Dance Creatives
Damontae Hack
Damontae is a choreographer, director, dancer, model, and creative director based in New York City. A 2020 graduate of the California Institute of the Arts with a degree in dance, his work explores the boundaries of Black and Black Queer art through the physicality of bodies, intimacy, shape, and the evolution of human consciousness over time.
Shawn Lesniak
From an early age, Shawn trained in ballet, jazz, modern and tap dance techniques; and danced competitively for more than a decade. He trained at The Ailey School and Point Park University. He has toured both internationally and domestically as a member of Parsons Dance and Paul Taylor Dance Company. Shawn currently is a member of the Company XIV theatrical troupe.
Felipe Escalante
Felipe is a Mexican choreographer and the founder, Artistic Director of Tabula Rasa Dance Theater (TRDT), a contemporary dance company founded in 2018.
Escalante’s work explores urgent social justice issues including mass incarceration, gender-based violence, refugee displacement, mental health, and the effects of social isolation. His acclaimed productions blend experimental choreography with contemporary technology and multidisciplinary performance practices.
Brandon Gray
Brandon is a multidisciplinary performer, dancer, actor, and recording artist whose career spans contemporary ballet, hip-hop, fashion, television, and music. Originally trained through programs connected to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, he has performed professionally with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and alongside artists including Vanessa Williams, Billy Porter, Brandy, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Jesse Obremski
Jesse is a Japanese-American dancer, choreographer, educator, and director from New York City and the found of Obremski Works. A graduate of The Juilliard School, with training from The Ailey School, Jacob’s Pillow, and Springboard Danse Montréal, he has performed with leading contemporary dance companies including the Limón Dance Company, Gibney Company, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which he joined in 2024.
Quaba V. Ernest
Quaba Venza Ernest is a Brooklyn-born, St. Lucian-American multidisciplinary artist working across contemporary dance, theater, film, and sound. A graduate of SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, he trained at Dance Theatre of Harlem, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, and Springboard Danse Montréal.
He has performed with companies and artists including Ballet BC, Doug Varone & Dancers, Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, Sidra Bell, Kayla Farrish, and The Metropolitan Opera.
Maleek Washington
Maleek Washington is a Bronx-born performer, choreographer, and teaching artist whose work explores Black identity through multidisciplinary performance. Trained at Harlem School of the Arts, Broadway Dance Center, and LaGuardia High School, he attended the Boston Conservatory on full scholarship before launching his professional career with CityDance Ensemble. He has performed and collaborated with acclaimed artists and companies including Kyle Abraham’s A.I.M, Camille A. Brown & Dancers, Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, Rihanna, Sia, Nas, and NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live. Washington has also served as assistant choreographer for major productions including Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera.
McKersin Previlus
McKersin is a dancer, educator, and artistic director whose work centers resilience, social justice, and the cultural roots of the African Diaspora. Grounded in Ethnic-Haitian dance and influenced by Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Tap, he leads workshops internationally focused on African American culture, movement, and community engagement.
He currently directs an international research project exploring the spread and connections of the African Diaspora throughout the western hemisphere. Through his organization, Lakaï Dance Theatre, and his work as a full-time K–8 performing arts teacher, McKersin creates programs that promote healing, emotional competency, and dialogue through the arts.
