Born and raised in Brooklyn New York, Robin, also known as Rama Touleye is a keeper of cultural traditions. She is a devoted dancer and performer since the age of eight, who got the attention of teachers (top –flight), singers/performers and musicians from the start. Trained in a broad variety of dance styles: Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap and Traditional West African, which would come to benefit her later. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Buffalo, which included a special major in dance. She has also studied the highly complex system of dance notation which renders her both a versatile dancer/performer and an articulate teacher. Robin’s dance journey began at the following prominent dance institutions: Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and The Dance Theater of Harlem, both known as” The dance houses of discipline”. She has studied the modern dance technique called Graham and performed with the principal dancers Ms. Thea Barnes, Ms. Robin Becker and Mr. Steve Brooks of the Martha Graham Company. She has also studied with the late Katherine Dunham as well as performed with the late Ms. Pearl Reynold. Some of Robin’s major accomplishment included: Teacher’s Assistant for the late Dr. Pearl Primus, who is known as a pioneer of West African Dance, toured with the late Babatunde Olantunji from Nigeria West Africa, toured and studied with both Ballet Bougarabou Du Senegal and Ballet Du Senegal of West Africa throughout the United States. The one unsung accomplishment which is seldom talked about is her being afforded the opportunity to perform with the late Ms. Nina Simone with the Gemini Dance Theatre, directed by the late Mr. Steve Porter. Robin’s love for the African culture and its preservation cannot be ignored. She has received extensive knowledge and training from numerous master drummers, dancers and Djeli Griots from West Africa and South Africa: Mariam Faye, Malik Sow, N’Deye Gueye, Marie Basse, Djeli Griots/Alassane Sarr, Famoro Dioubate, Djembefola/Master drummers Mamady Keita, Famadou Konate, M’bemba Bangoura,Moussa Traore, Mouminatou Camara, Raymon Sylla, Assane Konte, M’baye Diagne, Youseff Kumbassa, Dini Zoulu and the late Emile Latimer just to name a few. She has also been blessed with studying and working with various artist of the Afro-Cuban diaspora folkloric dance and drum: Danys “La Mora” Perez, and Baba Richard Gutierrez and Baba Alayeo. As a result of her exposure to an extensive amount of African folklore she is called a “Preacher of Sorts.” As a dancer she has the ability to make you feel the happiness and strength of the African art and culture. She is able to create a form of spiritual intercourse which brings the art form and culture to life, enthralling everyone who can see and feels its power. As a teacher, Robin’s teaching abilities allows her to assist others with the dilemma of the need to classify or codify in some ways ethnic and/or traditional dance forms. She helps create a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of African dance as text (dance movements) and context (dances as they relate to aspects of life). Robin is an artist whose gospel is one of discipline, hard work and education. She believes in the three-tiers of Provocation to assist with the creating of a conducive learning environment for students: information, inspiration and impart. Robin’s mantra of dance is “to be a dancer you have to be desperate, as though you are catching your last breath”, the late Ms. Judith Jamison (teacher/Mentor).