive training periods and research into traditional Nigerian dance practices.
2
Arts Council Project Award (2024)
Secured competitive funding for "Roots in Motion," a major production exploring the diaspora experience through dance. The project received the highest evaluation scores in its category.
3
Agility Awards (2021, 2022)
Supported the development of new choreographic works and community engagement initiatives, particularly focusing on accessibility for underrepresented communities.
4
Local Live Performance Scheme Awards (2022, 2025)
Enabled the expansion of WAVE and JAIVA programs to reach wider audiences and provide employment opportunities for dancers from diverse backgrounds.
5
AIC Artist in the Community Scheme Award (2021)
Facilitated collaborative work with Dublin's African diaspora communities, creating performance opportunities and cultural celebration events.
6
Impact Residency (2025)
Selected for prestigious residency program focusing on artists whose work creates significant social impact through cultural expression.

Funding Success Rate
80% application success rate across all funding schemes, significantly above the national average of 30% for individual artists.
Each funding award has been strategically leveraged to build sustainable programs with lasting community impact, creating employment for dancers and technical staff while advancing artistic excellence.
Collaboration Opportunities
Live Performances
Available for stage performances, featuring solo or ensemble works that showcase Afro-Contemporary fusion. Adaptable to various venues from intimate theaters to large festival stages, with options for customized performances for specific themes or events.
Artist Collaborations
Seeking partnerships with musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, and other creators interested in cross-disciplinary projects. My collaborative approach emphasizes mutual creative growth and authentic cultural exchange, particularly projects that bridge African traditions with contemporary expressions.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Offering specialized instruction for dance students, professionals, and community groups. Workshops range from beginners' introduction to African dance forms to advanced masterclasses for professional dancers seeking to expand their movement vocabulary with authentic Afro-Contemporary techniques.
Creative Direction
Available to conceptualize and direct dance segments for festivals, stage productions, and cultural events. My directing approach emphasizes visual storytelling, cultural authenticity, and creating immersive experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Community Engagement
Developing projects that use dance as a tool for community building, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. Particularly interested in working with youth, immigrant communities, and intergenerational groups to create meaningful cultural connections through movement.
Festival Performances
Offering specially designed performances for festivals of all sizes, from intimate cultural celebrations to major international events. Programs can be adapted to festival themes and include interactive elements to engage audiences in the joy of African dance traditions.
My collaborative approach emphasizes cultural authenticity, artistic excellence, and meaningful engagement. I'm particularly interested in projects that create platforms for underrepresented voices and foster greater understanding of African cultural traditions in contemporary contexts.
Let's Create Together
How to Reach Me
I welcome inquiries about performances, collaborations, workshops, and creative partnerships. Whether you represent a festival, arts organization, educational institution, or community group, I'm interested in exploring how we might work together to create meaningful cultural experiences.
Email
Typical response time: 24-48 hours
Social Media
📱 @officialpak_
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook for regular updates on performances, workshops, and creative projects
Booking Information
For performance bookings, please include:
  • Event date and location
  • Type of performance needed
  • Duration requirements
  • Audience information
"Dance is our shared language across all boundaries."
Favour Oluwaseunla Odusola
Proud African King