L’Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

 

Kirven J. BOYD

Né à Boston (Massachusetts)

Commence la danse à l’Académie des Arts de Boston, avant d’être engagé dans le Boston Youth Moves (1999). Etudie à la Ailey School, puis danse avec la Battleworks Dance Company et le groupe Ailey II. Entre à l’AAADT en 1994.

(Boston, MA) began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy and joined Boston Youth Moves in 1999 under the direction of Jim Viera and Jeannette Neill.  He also trained on scholarship at the Boston Conservatory and as a fellowship student at The Ailey School.  Mr. Boyd has danced with Battleworks Dance Company, The Parsons Dance Company and Ailey II.  He performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison in 2010.  Mr. Boyd joined the Company in 2004.

 

 

 

Née à Durham (Caroline du Nord)

 

Boursière de l’American Dance Festival, danse avec la Lloyd Whitmore’s New World Dance Company à Washington D.C. Puis entre à la Ailey School. A été l’assistante de Talley Beatty. Ayant dansé avec Philadanco, a reçu un « Bessie » Award. A rejoint l’AAADT en 2000.

(Durham, NC) is a three-time recipient of the American Dance Festival’s Young Tuition Scholarship.  She attended Howard University and while in Washington, DC she performed with Lloyd Whitmore’s New World Dance Company.  Ms. Boykin was a student and intern at The Ailey School. She was assistant to the late Talley Beatty and an original member of Complexions. Ms. Boykin was a member of Philadanco and received a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award. In 2005, Ms. Boykin choreographed Acceptance in Surrender in collaboration with Abdur-Rahim Jackson and Matthew Rushing for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Most recently she choreographed Go In Grace with award-winning singing group Sweet Honey In The Rock for the Company's 50th anniversary season. Ms. Boykin joined the Company in 2000.

 

 

Né à Beaumont (Texas)

Commence la danse avec Bonnie Cokinos sous la direction de Lucia Booth et Eva LeBlanc. Est membre de l’Elisa Monte Dance et est diplômé du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. programm. Participe  à la reprise de « La Cage Aux Folles » donnée à Broadway en 2010, ainsi qu’à la production  du Phantom of the Opera. Assistant de Christopher L. Huggins, se produit, en Italie, comme artiste invité dans l’International Dance Association et dans la Cape Dance Company en Afrique du Sud. Rejoint L’AAADT en 2011.

(Beaumont, TX) began his dance training under Bonnie Cokinos with guidance from Lucia Booth and Eva LeBlanc. He was a member of Elisa Monte Dance and is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance. Mr. Carmon was an original cast member of the 2010 revival of La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway and was also a cast member of the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. As an assistant to Christopher L. Huggins, he appeared as a guest artist with the International Dance Association in Italy and with the Cape Dance Company in South Africa. Mr. Carmon joined the Company in 2011.

 

 

Née  à South Elgin (Illinois)

 

Commence la danse à la Faubourg School of Ballet (Illinois), sous la direction de Watmora Casey et Tatyana Masur. Est diplômée de la Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. en 2009. Etudie à la Kirov Academy, à la National Ballet School du Canada, au San Francisco Conservatory of Danse et se perfectionne au Ballet Camp Illinois et au Ballet Adriatico (Italie). Elle est récompensée du Youth American Grand Prix et du Arts Foundation Award. Elle interprète les ballets de Alvin Ailey, Kyle Abraham, Camille A. Brown, Donald Byrd, Christopher L. Huggins, Judith Jamison, Jessica Lang et Ohad Naharin. Fait partie de Ailey II pendant deux ans avant d’intégrer AAADT en 2011.

(South Elgin, IL) began her training at the Faubourg School of Ballet in Illinois under the direction of Watmora Casey and Tatyana Mazur. She is a 2009 graduate of the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance. Ms. Daley has trained at institutions such as The Kirov Academy, National Ballet School of Canada, The San Francisco Conservatory of Dance and intensives such as Ballet Camp Illinois and Ballet Adriatico in Italy. She is a recipient of a Youth American Grand Prix Award and an ARTS Foundation Award. Ms. Daley has performed works by Alvin Ailey, Kyle Abraham, Camille A. Brown, Donald Byrd, Christopher L. Huggins, Judith Jamison, Jessica Lang and Ohad Naharin. She was a member of Ailey II for two seasons. Ms. Daley joined the Company in 2011.
 

 

 

Née à Washington (Washington DC)

 

Commence la danse au Chicago Multicultural Dance Center puis étudie à la Ailey School. Se perfectionne durant les programmes d’été de la Kirov Academy, du Ballet Chicago, du Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, du American Ballet Theatre, et du Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. Entre au Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2, au Dance Works Chicago et Ailey II. Elle obtient la bourse d’étude 2009-2010 de la Dizzy Feet Foundation et est nommée pour le prix Clive Barnes décerné pour la première fois en 2010. Rejoint l’AAADT en 2010.

(Washington, DC) began her formal dance training at the Chicago Multicultural Dance Center and was a scholarship student at The Ailey School. She has completed summer programs at the Kirov Academy, Ballet Chicago, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. Ms. DeVore was a member of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2, Hubbard Street 2, Dance Works Chicago, and Ailey II. She is the 2009-2010 recipient of the Dizzy Feet Foundation Scholarship and was a 2010 nominee for the first annual Clive Barnes Award. Ms. DeVore joined the Company in 2010.
 

 

 

Né à Saint Louis (Missouri)

 

Etudie à la North Carolina School of Arts et aux écoles du Joffrey Ballet, du San Fransisco Ballet et du Dance Theatre of Harlem. Diplômé en 1999, fait partie du Dance Theatre of Harlem dont il devient soliste en 2003. Danse avec Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2004.

(St. Louis, MO) began his dance training at age 16 at the Center of Contemporary Arts under the direction of Lee Nolting and at the Alexandra School of Ballet.  He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School.  After graduating from high school in 1999, Mr. Douthit became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem where he appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist.  He was promoted to soloist in 2003.  He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.  Mr. Douthit joined the Company in 2004.

 

 

Belen ESTRADA

Née à Lawrence (Massachusets)

Commence la danse classique à la Boston Arts Academy et sort major de sa promotion. Coachée par Earl Mosley, danse pendant trois ans avec la compagnie Camille A. Brown & Dancers avec laquelle elle se produit au Joyce Theater, au Jacob’s Pillow et au The Heart and The Fire Island Dance Festival dans le cadre de l’évènement Dancers Responding to AIDS. Est « apprentice » dans la compagnie Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, la A Dance Company, et se produit avec Lula Washington Dance Theater, Nathan Trice and Roger C. Jeffrey. Est l’assistante de Matthew Rushing pour le ballet Uptown crée pour la compagnie Ailey en 2009. Rejoint l’AAADT en 2011.

(Lawrence, MA) began her formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy, where she graduated as valedictorian. She has been closely mentored by Earl Mosley and danced with Camille A. Brown & Dancers for three years, during which time she performed at The Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow and the Dancers Responding to AIDS' annual events Dance from the Heart and The Fire Island Dance Festival. Ms. Estrada was an apprentice for Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company, and has performed with Lula Washington Dance Theater, Nathan Trice and Roger C. Jeffrey. She assisted Matthew Rushing with his ballet Uptown for the Ailey company in 2009. Ms. Estrada joined the Company in 2011.

 

 

 

Né à Gary (Indiana)

 

Commence la danse avec Tony Simpson à la Talent Unlimited High School dont il est diplômé. Rejoint la Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts où il étudie avec Larry Brewer et Michael Davis. Elève de la Ailey School, suit les formations du Ballet Chicago, du Deeply Rooted Dance Theater et les stages de la Martha Graham of Contemporary Dance. Reçoit en 2008 le deuxième prix de danse moderne de la National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts et obtient une bourse du Dizzy Feet en 2009. Travaille avec les chorégraphes Gary Abbot, Donald Byrd, George Faison, Christopher L. Huggins, Kevin Iega et Troy Powell. Danse dans la Ailey II avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2011.

(Gary, IN) began his dance training with Tony Simpson and is a graduate of Talent Unlimited High School.  He attended the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts and studied with Larry Brewer and Michael Davis. Mr. Gardner was a scholarship student at The Ailey School, has trained on scholarship at Ballet Chicago and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and had an internship at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.  In 2008, he received second place in modern dance from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts and received the Dizzy Feet Scholarship in 2009. Mr. Gardner has worked with choreographers that include Gary Abbot, Donald Byrd, George Faison, Christopher L. Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff and Troy Powell.  He was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2011.
 

 

 

Né à Chicago (Illinois)

 

Commence la danse à l’Université de Chicago. Etudie à l’école du Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre. Ayant reçu le premier prix du concours NAACP ACT-SO* en 1993,  entre à la Ailey School. Après avoir fait partie du groupe Ailey II,  intègre l’AAADT en 1997.

(Chicago, IL) began dancing at Curie Performing and Creative Arts High School in Chicago and later studied at the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre with Harriet Ross, Marquita Levy, and Emily Stein.  He attended Barat College as a dance scholarship recipient and received first place in the all-city NAACP ACT-SO Competition in Dance in 1993.  He studied as a fellowship student at The Ailey School and was a member of Ailey II.  In 2010, he performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison.  Mr. Gilmore is an active choreographer for the Ailey Dancers Resource Fund, and has choreographed for Fire Island Dance Festival 2008 and Jazz Foundation of America Gala 2010; he also produced the Dance of Light Project in January 2010.  Mr. Gilmore is a certified Zena Rommett Floor-Barre® instructor.  He continues to teach workshops and master classes around the world.  Mr. Gilmore joined the Company in 1997.

 

 

 

Née à Baltimore (Maryland)

 

Commence la danse à la Baltimore School For the Arts sous la direction de Norma Pera, Deborah Robinson et Anton Wilson. Est diplômée du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance. Suit les classes d’été du Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, de la Chautauqua Institution, du Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts et de la Jacob’s Pillow. Se produit dans les pièces des chorégraphes Elisa Monte, Helen Pickett, Francesca Harper, Aszure Barton, Earl Mosley et Michael Vernon. Reçoit, en novembre 2009, le prix du Martha Hill’s Young Professional et obtient une bourse du Dizzy Feet en 2010. Danse dans la Ailey II avant de rejoindre AAADT en 2011.

(Baltimore, MD) began her dance training at the Baltimore School for the Arts under the direction of Norma Pera, Deborah Robinson and Anton Wilson. She is a graduate of The Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance.  Ms. Green has attended summer programs at Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Chautauqua Institution, Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts and Jacob’s Pillow.  She has performed works by a variety of choreographers, including Elisa Monte, Helen Pickett, Francesca Harper, Aszure Barton, Earl Mosley and Michael Vernon.  In November 2009, Ms. Green was the recipient of the Martha Hill’s Young Professional’s Award and the Dizzy Feet Scholarship in 2010.  She was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2011.

 

 

 

Né à Bowie (Maryland)

 

Commence la danse au Suitland High School’s Center for the Visual and Performing Arts (Maryland). Diplômé du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program in dance, obtient une bourse de la Jerome Robbins/Layton Foundation. Participe avec l’école au Holland Dance Festival et au Francesca Harper Project. Participe à la tournée de West Side Story puis intégre la Ailey II avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2010.

(Bowie, MD) began dancing at Suitland High School’s Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Maryland.  He is a recent graduate of the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program in dance where he was awarded the Jerome Robbins/Layton Foundation Scholarship and participated in the Holland Dance Festival with the School and as a member of the Francesca Harper Project.  After dancing in the European tour of West Side Story, Mr. Harder became a member of Ailey II. He joined the Company in 2010.
 

 

 

Née à Orange, Massachussets

 

Commence la danse à la Orange School of Performing Arts sous la direction de son oncle Ricardo Porter et Heather Powell. Poursuit sa formation au National Youth Ballet of Virginia, à la Virginia School of the Arts, au Summer Dance International Course de Burgos (Espagne), à la Rock School et au Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Est diplômée du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance en 2009. A récemment bénéficié du prix Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts. Danse avec la Ailey II avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2010.

(Orange, VA) began her dance training at the Orange School of Performing Arts under the direction of her uncle Ricardo Porter and Heather Powell.  She has also studied with the National Youth Ballet of Virginia, Virginia School of the Arts, the Summer Dance International Course in Burgos, Spain, The Rock School, and Dance Theatre of Harlem School.  Ms. Hopkins graduated with honors from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A Program in Dance in 2009. She was recently selected as a recipient of a Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts.  Ms. Hopkins was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2010.

 

 

Né à New Orleans (Louisiane)

 

Commence la danse à la Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Washington DC) à l’âge de 16 ans sous la direction de Charles Augins. Rejoint le Dance Theatre of Harlem avec le Barriers Ensemble en 2005. En 2006, intègre le Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Rejoint la Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) et travaille en tant que directeur artistique de la compagnie D3. Interprète  les ballets de Christopher L. Huggins, Arthur Mitchell, Milton Myers, Rennie Harris et Gene Hill Sagan. Intègre l’AAADT en 2011.

(New Orleans, LA) began his dance training at age 16 at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC under the direction of Charles Augins.  He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem Dancing through Barriers Ensemble in 2005. In 2006, he joined Dallas Black Dance Theatre and in 2008 joined Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO), where he also worked as Artistic Director of D3. He has performed works by Christopher L. Huggins, Arthur Mitchell, Milton Myers, Rennie Harris and Gene Hill Sagan.  Mr. Jackson joined the Company in 2011.

 

 

 

Née à Waterford (Michigan)

 

Commence la danse classique et la modern jazz à Waterford. Danse avec le City Ballet de San Diego durant sa dernière année de lycée. En 2005, est apprentie et directrice des répétitions avec le Francesca Harper Project. Obtient un diplôme du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance en mai 2007. Danse pour les chorégraphes David Parsons, Debbie Allen, Thaddeus Davis, Hans van Manen et Dwight Rhoden. Danse avec la Ailey II avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2009.

(Waterford, MI) trained in ballet and jazz in her hometown.  As a senior in high school, she spent a year dancing with the City Ballet of San Diego. In 2005, Ms. Jakel was an apprentice and rehearsal director for the Francesca Harper Project. She graduated with honors in May of 2007 from The Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance.  Ms. Jakel has performed works by choreographers David Parsons, Debbie Allen, Thaddeus Davis, Hans van Manen, and Dwight Rhoden. She was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2009.
 

 

 

Né à Cayenne (France-DOM)

 

Commence la danse dans sa ville natale à la Adaclam School. En 2004, entre à la Ailey School, puis danse dans le Francesca Harper Project Modo Fusion. Fait partie du groupe Ailey II, avant d’intégrer l’AAADT en 2008.

(Cayenne, French Guiana) began training in his native country at the Adaclam School under the guidance of Jeanine Verin.  After graduating high school in 2004, he moved to New York City to study at The Ailey School as a fellowship student.  Mr. Lebrun has performed works by choreographers Troy Powell, Matthew Rushing, Debbie Allen, Scott Rink, Thaddeus Davis, Nilas Martins and Dwight Rhoden and danced with the Francesca Harper Project Modo Fusion.  He was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2011.  Mr. Lebrun was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2008.

 

 

 

Née à Columbia,Maryland

 

Commence la danse au Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland avec Donna Pidel puis suit les classes d’été de la School of American Ballet et du American Ballet Theatre. Est principale au Dance Theatre of Harlem et au Complexions Contemporary Ballet, avant de danser avec l’AAADT entre 2005 et 2008. Outre les nombreux galas et festivals, se produit au LINE Ballet avec Alonzo King, au André 3000 et avec Beyoncé au Radio City Music Hall. Reçoit la Columbia University Medal of Excellence et le Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award. Est diplômée d’Histoire (major de promotion avec les félicitations du jury) et obtient un master en « Management des organisations non lucratives » de la Washington University (Saint-Louis). Ecrit des articles pour des revues spécialisées et distribuées à l’international. Récemment, participe en tant que Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance  de la Webster University (Saint-Louis). Rejoint l’AAADT en 2011.

(Columbia, MD) trained at Ballet Royäle Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel and attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Prior to dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008, Ms. Mack was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet.  In addition to several galas and festivals, she has guest performed with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and with André 3000 and Beyoncé at Radio City Music Hall.  She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award. Mack graduated magna cum laude with honors in History from Columbia University and received an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from Washington University in St. Louis.  She is also a guest writer for several nationally distributed dance publications. Most recently, Ms. Mack served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Webster University in St. Louis. Ms. Mack rejoined the Company in 2011.

 

 

 

Né à Johnson City (Etat de New-York)

 

Est récemment diplômé (major de promotion) du Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance. Commence la danse à la Danek Scholl of Performing Arts puis à la Amber Perkins School of the Arts de Norwich (Etat de New-York). En plus de la Ailey School, se perfectionne pendant deux étés au Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts. Ai l’assistant du chorégraphe Earl Mosley quand il monte le ballet Saddle UP ! pour la compagnie en 2007.  Rejoint l’AAADT en 2009.

(Johnson City, NY) recently graduated magna cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance.  He began his training at the Danek School of Performing Arts and later trained at Amber Perkins School of the Arts in Norwich, NY.  In addition to The Ailey School, Mr. McBride attended Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts for two consecutive summers.  He was also the assistant to choreographer Earl Mosley when he set the piece Saddle UP! on the Company in 2007.  Mr. McBride joined the Company in 2009.
 

 

 

Née à Minatoba (Canada)

 

Commence la danse à la Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Ensuite, vient à New York étudier à la Ailey School. Fait partie du groupe Ailey II, avant d’intégrer l’AAADT en 2008.

 

(Manitoba, Canada) began her formal dance training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.  After graduating high school, she joined the Toronto cast of Mamma Mia!  Ms. McLaren moved to New York to study at The Ailey School as a fellowship student and later joined Ailey II.  She has performed works by Karole Armitage, Dwight Rhoden, Francesca Harper and Nilas Martins.  Ms. McLaren joined the Company in 2008.

 

 

Née à Syracuse (Etat de New York)

 

Etudie la danse à l’Onondaga Dance Institute, puis à l’Université de Syracuse (USA). Se perfectionne au North Carolina Dance Theater, à la Joffrey Ballet School et à la Ailey School. Médaille de bronze du concours NAACP National ACT-SO en 2001, fait partie du groupe Ailey II, avant d’intégrer l’AAADT en 2008.

(Syracuse, NY) received her primary dance training at the Onondaga Dance Institute, Dance Centre North and with Tony Salatino of Syracuse University.  She studied at North Carolina Dance Theatre, Lines Ballet School, The Joffrey Ballet School and The Ailey School as a fellowship student.  Ms. Mitchell is a graduate of the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance and was a member of Ailey II.  She performed works by choreographers Alonzo King, Dwight Rhoden, Debbie Allen, Seán Curran and Nacho Duato.  Ms. Mitchell was a bronze medalist at the 2001 NAACP National ACT-SO competition.  She joined the Company in 2008.
 

 

 

Née à Kingston (Caroline du Nord)

 

En 2000,  danse en soliste au Dance Theatre of Harlem, puis au Cincinnati Ballet et au Ballet San José. A travaillé avec Frederic Franklin et Geoffrey Holder. Elle rejoint l’AAADT en 2008.

 

Briana REED

Née à St Petersberg (Floride)

Commence la danse à l’Academy of Ballet Arts and The Pinellas County Center for Arts, puis se perfectionne à la Ailey School et à la Juilliard School. Danse avec le groupe Ailey II, avant d’intégrer l’AAADT en 1998.

(St. Petersburg, FL) began her dance training at the Academy of Ballet Arts and The Pinellas County Center for Arts.  She then studied at The Ailey School as a fellowship student.  In 1997, Ms. Reed graduated from The Juilliard School and became a member of Ailey II.  In 2010, she performed at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison.  Ms. Reed joined the Company in 1998.

 

Samuel Lee ROBERTS

Né à Quakertown (Pennsylvanie)

Commence la danse sous la direction de Kathleen Johnston avant de rejoindre la Juilliard School. Se produit lors de la première représentation du Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Mexico) et fait partie de la tournée new-yorkaise du projet 1999 et 2004. Danse pendant la cérémonie de remises de prix des jeux d’hiver de Salt Lake City en 2002, travaille avec Corbin Dances et Keigwin and Company, est membre fondateur de la Battlework Dance Company. En mai 2006, est promu « On the rise » Dancer par Dance magazine. Se produit également dans les rôles de Across the Universe de Julie Taymor et dans l’opéra Grendel. Rejoint l’AAADT en 2009.

(Quakertown, PA) began his dance training under the direction of Kathleen Johnston and attended The Juilliard School.  He performed in the first international show of Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Mexico City and danced with the New York cast from 1999-2004.  Mr. Roberts performed during the award ceremony at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, worked with Corbin Dances and Keigwin and Company and was a founding member of Battleworks Dance Company.  In May of 2006, Mr. Roberts was named Dance Magazine’s “On the Rise” Dancer.  He also performed several roles in Julie Taymor’s Across the Universe and the original opera Grendel.  Mr. Roberts joined the Company in 2009.
 

Jamar ROBERTS

 

Né à Miami (Floride)
Diplômé de la New World School of the Arts, étudie au Dance Empire of Miami à la Ailey School. Danse avec le groupe Ailey II et le Complexions Contemporary Ballet, avant d’intégre une première fois l’AAADT en 2002.

(Miami, FL) graduated from the New World School of the Arts.  He trained at the Dance Empire of Miami and as a fellowship student at The Ailey School.  Mr. Roberts was a member of Ailey II and Complexions Contemporary Ballet.  He first joined the Company in 2002.

 

Kelly ROBOTHAM

Née à New-York (Etat de New-York)

Etudie la danse à la New World School of the Arts dont elle obtient le diplôme du danseur qui a le plus progressé. Se perfectionne en tant qu’étudiante boursière à la Ailey School et au Dance Theater of Harlem. Est diplômée de la Juilliard School, où elle travaille avec les chorégraphes David Parker, Adam Hougland, Johannes Wieland, Azsure Barton, Camille A. Brown et Robert Battle. S’est produite dans les créations de José Limon, Martha Graham, Mark Morris et Jerome Robbins. Est choisie en 2009 par la Juilliard Dance Division pour participer à une tournée dans le cadre d’un échange avec le Costa Rica avant de devenir apprentie à la River North Chicago Dance Company. Danse à la Ailey II avant de rejoindre l’AAADT en 2011.

(New York, NY) studied dance at New World School of the Arts, where she graduated with an award for most improved dancer. Ms. Robotham trained as a scholarship student at The Ailey School and Dance Theater of Harlem. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where she worked with choreographers David Parker, Adam Hougland, Johannes Wieland, Azsure Barton, Camille A. Brown and Robert Battle. Ms. Robotham has also performed works by José Limón, Martha Graham, Mark Morris and Jerome Robbins. In 2009, she was selected from The Juilliard Dance Division to participate in a cultural exchange tour to Costa Rica and soon after became an apprentice with River North Chicago Dance Company. Ms. Robotham was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2011.

Matthew RUSHING

Né à Los Angeles (Californie)

Commence la danse à l'Université de Los Angeles. Etudie à la Ailey School, puis fait partie du groupe Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, avant d’intégrer l’AAADT en 1992. A également été invité à se produire à la Maison Blanche.

(Los Angeles, CA)  began his dance training with Kashmir Blake in Inglewood, CA, and later continued his training at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.  He received a Spotlight Award and was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts.  He trained at The Ailey School and later became a member of Ailey II, where he danced for a year.  During his career, Mr. Rushing has performed as a guest artist for galas in Vail, Colorado, as well as in France, Russia, Canada, Austria, and Italy.  He has performed for former presidents George H. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush and for President Barack Obama, as well as at the 2010 White House tribute to Judith Jamison.  During his time with the Company he has choreographed two ballets: Acceptance in Surrender (2005), a collaboration with Company members Hope Boykin and Abdur Jackson, and Uptown (2009), a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance.  He was recently named a 2010 recipient of the Dance Magazine Award.  Mr. Rushing became Rehearsal Director in June 2010. He joined the Company in 1992.

Glenn Allen SIMS

Né à Long Branch (New Jersey)

Commence la danse à l’Académie of Dance Arts in Red Bank. Boursier, étudie à la Ailey School, et participe à The Garden State Arts Center’s Talent Expo, en 1993. Se perfectionne à la Juilliard School. Danse avec The Urban Dance Theater et The Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn. Rejoint l’AAADT en 1997.

(Long Branch, NJ) began his classical dance training at the Academy of Dance Arts in Red Bank, NJ.  He attended The Juilliard School under the artistic guidance of Benjamin Harkarvy.  In 2004, Mr. Sims was the youngest person to be inducted into the Long Branch High School's Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.  He has been seen in several network televisions programs including “BET Honors,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Today Show.”  In 2010, Mr. Sims taught as a master teacher in Ravenna, Italy for "Dance Up Ravenna," sponsored by International Dance Association (I.D.A), and performed in the White House tribute to Judith Jamison.  He has performed for the King of Morocco, and is a certified Zena Rommett Floor-Barre® instructor.  Mr. Sims joined the Company in 1997.

Linda Celeste SIMS

Née dans le Bronx (New York)

Commence la danse à la Ballet Hispanico School. Diplômée de l’Université de LaGuardia. Boursière, étudie à la Pennsylvania Ballet School. Rejoint l’AAADT en 1996.

(Bronx, NY) began her dance training at Ballet Hispanico School of Dance and is a graduate of LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts.  In 1994, Mrs. Sims was granted an award by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.  She has been highlighted in the “Best of 2009” list in Dance Magazine, and has performed as a guest star on “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Today Show.”  She has also made guest appearances at the White House tribute to Judith Jamison, Youth America Grand Prix, Vail International Dance Festival, and galas in Budapest and Vienna.  Mrs. Sims joined the Company in 1996, and was named Assistant to the Rehearsal Director in June 2010.

Jermaine TERRY

Né à Kissimmee (Floride)

Commence la danse à Kissimmee au James Dance Center. Major de promotion de la section Dance Performance de l’Université de South Florida, otient une bourse du département pour la qualité de ses performances et sa chorégraphie. Est boursier de la Ailey School et danseur de la Ailey II. Se produit avec le Buglisi Dance Theater, Arch Dance, Dance Iquail et Philadelco. Rejoint l’AAADT en 2010.

(Kissimmee, FL) began his dance training in Kissimmee at James Dance Center. He graduated cum laude with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from the University of South Florida, where he received scholarships for excellence in performance and choreography.  Mr. Terry was a fellowship student at The Ailey School and a member of Ailey II, and he has performed with Buglisi Dance Theater, Arch Dance, Dance Iquail and Philadanco.  Mr. Terry joined the Company in 2010.
 

Marcus Jarrell WILLIS

Né à Houston (Texas)

Commence la danse à la Johnston Performing Arts Middle School, puis à la High School for the Performing and Visual Arts à Houston. Vient à New York étudier à la Ailey School. Bénéficiant du Level 1 Arts Award (NFAA), fait partie du groupe Ailey II. Danse avec Pascal Rioult Dance Theater, et rejoint l’AAADT en 2008.

(Houston, TX) began his formal training at the Johnston Performing Arts Middle School, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Discovery Dance Group in Houston, Texas.  At age 16, he moved to New York City and studied at The Ailey School as a fellowship student.  Mr. Willis is a recipient of a Level 1 ARTS award given by the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts and has received scholarships to many schools including the Juilliard School.  He was a member of Ailey II and also worked with Pascal Rioult Dance Theater, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Tania Pérez-Salas Compañía de Danza.  Mr. Willis joined the Company in 2008.

* NAACP : The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (fondée en 1909), ACT-SO : The Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (section créée en 1978).