“I love performing, It’s a phenomenal getaway. If you want to really let out everything you feel, that’s the time to do it.” – Michael Jackson
About the Artist
Aolani Coban is a dancer, choreographer, performer, and creative director. She relishes in movement from the “Afro-Jazz Fusion” genre, combining the styles of Traditional West African and Caribbean Folklore with contemporary and urban social dance to create enticing movement experiences.
“I dreamt of being a performer…”
“I dreamt of being a performer:
a star of stage and screen.
The best-known household name
this world has ever seen.
I pictured being Katherine Dunham, Angela Bassett, or Debbie Allen –
with a string of hits, also starring me,
releasing on Jimmy Fallon.
You’d see my name in papers,
my face on magazines.
I’d be honored by the Oscars,
and knighted by the Queen.
I’d live in gated mansions.
Dining out for free.
They’d install a plaque where I grew up
with the road named after me.
Sadly, the dream is still just that,
and fame it does elude.
Though I’m always up for a performance, and to dance is always the mood.”
– Episode 53: Queenies Players “Kids Poetry Club” Revamped by Aolani Coban
My Story
My journey began in my mother's womb...
My mother, a professional dancer, instilled in me a deep passion for movement from a young age. Starting with ballet, tap, and jazz, I quickly embraced dance and excelled in my training. I eagerly participated in every dance elective and team available throughout middle and high school, including an enriching experience with the Harding University High School Marching Band of Gold.
In college, I honed my skills in Jose Limon and Martha Graham techniques at Central Piedmont Community College before graduating Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a concentration in dance. Under Dr. Eleanor Gwynn, I danced with the E Gwynn Dance Company for three seasons, exploring Katherine Dunham techniques and studying abroad at Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica.
Post-graduation, I furthered my training in Atlanta, GA, focusing on a variety of dance styles including hip-hop, dancing in high heels technique, and afro beats amongst other styles.- under mentors like KiKi Ely, Sakinah Lestage, Cece Tor, and more noted professionals within the dance community. While there I had the privilege to perform with various artists at conventions, festivals, music videos, and more.
Now based in Spartanburg, SC, I am an active Libation African Dance and Drum Ensemble member under Angela Gibson. My artistic journey has expanded to include singing and acting, with notable roles in productions such as ‘Motown Magic: Sounds of the Motor City.’ My choreographic style blends over a decade of training in Afro-Jazz Fusion- merging Traditional West African and Caribbean Folklore with contemporary urban dance.
Movement Gallery
