Aissata Richards has always been an artist at heart. She feels that art brings peace and equality and is the optimal way to “express the revolution to the new generation.” A creator, film maker and teaching artist with Truce Media and Arts and Film Society of Lincoln Center, much of her work takes the form of dance videos cataloging street-style dance. Her company BELLE BY AIS is a platform which brings “beauty to street culture. It is a great way for the youth to connect with their culture.” Like many artists, funding continues to be a consistent challenge, and the proper equipment needed to make her work is not cheap. She is currently in London working on a dance street-style series featuring a variety of styles. This work brings light to the street dance movement London, which is mainly an Afro-beats dance culture. Up next, she’ll be traveling abroad working as a teaching artist with non-profits and giving inspirational speeches. Everything takes hard work but she’s willing to keep showing up. She is also interested in creating some sort of platform where dancers can present their work and tell their stories in an organized forum.
Follow her on Instagram @bellebyais