Suzan Richards founded The Cultural Arts Studio School of Afro-Caribbean Dance, Ottawa’s first studio dedicated to the celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture through arts and wellness, in 1995. Formally trained in Ballet Jazz at The Montreal Jazz Dance Academy and the West Can Folk Performing Company in Montreal, Suzan is an inspired performing artist, seasoned teacher, and choreographer. Her strong cultural roots from the island of Dominica motivated her to create The Cultural Arts Studio School of Afro-Caribbean Dance, a space where folk dances from Africa & The Caribbean can be shared and celebrated.

Known in the community as “Teacher Suzan,” Suzan has touched the lives of thousands of youth in the community through this The Cultural Arts Studio School of Afro-Caribbean Dance. She has choreographed award-winning dance pieces at the Junior Caribbean Dance Festival in Toronto and the Ottawa Dance Festival. Suzan is the co-host of Caribbean Calendar on Rogers-22 and a professional artist with MASC (Multicultural Arts In Schools & Communities). She was a member/choreographer for Voices of Praise Gospel Choir who has performed with Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Maya Angelou, and Coretta Scott King.

Suzan Richards is committed to preserving and sharing Afro-Caribbean culture through dance. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity to tell their story through dance and movement regardless of age, size, fitness level, or disability.

“Dance is your story to write and interpreted through the language of your soul.”

@culturalartsstudio on Instagram

@teachersuzan on Facebook

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