Tribute to Akobi Adams – A Life anchored by Dance 1970–2026

When Akobi Adams joined the team at RAD Canada in October 2023, it marked the return of someone whose life had always been inspired and strengthened by dance. Her journey with ballet began in childhood and carried her across cities, continents, and professional disciplines, eventually circling back to the art form that shaped her. 

Akobi’s early years unfolded in Edmonton, where she attended Old Scona High School. Although she won an athletic trophy there, it was dance that captured her heart. She trained at the Edmonton School of Ballet, beginning a lifelong relationship with the Royal Academy of Dance and the discipline of classical ballet training.

Her passion and commitment led her to Canada’s National Ballet School, where she became part of the 1998 graduating class of the Teacher Training Program. There, under the guidance of Anuschka Roes, Akobi distinguished herself through her focus on technical precision and solid fundamentals. Anuschka remembers her as a bright, dedicated young teacher who sometimes struggled to understand students who did not yet share her passion for dance. Those early challenges helped shape her into a thoughtful educator who continued to evolve, adapt, and refine her craft.

After earning her RAD Registered Teacher Status (RTS), Akobi taught in Toronto, Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, and Ottawa, traveling widely and enjoying the rhythms of different communities. Each experience broadened her understanding of what ballet education could be – and what it demanded of both teacher and student. Like many dance educators, though, Akobi found it difficult to make ends meet at times, and her path diverged into management roles in the broader arts community.

Outside of work, Akobi’s life was rich, full, and creative. She was an avid baker and cook, a voracious reader, a lover of arts and culture in all forms, and a devoted caretaker to the many cats she welcomed into her home over the years. She took great pleasure in crafts and delighted in organizing events. A lifelong learner, she embraced new skills and interests with enthusiasm.

But above all else, she was a dedicated mother. Her daughter Ashley notes Akobi would learn about her hobbies and sports so they could engage on her interests together – always her biggest cheerleader, always eager to understand what Ashley loved. At the same time, Akobi believed deeply in showing her daughter that motherhood was not her only identity. She modeled what it meant to build a full, vibrant life.

Akobi’s return to the world of dance through administration at RAD Canada was deeply meaningful. After surviving cancer – and beating the odds through a successful bone marrow transplant – Akobi pressed forward with what she called her “dancer strength”; an idea that captured her resilience, discipline, and refusal to step back from life’s challenges.

Those who knew her well recognized her strong and well-formed views on dance training – beliefs grounded in her own years of rigorous work. Yet these views were always tempered by a calm, easy-going, and unflappable demeanor. Her wry sense of humour, revealed most often in a soft, warm chuckle, was welcoming and inclusive, allowing all to share in the moment. She was kind, thoughtful, and generous – but she also didn’t suffer fools. Her time and energy were reserved for what mattered.

In her role as Membership Manager, she combined her years of management experience with a uniquely personal understanding of the realities of dance teaching in Canada. She knew firsthand what teachers needed, what they struggled with, and how the organization could evolve to better support the Canadian membership. In just over two years, she made remarkable progress on several multi-year initiatives that will continue shaping RAD Canada for years to come.

Sadly, after several stable years, the long-term effects of her medical journey began to take their toll. Following a challenging surgery in September intended to stabilize her recovery, Akobi continued to fight with determination – mind and spirit unwavering, still dancer strong. But on February 9, 2026 her body could not continue.

Akobi is survived by her daughter, Ashley, who was the great pride and joy of her life. A life shaped by determination, artistry, intellect, humour, and love, Akobi Adams leaves behind a lasting legacy – within RAD Canada, within the arts community, and most especially within the hearts of those who knew her. She will be profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May, with details regarding date, time, and location coming soon.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Akobi’s name to the Kidney Foundation , Myeloma Canada or the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation.

Pictured above: Akobi with her daughter Ashley at her graduation from Canada’s National Ballet School Teacher Training Program, 1998.