| DANCE DIVISION FACULTY
Nina Klyvert-Lawson Conservatory Artistic Director, Dance Division Director, GESTURES Artistic Director Accompanists and Musicians
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| FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES |
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NINA KLYVERT-LAWSON (the Conservatory's Artistic Director and Dance Program Director) Nina Klyvert-Lawson, a native New Yorker, is the Artistic Director and Dance Program Director of Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, a division of Boys and Girls Harbor. She is also the Director of St. Charles Borromeo Liturgical Dance Ensemble. Ms. Klyvert-Lawson holds a M.A in Dance Education from Columbia University's Teachers College and a B.F.A in Theater Arts/Dance from Emerson College in Boston. A former adjunct dance instructor at Bergen Community College, Ms. Klyvert-Lawson has also been a panelist for the Special Arts Services program of the New York State Council on the Arts. She has conducted master classes in Italy, Boston, New York and at Yale University. Ms. Klyvert-Lawson began her dance training as a scholarship recipient at the Juilliard School of Music/Preparatory Division training with Alfredo Corvino, Pearl Lang and Daniel Maloney. She continued her New York training at Dance Circle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center as a scholarship recipient, Peridance Dance Center, and in Boston at Boston Ballet, Danny Sloan School of Dance and Joy of Movement in Cambridge, MA. Nina Klyvert-Lawson is a former member of Ailey II, Alpha Omega Dance Theater, Blue Mercury Dancing Company, Sun Ock Lee, Impulse Dance Company and others. Her off-Broadway performance credits include Shades of Harlem and Jazz Alley. Recently, Ms. Klyvert-Lawson was the Associate Artistic Director of A Bicentennial Celebration in Dance sponsored by the Office of Black Ministry, Archdiocese of NY and La Roche College, Pittsburgh. Currently, she is a member of the Papal Visit Entertainment Sub-Committee. (Back to Top) |
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NAOMI SHIMASHITA (Assistant to the Dance Director, Coordinator of Harbor Charter Performing Arts Program, Modern Fundamentals) Naomi Shimashita, born in Yokohama, Japan began her dance training as a ballet student at Matsuyama Ballet Company and Masa Kawaji Ballet School. Her training also included studying traditional styles of Japanese dance as well as numerous years of martial arts training. A graduate student of NYU, Ms. Shimashita received her MA in Theater Education in June of 2000. As a former member of TOM THEATER Company, she is also experienced in performing children's theater and conducting children's acting workshops. Her musical theater credits include performing numerous American musicals and original Japanese musicals with FURUSATO CARAVAN, a Japanese Musical Theater company. Naomi Shimashita continues her dance training at Broadway Dance Center, where she is also employed in the International Students Visa Program. As a dance instructor, she has worked with Education in Dance instructing movement workshops for elementary public schools. Her choreography credits include City Lights 2001 production of "Friends" Ms. Shimashita joined the dance faculty of the conservatory in 2001. (Back to Top) |
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DARRELL GRAND MOULTRIE (GESTURES Resident Choreographer and Guest Instructor) Darrell Grand Moultrie was born and raised in Harlem, NY. After beginning his training in musical theater and dance at the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts in East Harlem, he studied opera and dance at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, eventually focusing on the most powerful artistic force-dance. Mr. Moultrie received his bachelor of fine arts degree from The Juilliard School in May 2000 and upon graduation, earned the prestigious Martha Hill prize for outstanding achievement and leadership. Now pursuing a career as both a choreographer and performer, his work has been presented at Alice Tully Hall, Aaron Davis Hall, Juilliard Theater, Clark Studio Theater and at the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival, as well as many schools across the United States. He has choreographed for Ailey ll, Cinncinati Ballet, Colorado Ballet, , Connecticut Ballet, Juilliard, and North Carolina Dance Theater. As a performer, Mr. Moultrie was seen in the production of West Side Story in Milan, Italy at the world famous La Scala Opera House. He has also worked with Lar Lubovitch in his production of Men Stories. Also an actor he can be seen in the independent film Pharaoh Jones directed by Rod Gailes. He was apart of the original workshops of the Public Theatre's Radiant Baby directed by George C. Wolfe and Sweet Charity. He was seen on Broadway in the smash hits Hairspray The Musical and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida where he performed the role of Mereb opposite Toni Braxton and the original Atlanta mounting of The Color Purple. Currently he is setting a new work at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center B.F.A. program |
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ALMA CRUZ ( Afro-Carribean, Teen Ballet) Alma Cruz,choreographer, teaching artist,dancer,and actress has been performing since she was eleven years old. She trained extensively in modern , jazz and ballet at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She has studied and performed numerous Afro-Caribbean styles including Haitian, Cuban, and Brazilian for over twenty years. For the past two years Alma has focused on Bomba y Plena Folklore and performs with Los Bomberos de Brooklyn. Her choreography and acting credits include regional theater musical such as “Oklahoma”, “Godspell”, “The Music Man”, and “Li’l Abner”. Alma was the rehearsal director and dancer with Children of Dahomey. She teaches Afro-Caribbean dance classes and conducts workshops to grade school, junior high and high school level students in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. Alma is the founder and director of AC & CO, an experimental dance ensemble. Her heart and love go to all who have inspired her. |
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BLANCA ALONSO- (LEAP, Ballet Fundamentals, Pointe, Ballet Mistress & GESTURES Choreographer) Ms. Alonso born and educated in Argentina, began her studies at the National School of Music, and the Dance School of the University de Cuyo, later joining the ballet company of that institution. Her dance training continued in New York City, studying at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Peridance Center, and the Limon Dance Institute. Her teaching experience include master classes at Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, and company classes at the Yard where she teaches community classes each summer. She has been a faculty member at the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts since 1992, teaching ballet, modern, and creative movement. |
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DARIUS "DAMAZI" WILLIAMS (Broadway Dance, Jazz, Harbor Charter, Jr. Ed ) Darius "Damazi" Williams a native of Brooklyn, New York is happy to be joining the dance and theater divisions of the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Damazi began training professionally with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center's Third Company and Dance Theater of Harlem before touring all throughout Europe performing in Sophisticated Ladies, Starlight Express, and Body and Soul. Damazi has appeared on Broadway in Play On, Uptown...It's Hot! as well as both the Christmas and Easter shows at Radio City Music Hall. His other credits include: Ain't Misbehavin, All God's Chillin Got Wings and the national touring company of Dreamgirls. Feeling blessed, he's had the prestigious honor of working with and sharing the stage with the likes of such legendary talents as Andre De Shields, Nell Carter, Mercedes Ellington, Maurice Hines, George Faison, Billy Wilson, Jeffrey Osborne and so on... Damazi continues to perform and is currently choreographing a production of "Once On This Island" for the theater department at the conservatory to premiere in the spring of 2004. (Back to Top) |
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Chellamar Bernard (Dance Exposure II, Company Modern, Boy's D Fitness) Chellamar Bernard a former dance student and member of GESTURES Dance Ensemble(HCPA), Chellamar graduated from SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory in May 2007. As a graduate of the prestigious F.H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, he has freelanced with Nathan Trice Rituals Dance Company, Opus Dance Company, Galdmans Dance Theatre as well as the H.T. Chen Company, and with H.T. Chen & Dancers. Chellamar has also worked as a summer counselor for the Ailey Camp, a summer dance camp in NYC for at-risk kids. Most recently he danced with The Philadanco Dance Company in Philadelphia, and is a Professional Trainer at the Philadelphia Sports club. (Back to Top) |
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Natrea Blake (MTP Dance, Jazz fundamentals and Jazz I) (Back to Top) |
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Jocelyn Duran (Latin Dance, Funky Hip Hop) A dancer, singer and choreographer, Ms. Duran was born and raised in New York. She received her dance training at Broadway Dance Center, and the Shades of Black Dance Company. She has been a student of Maria Torrez, Eddie Vega, Sherl Murakami, Eddie Morales and Keith Williams; Jocelyn has performed nationally and internationally on stage, television and in music videos. Ms. Duran directs her own dance team, and is the director of the Duran Dance Academy. She joined the Conservatory in 2006, and is excited to be on faculty. (Back to Top) |
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Amy Hall Ballet I Amy began her training at the early age of two, in Huntsville, Alabama. During her formative years she studied on scholarship at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City. She would return to New York to attend college and receive her B.F.A. from The Juilliard School. While at Juilliard, Ms. Hall choreographed numerous pieces including, "Paris Blues" which was performed across Argentina in major theaters. As a performer, she has had the pleasure of working along side Ann Reinking and the late Gwen Verdon, in “Fosse.” Ms. Hall has also worked with Susan Stroman and Harry Connick, Jr. in "Thou Shalt Not" where she made her Broadway debut. Continuing to pursue her performing passion, other credits including: Contact (Nat’l Tour), A Christmas Carol , The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette), House of Flowers , The Guiding Light (CBS), Broadway: The American Musical (PBS), and on film The Producers. Ms. Hall is also a requested choreographer. Recent works include: Break Free (The Ailey School), Stars of Ballet and Broadway (Detroit Music Hall), Kidz Bop Live! (QVC), Law & Order: Trial by Jury (NBC), Chappelles’ Show (asst.), and the Élan Awards. Currently, Ms. Hall is tour with Chita Rivera in The Dancer’s Life. |
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Nafisa Sharriff West African Dance Nafisa Sharriff (West African Dance) master teacher/choreographer/dancer, recipient of the 1996 Ethnic Dance Awards & numerous community service commemorations, is multi-talented in the styles of modern, jazz, hip hop and West African dance. Her stage performances include Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, C & C Music Factory, the Chuck Davis Dance Company and Kairaba West African Dance Company. An instructor of West African Dance from the Old Malian Empire, Ms. Sharriff has choreographed for American Dance Festival at Duke University as well as numerous colleges and universities in New York City and around the country. Ms. Sharriff is the Founder/Executive Director of her own not-for-profit spiritual and education organization, Entering the Holy of Holies, An Institute of Learning and Healing, Inc. (Back to Top) |
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Ted Levy (Tap) Ted Levy's professional training began in Chicago with Mr. Finis Henderson II, Master Tap Dancer and former manager of Sammy Davis Jr.. Mr. Henderson encouraged Ted to pursue a professional career in the performing arts, which began at The Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. Mr. Levy made his Broadway debut in the smash hit Black & Blue. He collaborated with George C. Wolfe and Gregory Hines on the Choreography of Jelly's Last Jam, for which he received a TONY NOMINATION and the 1993 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD. Ted was awarded an EMMY AWARD for his television debut performance in the PBS Special Precious Memories, and appeared in Spike Lee's Malcolm X for his film debut. His production of Ted Levy and Friends, directed by Gregory Hines, celebrated Ted as one of America's premier Tap Dance Artists. Influenced by Mr. Hines, Ted acquired his directorial debut as Director of Savion Glover's, Dancing Under The Stars at the New York Shakespeare Festival's Delacorte Theater. He also assisted in the choreography of Broadway's Tony Award winning hit Bring In 'Da Noise! Bring In 'Da Funk! Ted appeared in the movie Bojangles with Gregory Hines, returning to Broadway as Papa Jack in Susan Stroman & Harry Conick Jr.'s Thou Shalt Not; and as The Mikado in The Ford Theater's production of The Hot Mikado. For which he won a HELEN HAYES AWARD. Most recently Ted performs with the The JTR Production Of Sammy; based on the music of Sammy Davis Jr. (Back to Top) |
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Preston Parks Miller (Hip-Hop) At 20 years old, Preston has performed professionally and has been featured in commercial television spots with Famous Footwear, Harlem Room Furniture, and Leo’s Dancewear. He has completed his first movie credits with interviews and dance performances on the MTV film, “Save the Last Dance”, appearing in the Director’s Cut released December of 2006. He is currently signed on to be the Hip Hop Choreographer for the new feature film ‘Silent Rhythm’ which is his first independently choreographed feature film. His latest concert endeavor includes works for the Ailey School and Rasta Thomas’ “Bad Boy’s of Dance” which premiered in July of 2007. He has danced with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, the Inside Out Dance Company and under the guidance of professional choreographers Randy Duncan, Pedro Ruiz, and Christopher Huggins. Next, the Chicago native plans to merge his two loves of dance—classical concert and commercial hip hop calling himself the ‘Commercially Concert Choreographer’. By introducing both worlds to each other through his intense and clean choreography, he has become a fresh new face in the world of dance.
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Yvette Lopez Colgan, ESQ. (Creative Movement) Yvette Lopez Colgan, ESQ. has a Bachelors Degree from Stony Brook University, with a minor in Dance. She was a member of the Spare Change Dance Company at Stony Brook University. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. She is a former alumna of the Harbor Conservatory and of Gestures Dance Ensemble. She has been an assistant teacher in the Dance Exposure I class for the past two years.
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| Accompanists and Musicians |
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SEAN CLEMENTS (West African Drumming , West African Drumming Ensemble) Sean Clements is a multi-instrumentalist who specializes in percussion from West Africa and the Diaspora. He attended Buffalo, New York’s Performing Arts High School for the Gifted and Talented where he majored in classical guitar. and music theory. Later, he attended S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo where he majored in American Colonial History from 1500 to present. During this time he switched his primary instrument. In 1997 he was recruited by the African-American Cultural Center’s Dance and Drum Ensemble and in 1999 by World Music Group, One World Tribe. Sean teaches children’s general music and Djembe (West African goblet-shaped drum) classes and accompanies several dance classes for Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts as well as the Harbor Charter School. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife where he records day and night. (Back to Top) |
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TOMOKO KAWAGUCHI (Piano) Tomoko Kawaguchi started musical studies on the piano at the age of three. Her educational background is highly diverse. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern American Poetry and a Diploma of Modern Art History from Christie’s in London. In addition, Tomoko received her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Phillip Kawin with whom she continues to study in the The Professional Studies Program. Tomoko has an avid interest in Chamber Music and Accompanying and studied with cellist Marion Feldman and violist. Laurie Smukler. She has participated in The Summit Music Festival and performed in master classes with such artists as Pavel Nersessian and Jakob Gilman. Tomoko joined the conservtaory faculty in 2004. |
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MICHIKA FUKUMORI (Dance accompanist, Jazz Pianist) A native of Japan, she started playing piano at the age 3, and composing at 6. A graduate of Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, she studied with jazz pianist, Colgen Suzuki and worked professionally at many jazz clubs in Tokyo. In addition to forming her own trio, she played with Chieko Tsutsumi(alto sax), Tatsuya Sato(tenor sax), Mihoko Uemura(vocal), and many others. Ms. Fukumori arrived in New York in 2000. She began her studies with Ron Carter and Jeri Allen at City College of New York, and studied privately with Steve Kuhn. Michika toured Greece as a pianist of Chiquita Green Group in 2001, and completed her MA at CCNY in 2003. She currently plays at many jazz clubs in New York including performing as the leader at the Blue Note with Per-ola Gadd(bass) and Chip White(drums) in 2004 and 2005. She has recorded her own album with David Fink(bass) and Billy Drummond(drums) and in 2004 toured to Japan with her own trio. Michika also works as the accompanist for Carol Fredette’s Jazz Vocal Workshop. |
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