In Ghana it takes a village to dance.

Akayaa Atule built a village at Southwestern College.

Like African music, dance from the Old Continent invites collaboration and full participation. There is no sense of audience in Ghana. A gathering does not expect to watch, but to join in.

Charismatic and encouraging, Atule washed away shyness and reticence with her luminous smile. Within seconds she lured students to join her for “Ayalevie,” a traditional African song with pulsating poly-rhythms and an infectious melody. A joyous evening was afoot.

Dance binds communities in Ghana, Atule explained, and is an African way to celebrate after a hard day’s work.

“Dance is a very important part of an African’s life,” she said. “Africans dance at weddings, when a new baby arrives and to celebrate life.”

Atule said she began dancing as soon as she was able to walk and never stopped. Dance became her career in 2002 when she began teaching at Southwestern College. She has taught African Dance at City College and San Diego State University as well.

Ghana’s vibrant culture has also enlivened the San Diego Zoo where Atule performs in “Africa Rocks” three times a day. Dance is an olive branch to the planet, Atule said, and she is an ambassador.

“The more we learn and understand each other, the more we will find peace somehow and work together in unity,” she said.

Her feet are alive with dance and her native city of Gori is alive in her heart, Atule said. During her performances she sells handmade crafts and jewelry from her home to raise funds for worthy causes back in Africa.

Her beautiful African jewelry is affordable, but her ancient African dance is priceless.