Germaine Acogny (born 1944) is a Senegalese dancer and choreographer. She is responsible for developing Contemporary African Dance in addition to the creation of several dance schools in France and Senegal. She has been recognised by both countries with the titles of Commendeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France and Knight of the National Order of the Lion. France honoured her with Officier de la Légion d’Honneur
Germaine and her husband Helmut Vogt set up l’Ecole des Sables (International Center For Traditional And Contemporary African Dances) in Toubab Dialaw/Senegal in 1998 to promote dance in Africa. The Center was created as a space for learning, meeting and exchange for dancers from both Africa and across the world. The teachings of Germaine are based on her African Modern Dance technique which forms a synthesis of Traditional Dances from West Africa (Sahel and forest area) and Contemporary Western Dances. Since 1968, Germaine has led the development of Contemporary African Dance on the continent. She is since considered the Mother of African Contemporary Dance, with a technique comparable to western techniques.