Contemporary Ballet with Ethnic Innovation

Photos:  Dale Langdon

For over two decades, Brenda R. Neville has performed and choreographed in over 18 different countries including Argentina, China, Hungary, Japan, Romania and Spain with companies such as the Milwaukee Ballet, Indianapolis Dance Company, AllNations Dance Company, Marc DeGarmo & Dancers and Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn.  An extremely versatile singer and actress as well, she trained at the Lee Strasburg Actor’s Studio in NYC and has performed lead roles in numerous musical productions such as “Footloose”, “My Fair Lady”, “La Cage aux Folles”, “Crazy for You” and in several film and commercial roles. She has trained and performed with some of the top talents in dance today, including Juan Carlos Copes, Antonio Cervila Jr., Jose Molina, Soledad Barrio, Magdalena, Sean Curran, Elizabeth Parkinson, Niall O’Leary, Marjorie Mussman, Graciela Kozak and Diana Cartier and at schools including The Ailey School, American Ballet Theatre, the Milwaukee Ballet School and Peridance.

An active dance teacher, Brenda teaches Junior Division ballet at The Ailey School, Advanced Ballet and Ethnic Dance at Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn, open Flamenco and Argentine Tango classes at Steps on Broadway, and guest teaches at various studios and schools around the country.  Her students have been accepted into some of the most sought after and reputable dance programs, colleges and companies in the country, including American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, The Ailey School and Point Park College and on Broadway.

An expert ballet pointe shoe fitter, Brenda heads the US Retail Department & NYC Boutique for Freed of London and has aided in the development and promotion of the Gaynor Minden pointe shoe.  She is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana where she received a B.A. in Dance Pedagogy, cum laude, and is an original co-founder of World Dance Theatre.  And now, Brenda is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary - Level 5 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.

ABOUT Company Artists

Alicia Weihl

Alicia received her early dance training from Central PA Youth Ballet, VA School of the Arts, Ballet Met, and the American Academy of Ballet.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College with the highest honors in Dance.  Alicia has danced with several ballet and modern companies, including the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the NY Grand Opera.  She was the dance captain and a solo vocalist in the Paris-based musical, Le Sel et le Miel, and was featured in a variety of stage, film, television, and fashion shows while living in London.  In addition to performing, Alicia is the Assistant Director of Training and an instructor at Physique 57.  She has been a member of NDT since 2008 and she savors the time she spends with this fun group of unique dancers. (photo by Leah Brizard)

Fayzah

Fayzah is a dancer who focuses on expressing music through various integrated movement languages.  Her main focus is Fusion dance, and she is also an accomplished Fire eater/performer, Argentine Tango dancer, Tribal-Fusion dancer, innovator of Tango-Bellydance Fusion, and DJ. Her own “United Styles Dance Method©”, blends elements of  World Dance styles, Popping, Waving, Hip Hop, & Groove theory. Fayzah has performed and taught workshops in countries such as Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, & Mexico, and in the US. She has done live performances for numerous productions and theatrical presentations including Top Talent USA. Her choreographic works are featured on several performance DVD’s, in the repertory of Neville Dance Theatre, Hollywood Music, & World Dance New York labels, and she has created the instructional DVD’s “Fluid Tribal” & “Android Goddess”. Fayzah is currently teaching & performing worldwide. For more information visit www.DanceSpiral.wordpress.com  (photo by Dale Langdon)

Jessica Lawyer

Graduated with a BFA in dance from Stephens College. Since moving to New York she has danced with various dance companies and in hip hop videos.  Presently, Jessie is performing for choreographer. Julia Edwards and representing YOR health nutrition line. (photo by Leah Brizard)

Karen Lacy

Karen Lacy has been a resident New Yorker for 17 years, working as a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer.  Some of her dance credits include the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, New York City Opera, Neville Dance Theatre, Eglevsky Ballet, John Passafiume Dancers and Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brookyn.  Currently, Karen teaches ballet at the School of the Garden State Ballet in New Jersey, educational outreach with American Ballet Theatre, and at Manhattan Movement Arts Center.  Karen is a Senior Fitter and Dance Teacher Liaison at Gaynor Minden.  (photo by Leah Brizard)

Karesia Batan

Karesia joined Neville Dance in 2008.  She has worked with Roxanne Lola Movement Machine, Allie Tsypin, Poliglot Theater, Katja Loher, Jenny Rocha Dance Theatre, Schmantze Theatre, and Nancy Meehan Dance Co.  Performance venues include Triskelion Arts, West End Theatre, St. Cecilia's Convent, Kumble Theatre, DNA, Judson Church, St. Mark's in the Bowery, BAX, 92nd St. Y, Socrates Sculpture Park, New School for Drama, and La Mama.  Karesia also choreographs her own work and is co-creator of The Moves Project, an outdoor site-specific improvisation series.  In addition to dancing, Karesia studies the Japanese martial art of Aikido.  She hails from Stamford, CT and graduated cum laude from Boston University. www.karesia.com. (photo by Leah Brizard)

Lena Rodriguez

Lena is a native of Rineyville, Kentucky and earned a BFA in Dance in 2006 from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.  She has performed in several musical theatre productions, including Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, as well as flamenco works.  She is currently on faculty teaching tap at The Bridge for Dance in Manhattan and at D’Valda and Sirico Dance and Music Center in Fairfield, Connecticut.  (photo by Leah Brizard)

Marissa Frey

Marissa grew up in York, Pennsylvania where she began her dance training at Greater York Youth Ballet under the direction of Lori Pergament.  As a former member of Regional Dance America, she has earned many scholarships.  She has worked with choreographers such as Yesid Lopez, Jessica Lang and Luis Fuentes.  In 2009, she graduated with a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase.  Recently, Marissa has danced with DeMa Dance Company, The Eglevsky Ballet, Yesid Lopez Contemporary Dance: The Collective, and Janusphere Dance Company and is currently dancing with Neville Dance Theatre.  In 2010 and 2011, Marissa performed works in premiere venues, including The Ailey Citigroup Theater, Solar-Powered Dance Series, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, the Tenth Anniversary Dumbo Dance Festival, the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, the New York Dance Parade and Suite Summer Dance Festival.

Matthew Ting

Matthew Ting is a freelance dancer based in New York. He is a member of Ballet for Young Audiences, dancing in their "Nutcracker" and "Cinderella", in addition to originating leading roles in several new ballets, such as "The Water Goblin". Other companies he has danced for include Connecticut Ballet, Mooney Cooley Dance, and JT Lotus Dance.

Miku Kawamura

Miku began dancing ballet at the age of 6 in Japan.  Her early training included the Sapporo City Ballet and many prestigious summer programs on full scholarship including Pacific Northwest Ballet and The Royal Ballet School.  She was a semi finalist at the reknown Prix de Lausanne (2004), best of 12 at the Youth America Grand Prix NY final (2002), and has received awards at the NBA All Japan Competition (second prize) and the Japan Grand Prix (second prize). She received a full scholarship to the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, FL, and since graduating she has performed many classical and contemporary roles with K-Ballet Company (director Tetsuya Kumakawa in Tokyo), Harmonia Opera Company and Albano Ballet.  Miku joined Neville Dance Theater in the summer of 2011.

Oshi Wanigasekera

Oshini, born in Calgary, Alberta, received her early training at the School of Alberta Ballet, the International School of Ballet (while pursuing her university degree), and most recently at the Ailey School as a fellowship recipient, where she had the honor of performing in “Memoria” with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 2009. In 2011 she was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award in the performing arts by the province of Alberta and Oshi is currently a member of The Francesca Harper Project.  Oshi has performed works by William Forsythe, James Atkinson, Nathan Trice, Earl Mosley, The Albano Ballet, Anabella Lenzu, and Darcy Naganuma, and has also trained at The Dance Theatre of Harlem, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Ballet BC, The LINES Ballet School, The National Ballet of Canada School, Jennifer Muller/The Works, The Earl Mosley Institute for the Arts, and The Joffrey Ballet School. Oshi has accreditation from The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and ISTD, and her choreography has been performed at The Ailey Citigroup Theatre and as a Guest Artist for 360 Dance at Dance Theatre Workshop in 2010.

Robert Graham

Robert hails from Miami, FL where he began his training at age 7 as a national competitive men's gymnast.  He received his dance training at the Miami Conservatory of Classical Ballet under Rosario Suarez, Mariana Alvarez and Ruth Weissen.  He also trained with the Southern Academy of Ballet Arts, Florida State University Department of Dance, and the Ailey School.  Robert has danced with Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, Connecticut Dance Theatre, Thomas Armour Youth Ballet and Artistic Dance Theatre.  His performance credits include Arabian Pas De Duex, Petrouchka, Paquita, La Bayadere, Oklahoma, Grease, and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.  

Sumika Rajguru

Sumika Rajguru began learning North Indian classical dance at the age of 7. She has been classically trained in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak under Mrs. Aparna Karmarkar for over 13 years and just recently began her tutelage under Parul Shah, a renowned contemporary Kathak dancer. As a former member of the Rhythmaya Dance Company (a contemporary Indian fusion dance company) she has participated in many performances, including Boogie Woogie DC, Miss. India DC, DC Cherry Blossom Festival, and NETSAP Fusion at the Kennedy Center. She has also performed in many social events and showcases, including Argentine Tango performances at PMT House of Dance. A versatile dancer, Sumika continues to take argentine tango, modern/contemporary, and jazz classes to build her repertoire and expand her depth.

Tanya Lynn Trombly

After earning a B.A. in dance and business from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, Tanya Trombly has performed and toured with several professional companies across the country, including Northern Plains Ballet in Bismarck, ND and Atlanta Festival Ballet in Atlanta, GA.  Tanya has lived in New York City for over three years now where she has been a principal with Ballet Long Island and has recently joined Neville Dance Theatre.  She has enjoyed performing lead roles in ballets such as A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Spartacus Pas de Duex, Firebird, Paquita, The Little Mermaid, and The Nutcracker. She also works as a personal trainer at Serious Strength on the Upper West Side. (photo by Leah Brizard)

Vincent Marra

Vincent Marra began to grow a passion for dance in high school and auditioned for the Nassau BOCES Long Island High School of the Arts in Syosset, New York.  Vincent attended the LIHSA dance program where he received his first training in ballet and modern dance.  With hard work, fierce dedication to the craft, and the grace of God, he auditioned and was accepted into the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance.  This past May Vincent received his BFA in Dance from Purchase College - SUNY.  Recently, he has danced with the Eglevsky Ballet, the John Byrne Dance Company/David LaChapelle Dance Project and Neville Dance Theatre.

GUEST / PAST COMPANY ARTISTS

Billy Blanken

Catherine Borrone

Antonio Boss

Mandy Sau Yi Chan

Cara Chapman

Pawel Cheda

Romina Rodriguez Crosta

Laura DeRubeis

Gierre Godley

Josiah Guitan

Miha Glockenspiel

Silvia Heller

Allison Jay

Chi-Tsung Kuo

Jake Laub

Christopher Charles McDaniel

Lea McGowan

Magdelena

Itsuki Otaki

Marisa Paull

Dante Polichetti

Leslie Roybal

Ally Taylor Sacks

Yasu Suzuki

Emily Santoro

Jeanne Share

Chloe Slade

Joseph Tudisco

Royce Zackery

CHANCE - TO - DANCE Performers  (2008-2010)

Adults

Will Chen (2008-2009)

Juilliard, New York University, PMT Studio

Anton David Leon (2008-2009)

PMT Studio

Sara Martinez (2008)

LaGuardia High School, Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn, Ballet Academy East

Miho Sawayanagi (2009)

Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Naganuma 2

Children

Gabrielle Ayoub (2009)

Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn

Khail Toi Bryant (2009)

The Lion King (Broadway), The Perfect Holiday (film), The Ailey School, Nick at Night

Alexis Donovan (2009)

The Ailey School

Ariana Gibb (2008)

Carousel Dance Theatre, Fargo-Moorhead Ballet, A Christmas Carol (national tour)

Kristen Ivy Haynes (2009)

The Ailey School, HB Studios (acting), Sesame Street “Elmo’s World”

Chantale Hosein (2008)

The Ailey School, Goldstar Management (acting)

Kerry Ann Jensen (2009)

Inishfree School of Irish Dance (champion Irish step dancer)

Asia Jinks (2008)

Devore Dance Center, Five Star Academy

Miriam Kominsky (2007-2009)

Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn

Ally Moreno (2008)

The Ailey School, Shakespeare plays (various)

Xenia Nelson (2008)

The Ailey School, Ballet Tech, Long Island Gymnastics Academy, Colorado State Games

Camille Marie O’Keefe (2009)

The Ailey School

Armani Parker (2008)

Nustars, Modeling

Chelsea Patten (2009)

The Ailey School

Belu-Olisa Sarkissian (2008)

Rod Rogers Contemporary Dance Company

Katya Shykind (2009)

The Ailey School

Eden Sanaa Duncan-Smith (2008)

American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem

Sierra Sutton (2009)

The Ailey School, Harlem School of the Arts

Nyla Thompson (2008-2009)

The Ailey School, Harlem School of the Arts, The Bridge Ensemble Theatre Group

Livia Vega Velez (2008)

Bronx Dance Academy, THe Young Dance Makers Company

Misia Vessio (2008)

The Ailey School, Shotokan Karate

Kirsten Webb (2008)

The Ailey School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Broadway Dance Center

KeyAna Williams (2008)

The Ailey School, Ballet Tech, Broadway Dance Center