Michael Bradford (Assistant to the Directors) Born in Dallas-Fort Worth,
Texas of Mexican
and Puerto Rican descent. An Honor’s graduate
from Howard
University with a BFA in Dance. His
choreography has been presented at The
Kennedy
Center, Arena Stage, Howard University, Gallaudet
University, George
Washington University, and
Lula Washington Dance Theatre. Currently working
in dance education, and arts administration and
management.
Rebecca Presti (Company Manager)Born in
Virginia of Croatian and
Slovenian descent. Trained
at Maryland Youth Ballet, Ballet Nova and Joy
of
Motion Studios. Has performed with several East
Coast hip hop companies,
Classical Repertory
Dance Ensemble, Maryland Ballet Theatre, and
has been
an outreach performer with several DC
companies. Received her B.A. in
Psychology,
and Certificate Degree in Music Recording and
Production.
Currently a Pilates, Forrest Yoga and Gyrotonic Teacher in
the D.C.
Metro area.
Joan Ayap – Born in Washington, DC, and grew up in the Philippines.
Began her training at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet and the Philippine
Ballet Theatre Conservatoire. Graduated from Assumption College, San
Lorenzo (Philippines) with a BS in Interior Design, while pursuing a dance
career. Her professional experience includes: the Philippine Ballet Theatre,
where she worked with Gener Caringal, Ronilo Jaynario, Anatoli Panasiukov,
Enrico Labayen, Tony Fabella, Maiqui Mañosa, and Graham Lustig among
others. She performed with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company and is
currently a member of Bowen McCauley Dance.
Jordan Daugherty – Born in Louisville,
Kentucky. Began her studies
at Ellen’s School
of Dance and continued her training at the Youth
Performing Arts School, and The Louisville Ballet
School. A 2011
Cum Laude Graduate from George
Mason University with her BFA
in Dance. At GMU,
was a member of the George Mason Dance
Company, she performed works by Twla Tharp,
David Parson,
Ohad Narahin, and Mark Morris.
Has performed for three seasons
with the Dayton Contemporary
Dance Company’s Second Company.
Chandini Darby (Choreographer) Born
in Washington, DC. Began her
training with the
DC Youth Ensemble and continued at Spirit
Wings Dance
Company & School. A Magna
Cum Laude graduate of Towson University
with
a BFA in Dance Performance; a recipient
of the Washington Post Music & Arts
Award in
Dance Scholarship; and a 2015 recipient of The
Kennedy Center’s
Local Dance Commissioning
Project. She has performed works by Paul Taylor,
Matthew Rushing,
Dion Wilson, Clifton Brown, Nai Ni Chen and Christopher
Huggins.
Professional credits include: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater,
Washington Reflections Dance Company, and Lula Washington
Dance Theater. Founder/Artistic Director of The Beauty For
Ashes Project, Inc. and is currently
Co-Director of CityDance
DREAM. She is the proud wife of Kenny and mother
to Josiah and
Jazz.
Vanessa Carmichael-Elder – Born in Guyana, South America.
Was introduced to her dance career in college, and studies
kinesiology at the University of Maryland. Has performed at
the Kennedy Center with Jacque d’Amboise, Helanius Wilkins,
Alvin Mayes, the Companies of Motion Mania Jazz Company,
City Dance Ensemble, Jam Crew, and Word Dance Theatre.
Has also performed at the National Black Theatre Festival in
North Carolina. In addition to dancing, Vanessa is proud to
be a mother of three. She is faculty at Joy of Motion Dance
Center and a personal fitness trainer.
JP Flores – Born in Texas of Mexican descent.
JP began his career
at the Vidal M. Trevino Fine
Arts School. Graduated from the Ailey
School in
2012. He is the new Artistic Associate Director and
choreographer for Ballet East Dance Company,
and has performed
with Calpulli Mexican Dance
Co., Nimbus Co., and Modarts,
to mention a few.
Currently working towards his Bachelor’s
Degree in
Business Administration in Texas.
Therese Gahl – Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Therese received
her training from the Washington School of Ballet (WSB). As a
student, she danced alongside the professional company, The
Washington Ballet, where she performed at many notable
venues including the Warner Theater, the Kennedy Center,
and the White House. After graduating from high school, she
became a member of Ballet West II. In 2012, she graduated
Cum Laude with a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from
George Mason University. She has taught at CityDance,
Maryland Youth Ballet and Virginia Ballet Theater. She joined
Gin Dance Company in 2012, and has also performed with
Sarah J. Ewing and Ivy Chow. In 2014, she became
Conservatory Program Manager for CityDance.
Sydney Ignacio – Born in the Philippines. Began
his training at the Gigi Velarde-David Ballet Dance
Workshop and went on to Steps Dance Studio and
completed the Royal Academy of Dance Elementary
Exam. Sydney has performed with The Philippine
Ballet Theatre, Verb Ballets in Ohio, Washington Reflexions Dance Company and CityDance Ensemble.
He has toured to Taipai and London. He is a member
of Sax Lounge DC.
Zena B. Maddox – Born in Baltimore, Maryland, where she began
her training at the Baltimore School for the Arts with Norma Pera,
Anton Wilson, Samantha Ordaz, Debra Robinson and Vadim Pijicov.
She is an honors graduate in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University’s
Dance Department. She also studied at Central Pennsylvania Youth
Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensives. She has
taught for the Polish Dance Theatre in Poznan, Poland and performed
with the Polish National School of Ballet.
Kate Page – Born in Washington, D.C. Began
training at the Washington School of Ballet and
graduated at Indiana University with degrees in
Dance, Kinesiology and Theatre. Also trained
with Vim Vigor, Luke Murphy, Ryan Mason and at
Tanzfabrik, Berlin. Has performed works by Ohad
Naharin, Sahar Azimi and Ismael Ivo. A Yoga-
Alliance Certified teacher, currently, managing a
yoga studio while studying movement research,
improvisation and somatic practices.
Zenas Okalowan – Born and raised in Prince
Georges MD and is a first-generation Nigerian-
American. Graduated with her BFA in Dance
Performance from Towson University. Shortly after,
she began as a youth development teaching artist
with CityDance DREAM and now gladly serves
as the DREAM Connections Program Manager
at CityDance. She is blessed to have moments to
share her passion for dance with the world.
Max Maisey – Born in Philadelphia, PA. Began
his training at the Metropolitan Ballet Academy
under the tutelage of Lisa Collins Vidnovic,
and continued his studies at the North Carolina
School of the Arts with Kee-Juan Han, Melissa
Hayden, and Frank Smith. Has performed with
Pennsylvania Ballet, and Ballet Austin, where he
completed his apprenticeship. Graduated with a
Master’s in Philosophy from American University,
and currently works in IT in DC.
Chiesa Mason – Born in the suburbs of
Washington, D.C. A graduate of the Duke Ellington
School of the Arts, and received her BFA from
SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory. Also trained
at The Rock School of Ballet, Kirov Academy of
Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, STEPS, and the
Dance Institute of Washington. Has performed
works by Twyla Tharp, Stephen Petronio,
Christopher
Huggins, and Arthur Mitchell, and has
toured the world
with Princess Cruise Lines, and with Eisenhower
Dance
in Michigan. Currently directing her own dance program at
KIPP SoCal Elementary Charter school.
Wanyi Ng – From Flagstaff of Singaporean
Chinese descent. Trained at Northern Arizona
University Dance Academy,the Royal Academy
of Dance syllabus through Advanced II with
Distinction, and at American Ballet Theatre. Has
performed with the Duke Dance Program, Durham
Ballet Theatre, and Moveius Contemporary Ballet.
Received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from
Duke University (full scholarship student), and
her M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Univ. of
Maryland. Currently
working at NASA as an
aerospace engineer.
GUEST PERFORMERS:
Fidel Garcia – Born in Cuba, an internationally renown dancer, teacher and pilates instructor. In l992, Mr. Garcia finished his studies at the National Ballet School in Cuba (Camaguey City) as a Professional Dancer and as a Ballet Teacher. Later he became Principal/Soloist with Dance Theater of Harlem, The Washington Ballet, Ballet NY, Ballet de Camaguey (Cuba), Peru and with Gloria Contreras of El Taller Coreografico de UNAM/Mexico City, among many other prestigious companies of the world. Has taught ballet in Mexico, WDC and New York, and throughout the world. Currently owner and Pilates Instructor at Capital Pilates Studio where his focus is to use Pilates technique to improve the dancers technique and quality of movement and allow dancers to understand how to work free of injuries. www.capitalpilates.com
Edward Franklin – Born in Detroit, Michigan. Began his dance training under Cindy Herman and Gary Harrison of Atlanta, GA and received a full scholarship to train with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. He is also a recipient of the Donna Wood Scholarship and danced under full scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet. For the past 20 years, Edward has worked extensively throughout the United States and Europe as a seasoned performer and master instructor. “E” has performed with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, The Philadelphia Dance Company (PhilaDanco), Ronald K. Brown/Evidence Dance Company, Kevin “Iega” Jeff/Deeply Rooted Productions, Oakland Ballet, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Theatre, The Gary Harrison Dance Company, White Wave Rising and The Manga African Dance Company. Edward is currently the Founder/Artistic Director of the Eli Sky Dance Theater in Atlanta, GA.
Jose Luis Guillen – Born in El Salvador. Currently a student of psychology at the Universidad Tecnologica de El Salvador. Began studying modern dance in the project Danza Joven, in the National School of Dance “Morena Celarié”, under the direction of Francisco Castillo. Has danced with companies, Solo Por Hoy, as well as the National Dance Company of El Salvador. Has performed as a guest artist with the Ballet Foundation of Alcira Alonso in “The Rite of Spring” accompanied by the National Symphony of El Salvador choreographed by Francisco Castillo. He currently teaches contemporary dance throughout El Salvador.
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS/DESIGNERS:
Adrain Bolton (Founder/Resident Choreographer of DCCDT) A native of Washington, DC and graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. A scholarship recipient of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Former Resident Choreographer and Founder/Co-Director of DCCDT. A prolific choreographer who works influenced the development of Washington dance scene since the l980s. His works have been presented nationally from NYC, Philadelphia to Cleveland, and internationally in Jordan, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Amsterdam, S. Africa, Hong Kong and China. Former faculty at the Duke Ellington School, Co-Founder of the Christian Dance Academy and Soul Winners for Christ Dance Ministry. Currently, Founder Artistic Director of Adrain Bolton Dance Ministry Company in Atlanta, Georgia.
Francisco Castillo (Founder/Co-Director of TDC) Born in San Salvador. Dancer, master choreographer and teacher and Founder Co-Director and Resident Choreographer of TDC since l994. Began his training at the National School of Dance “Morena Celarie” in El Salvador in 1981. Former Founder Director of Evolución, 21-91 Contemporary Dance, and is currently Founder Director of Solo por Hoy, an all men’s dance company in San Salvador. Founder of the dance program at the National University of El Salvador; former faculty at La UCA; and on faculty at the National School. Has been responsible for the training of the majority of contemporary dancers in El Salvador. Has worked in throughout Central America, the Caribbean and the USA, where his diverse repertory of 55 works has been set on many companies.
Gloria Contreras (Guest Choreographer) Born in Mexico City. Ms. Contreras is one of Latin America’s most renown figures in the world of art and culture. She has been instrumental in the development of culture for all of Mexico and has helped to give value to the arts during a time when there was virtually none. Originally danced under Nelsy Dambré in Mexico in the l940s, and went to School of American Ballet in NYC in l950-60s, trained by Pierre Vladimirov, Felia Doubrovska,Anatole Oboukhoff, Muriel Stuart and George Balanchine. Founder/Artistic Director of La Taller Coreografico de Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City in 1970. Recipient of a lifetime award as Emeritus Creator from the Mexican government for her work for bringing dance to audiences of all social classes, radically changing the limited panorama of dance in her country in the seventies. Has directed 83 seasons as UNAM’s resident Company at their theatres; and has presented 317 different choreographic works, 233 of her own creation. She searches for innovation through tradition and uses technique as a vehicle for communication, not as a means per se. By eliminating all superficial elements, she considers the dancers as fundamental elements of choreography and through form, the dancers communicate the very essence of man.
Kevin Iega Jeff (Guest Choreographer and Founder/Artistic Director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater of Chicago) Iega has been commissioned to create new works for the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble, River North Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and the Wylliams/Henry Dance Theatre. He is recognized as one of the Juilliard School’s 100 Outstanding Alumni. He has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Council for Culture and Arts, and the BTAA Best Choreography award for Church of Nations, the Merit Award from the International Association of Blacks in Dance (where he now sits on the board of directors). He is the founder of JUBILATION! in York City, which brought the stories and art of the African American People and his unique approach to contemporary dance to a global audience. He served as Artistic Director of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, and as artist-in- residence at Howard University, the University of Las Vegas, Goucher College, SUNY Purchase and at Purdue University’s Black Cultural Center. His work has been featured in several films, including Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have it, and in the Broadway shows Comin’ Uptown and The Wiz. Iega’s Walls premiered at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA. www.deeplyrootedproductions.org
Felipe Oyarzun (Guest Choreographer and Perfomer) Born in Santiago, Chile. Received Chile’s Best Dancer Inter-American Circle of Dance Professionals Award, among other honors. In Santiago, he ran his own company which toured internationally. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and MA in dance education with honors from the University of Chile and a MFA in dance from George Washington University. His works have been presented at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Greenberg Theatre/American University, among others. Currently, Mr. Oyarzun is a guest choreographer and faculty member for the Joy of Motion Youth Ensemble program and dancer and technical coordinator of Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.
Lloyd Whitmore (Former Choreographer and Dancer with DCCDT, Philadanco) Born in Philadelphia, PA. Began his career in Dance at age 20, and since has spent 36 years in dance as a performer, teacher and choreographer for professional schools and dance companies throughout the U.S. Trained in the Lester Horton and Martha Graham techniques, Mr. Whitmore has performed all over the world with companies such as Philadanco, DCCDT and the New Orleans Opera. He served as Artistic Director of his own modern dance company, The New World Dance Company, in DC. He was the first male recipient of a scholarship to The Craft of Choreography Conference from the Northeast Regional Ballet Association in 1983 and a scholarship student at the University of the Arts (Formerly Philadelphia College of the Arts). He has received numerous fellowships and grants. Mr. Whitmore has served on the faculties of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Atlanta Ballet, S.C. Governors School for the Arts, Harrison School for the Arts and Rochelle School of the Arts. He presently freelances as a modern dance instructor and choreographer and serves on the faculties of Atlanta Ballet and the Royale Dance Academy.
Matthew Royce (Technical Director/Lighting Designer)Has worked in the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre for 35 years as lighting designer, TD director, producer/presenter. Received his M.F.A. in Theatre Management from UCLA and studied lighting with Gilbert Hemsley at UW, Madison. Began his career at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and later became the fi rst Executive Director of the New Performance Gallery (now the ODC Theatre). During his tenure, he presented Mark Morris, Susan Marshall, and Charles Moulton, among others. Currently, serves as Resident Lighting Designer for the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Musical Theatre Works, and The Don’t Quit Your Day Job Dancers of San Francisco, and is on the faculty of St. Mary’s College, Moraga, California, and Notre Dame De Namur University, Belmont, California.
