Suzan Richards

Suzan Richards, known throughout her community as “Teacher Suzan,” is the Artistic Director of The Cultural Arts Studio in Ottawa. The Cultural Arts Studio aims to preserve and share Afro-Caribbean culture through a variety of dance classes that energize her students. Suzan has been the sole proprietor of The Cultural Arts Studio for over 25 years, and she has extensive performing arts training. She started her training at the age of 4 when her parents enrolled her in a ballet class. Her professional training took place at The Montréal Jazz Dance Academy and The West Can Folk Performing Company. She has also toured with different artists like South African singers Lorraine Klaseen and Tandie Klassen. In addition to her role at The Cultural Arts Studio, she is a professional artist with MASC (Multicultural Arts In Schools & Communities). In 2022, 100 ABC listed her as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.