“I am in love with my dancers. I am endlessly moved by the energy and artistry they bring to my work and to our audiences. ”
meet the artists
michelle dorrance
artistic director // choreographer // dancer
Michelle Dorrance is "one of the most imaginative tap choreographers working today” (The New Yorker) and has pushed tap dance choreography into dialogue with the international cultural landscape like no artist before. At once a composer and a choreographer, she is known for deeply musical, highly physical, and emotionally compelling work that lives at the intersection of innovation, tradition, and risk.
Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dorrance was mentored by groundbreaking youth tap educator, Gene Medler and studied under many of the last hoofers of the jazz era. A New York City-based artist for over 25 years, she performed with notable tap companies and productions including Savion Glover’s ti dii and Off-Broadway sensation, STOMP.
In 2011, she founded Dorrance Dance with the mission to help audiences view tap dance in a new and dynamically compelling context while honoring the Black American legacy of the art form. The company’s inaugural performance earned Dorrance a “Bessie” Award and the company has since performed over 20 of Dorrance’s original works nationally and internationally to great critical acclaim.
A lover of collaboration and rebellion, Dorrance has created work with a unique range of artists including Dormeshia, Derick K. Grant, Nicholas Van Young, Bill Irwin, Lil Buck, Tiler Peck, Jillian Meyers, Ephrat Asherie, and Toshi Reagon. Michelle made her Broadway choreographic debut in James Lapine’s Flying Over Sunset in 2021. Other commissions include Martha Graham Dance Company, The Joyce Theater, New York City Center, Vail Dance Festival, American Ballet Theatre, and Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
A 2018 Doris Duke Artist, 2017 Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellow, 2015 MacArthur Fellow, and 2012 Princess Grace Award winner, Dorrance has been acknowledged and supported by Jacob’s Pillow, the Alpert Awards, United States Artists, The Field, and the American Tap Dance Foundation. Dorrance holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and an honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of North Carolina.
artists
ephrat “bounce” asherie
dancer
Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie is a New York City based b-girl, performer, director/choreographer and a 2016 Bessie Award Winner for Innovative Achievement in Dance. Asherie has received numerous awards to support her work including Dance Magazine's Inaugural Harkness Promise Award, a Jacob's Pillow Fellowship at the Tilles Center and two National Dance Project Awards. As artistic director of Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD), Asherie's work has been presented at the Joyce Theater, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Spoleto Festival USA and Art Power! at UCSD, among others. For more information please visit www.ephratasheriedance.com
christopher broughton
dancer
Christopher Broughton is from Los Angeles and began dancing at age 11. Under Paul and Arlene Kennedy at Universal Dance Design, he was a member of the Kennedy Tap Company and received the national NAACP ACTSO Award twice. He is a current member of nationally proclaimed New York-based tap dance company Dorrance Dance, under the direction of MacArthur Genius Grant award winner Michelle Dorrance. His noteworthy performances include Capezio’s 130th Anniversary, New York City Center’s Cotton Club Parade; Juba! Master’s of Tap and Percussive Dance at the Kennedy Center; and Broadway’s Tony and Astaire Award–winning production After Midnight and Jelly’s Last.
elizabeth burke
dancer // Dance Captain
Elizabeth Burke has performed full time with Dorrance Dance since its inaugural 2010-2011 season. Prior to this, she spent 11 years under the tutelage of her mentor, Gene Medler, in the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble, and she’s also an alumna of the School at Jacob’s Pillow. Elizabeth is a sought after educator and performer at tap dance festivals across the US and abroad, and enjoys collaborating with, and performing in the work of, fellow Carolinian Luke Hickey. She thanks Amelia Peden for their singular support, and Go Heels.
Warren Craft
Dancer
Warren Craft, a NYC tap dancer and founding member of Dorrance Dance, studied ballet at JKO and SAB, tap improvisation with Ayodele Casel at Fazil's, and was introduced to butoh dance theatre by Ko Murobushi and Yuko Kaseki at CAVE in Brooklyn. Warren was a contributing choreographer for the 2019 award winning film In This Life, directed by Bat-Sheva Guez, starring Robbie Fairchild, and was nominated for a Bessie award for his work alongside the incomparable Bill Irwin in Bill’s Harlequin and Pantalone, performed at New York City Center.
donovan dorrance
musician
Donovan Dorrance hails from North Carolina where he trained as a multi-instrumentalist before moving to New York to work with Dorrance Dance, with whom he’s had the opportunity to compose original music and tour internationally since 2014. In 2016, he and Gregory Richardson received a New Music USA grant to score Dorrance Dance's Myelination which they then released as an album. Outside of dance, Dorrance composes for film, theatre, podcasts, and as a solo artist.
karida griffith walker
dancer
Karida Griffith Walker is from Portland, Oregon! Television: Boardwalk Empire (HBO), Tony Awards, The Today Show. Stage: Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Rockettes, Black and Blue (Henry LeTang & Dianne Walker), NY City Center's Fall for Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow. Companies: Dorrance Dance, Cotton Club Sophisticated Ladies, Barbara Duffy & Co, and the Children's Theatre Company (Board of Directors). Karida loves teaching students of all ages, and is now offers Online Tap Teacher Training! Visit KaridaGriffith.com for more information.
sterling harris
dancer
STERLING HARRIS, a Chicago native, holds a B.A. in Neuroscience from Northwestern University but is grateful to be able to pursue his passion for tap dance. He is an Artistic Associate of Chicago Tap Theatre, a Company Member of MADD Rhythms, a guest artist with Music From The Sole, and began the honor of performing with Dorrance Dance in Spring 2023. Sterling is also an alumnus of the School at Jacob’s Pillow and recipient of the 2021 Lorna Strassler Award.
luke hickey
dancer
Luke Hickey is a NYC based tap dance artist and choreographer, named by Dance Magazine among ‘25 To Watch’ in 2020. Hickey credits his knowledge and achievements to the incomparable brilliance of his mentor, JUBA Award recipient Gene Medler (North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble). His choreography has been presented by Jacob’s Pillow, Birdland Jazz Club and the Chelsea Factory, to name a few. Luke is honored to be a company member of Michelle Dorrance’s Dorrance Dance.
addi loving
dancer
Addi Loving, New York based, is a rising artist in the world of performing arts. Hailing from North Carolina and St. Louis, she trained under the Gene Medler in North Carolina, and her talent beamed through her involvement in MUNY St. Louis. A YoungArts winner in 2019 and attendee at Jacob's Pillow, her passion is evident through her performances. With a bright future ahead, Addi is more than thankful every time she joins Dorrance Dance on the stage.
aaron marcellus
musician
Singer songwriter, vocal coach, musician, dancer, actor was born and raised in Atlanta and has been entertaining crowds around the world for 25 plus years. He got his start in Gospel music with his first major record deal with the Warner label Word Records. After placing Top 24 on “American Idol” he was sent on a world tour sponsored by the US Armed Forces, where he performed for thousands in England, Italy, Holland, Germany, France, Korea, Kuwait and Japan. Aaron has been featured in a Chapstick commercial, NBC’s “Next Caller'' and is a veteran member of New York City’s Off-Broadway hit “Stomp” also supporting lead in National Black Theater's production of “Dreaming Zenzile”. Marcellus can be found hosting weekly at a local Burlesque and live music restaurant “Duane Park'' Amongst singing all New York City, directing showcases, tap dancing, acting, and serving as a vocal coach, Aaron is Founder and Creative Director of The Marcellus Collective and CEO of “Surrender To Love” LLC; a foundation that financially supports music & arts programs and feeds hungry bellies."
carson murphy
dancer
Carson Murphy is a dancer, teacher, mom and business owner. In addition to being a member of Dorrance Dance, Carson has performed with a multitude of companies throughout New York City, North America, and Europe. Murphy holds a B.A. in both dance and philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. She is the owner of sound MOVEMENT Pilates and Gyrotonic® studio in Larchmont, NY. She is the endlessly proud mom of Imogen Moon. soundmovementny.com
Claudia Rahardjanoto
dancer
Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Claudia started her professional dance career at the Deutsche Oper Berlin at the age of nine. At fifteen, she fell in love with tap dance under the tutelage of Sven Göttlicher and Marie-Christin Zeisset and moved to NYC in 2003 to pursue a career in tap dance. A Dorrance Dance member since the company's inception, Claudia hopes to continue to share her love and passion for music and the art of tap dance through her teaching and performing worldwide.
Gregory Richardson
musician // musical director
Gregory Richardson is a multi-instrumentalist focusing on upright and electric bass. He's the co-creator of Music From The Sole, an Afro-Brazilian tap dance and live band show that is currently in residence at Lincoln Center Education. He's played drums, keys, and guitar with the band Darwin Deez at the world’s largest music festivals in the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, and Austria.
Leonardo Sandoval
dancer
Brazilian tap dancer and choreographer Leonardo Sandoval is renowned for blending America’s great tap tradition with Brazil’s rich rhythmic and musical heritage. A member of Dorrance Dance since 2014, he also directs Music From The Sole, a tap and live music company, with composer Gregory Richardson. Leonardo is a 2021 Dance Magazine “25 To Watch”, received a 2022 Vilcek Foundation Prize for Creative Promise, and is a 2022 NYSCA/ NYFA Artist Fellow in Choreography.
Matthew “Megawatt” West
dancer
Matthew “Megawatt” West started dancing at the age of sixteen in Queens. Megawatt is an active part of NYC’s underground dance community and teaches youth classes throughout the five boroughs. Megawatt can be seen in Baz Lurhman’s Netflix series The Get Down and battling with his crew, the Mellow Animals.
artistic associates
hannah heller
artistic associate
Hannah Heller is a New York based actor, dancer, and writer. Select NY theater credits include Strange Window (BAM), Elements of Oz (Skirball), Evelyn (The Bushwick Starr), and The Reception (HERE). She has worked with The Builder’s Association, Half Straddle, Nellie Tinder, and Savion Glover’s Ti Dii. Upcoming, Hannah will be seen in Nellie Tinder’s All Long True American Stories play-cycle at The Bushwick Starr. Film/TV credits include Lemon (Magnolia Pictures/Killer Films), Hard World For Small Things (WEVR), and Jeff and Some Aliens (Comedy Central). Hannah is the co-creator of the web series Morning Chardonnay.
Josette Wiggan
artistic associate
Josette Wiggan began her dance adventure with Paul and Arlene Kennedy in Los Angeles at the age of 12. Her love for performing was fostered by the Kennedys and then refined as an adult while dancing with Jazz Tap Ensemble until 2007. A graduate of UCLA, Josette’s career highlights include, the 2001 Spotlight Award winner in non classical dance category, the 1st National Broadway Tour of 42nd Street, movies Idlewild and Princess and the Frog and studying with Germaine Acogny at L’ecole les Sables in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal. Alongside her brother, she was a part of two original casts of Cirque du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel and Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour from 2009-2013. The duo also performed in Tireless, a curated show by Michelle Dorrance that had its debut at Jacob’s Pillow in 2017. Josette is also a part of Dorrance’s all woman quartet that created two works entitled Until the Real Thing Comes Along and All Good Things Must Come to an End. In addition, she was a co-creator with Michelle Dorrance and Hannah Heller of a Christmas work entitled, … The Nutcracker Suite… in 2019 and in 2020, Josette created and directed a work for film featuring vernacular jazz and tap dance entitled, Harlem Stomp. Most recently Josette, in collaboration with jazz trumpeter extraordinaire, Keyon Harrold, created her latest work entitled Praise: The Inevitable Fruit of Gratitude. It had its debut at Jacob’s Pillow and the Queens Theatre in the Park in 2021. Josette is a sought after educator/ choreographer/ performer and director and has dedicated her life to the perpetuation of African American Vernacular Jazz Dance.
jillian meyers
artistic associate
Jillian Meyers is a Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer. She works at the nexus of commercial, stage, film, and site-specific performance. From choreographing Hozier's "Work Song", to multiple tours with Janet Jackson, Jillian was also an assistant choreographer for the award-winning film, "La La Land." She most recently wrapped the first season on the NBC show, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” as associate choreographer. She wears many hats and makes many faces—and both reconciles and indulges in all of these disciplines in her collaborative ongoing genre-bending project, "The Seaweed Sisters."
nicholas van young
artistic associate
Nicholas Van Young is a dancer, musician, choreographer, and a 2014 Bessie Award recipient. He began his professional career at age 16 under Acia Gray and Deidre Strand with Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, Texas, eventually rising to principal dancer and resident choreographer. Since moving to New York, he has performed with Manhattan Tap, RumbaTap, Dorrance Dance, and Beat the Donkey; he has toured as a drummer for Darwin Deez; and he spent almost a decade performing with STOMP, where he performed the lead role and acted as rehearsal director. Young tours both nationally and internationally teaching and performing at various tap festivals, and founded Sound Movement dance company and IFTRA, the Institute for the Rhythmic Arts. He is thrilled to have found a home with Dorrance Dance, co-creating and developing ETM: Double Down, and the Guggenheim Rotunda Project, both collaborative efforts with Michelle Dorrance.
Melinda Sullivan
artistic associate
Melinda Sullivan trained under the Jazz Tap Ensemble, California Dance Theater, & Debbie Allen Dance Academy. CHOREOGRAPHER: Disney Plus’s ENCORE! ASST. CHOREO: Crazy-Ex Girlfriend, the Late Late Show with James Cordon. TV/Film: La La Land, The Academy Awards, Glee. SYTYCD Top 10 & All-Star. National Tours: Disney’s High School Musical, CATS. Capezio ACE Award Recipient & Dance Magazines "25 to Watch". Upcoming project: Associate Choreographer alongside Michelle Dorrance for Lincoln Center Theater’s Flying Over Sunset.