Collaborators
Collaborators
DANCERS
Ephrat “Bounce" Asherie
Ephrat "Bounce" Asherie is a NYC-based choreographer, performer and b-girl. A Bessie Award winner for Innovative Achievement in Dance, Asherie creates work for the dynamic group of dancers in her company, Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD). Dedicated to honoring the ethos of NYC’s underground club community, EAD explores the inherently complex and dynamic qualities of various Black and Latine vernacular forms, including breaking, hip hop, house, and waacking. Asherie’s singular way of creating “compact bursts of choreography with rapid-fire changes in rhythm and gestural articulation” (The New York Times) brings forth work that is aesthetically innovative, physically rigorous and unceasingly curious. Asherie has received numerous awards to support her work including Dance Magazine’s inaugural Harkness Promise Award, a Jerome Artist Fellowship and two fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts. Asherie’s work has been presented on stages nationally and internationally with additional commissions from Vail Dance Festival, Fall for Dance, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences, PHILADANCO!, Parsons Dance and Malpaso. Asherie is honored to have been mentored by Richard “Break Easy” Santiago and to have collaborated with Michelle Dorrance, Doug Elkins, Rennie Harris, Bill Irwin, Gus Solomons Jr. and Buddha Stretch, among others. Asherie earned her BA from Barnard College, Columbia University in Italian and her MFA from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where she researched the vernacular jazz dance roots of street and club dance. She is a co-founding member of the all-female house dance collective, MAWU, and is forever grateful to NYC’s underground dance community for inspiring her to pursue a life as an artist.
Manon Bal
Manon Bal is a versatile professional dancer from Marseille, France. She has trained at the IFPRO Rick Odums in Paris and at the prestigious Ailey School in New York City. She has been a member of Ephrat Asherie Dance since 2016. She has worked for respected choreographers such as Ronald K-Brown, Rick Odums, Michelle Dorrance, Tweet Boogie, Michele Byrd McPhee, Jon Rua, and Miki Tuesday. As a choreographer, Manon is the co-founder of Maley Company in collaboration with Dhele Agbetou and Mozaik Dance in collaboration with Janine "J9" Micheletti and Sun Kim. She is a New York City Center Teaching Artist.
Ron “Stealth-1” Chunn
Ron "Stealth-1" Chunn is a Bboy and DJ originally from Columbus, Ohio. “Stealth” is a member of Get Down Gang from Pittsburgh, and was a founding member of the Midwest’s Street Symphony Crew. As a Bboy, Stealth has battled and danced with crews in various places around the world, and has opened for Hip Hop heavy-hitters such as Rakim, Pete Rock, Mobb Deep and Slum Village. Stealth was also a founding member of Bill (Crutchmaster) Shannon’s company ‘Touch Update’, and toured with the company to Philadelphia, PA, Washington D.C. and New York City. As a Dj, Stealth has played music all around the US and Canada, selected for Bboy battles such as Get Rooted in Nashville and Battlezone in Pittsburgh, and currently holds residencies in multiple places in Pittsburgh, PA and Wheeling, WV. Stealth also djs for the Pittsburgh Emcee Cypher ‘Track Meet’, as well as laid down some scratching on songs for local emcees. Stealth holds two Master’s degrees, including a Philosophy MA from Western Ontario University, and bachelor degrees in five other areas from Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Pittsburgh. Stealth still serves as one half of the owners of the GDG HQ, which has served as a Hip Hop playground in the city of Pittsburgh where people come to train in dance and music, and generally soak up Hip Hop and Funk culture.
Val “Ms. Vee" Ho
Valerie “Ms. Vee” Ho, originally from Vancouver, Canada started making her mark in the NYC dance scene in 2003. Vee has proudly been in Ephrat Asherie Dance since 2012. In her career, she’s also had the pleasure of working with such distinguished choreographers as Buddha Stretch, Rennie Harris, Luam, Maria Torres, and Bradley Rapier. Amongst her numerous TV, film, and stage credits, highlights include: ‘Hideaway’ Video by Kiesza, The Detour, VH1 Dear Mama TV special, Step Up 3D, Rennie Harris’ Legends of Hip Hop, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Sadler’s Wells Breaking Convention, Lincoln Center Out of Doors. Ms Vee is also a celebrated dance educator, and is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center, Pace University’s Commercial Dance BFA Program, and in 2017 became the first Hip Hop teacher at the world-renowned Juilliard School.
Teena Marie
Teena Marie Custer is an artist and healer based in Pittsburgh, PA. Her solo choreographic work has been presented at Sadler’s Wells in London, and then toured around the U.S. She has created street dance theater works for over 35 university dance departments around the country, and after receiving an M.F.A. from Ohio State, was on faculty at Slippery Rock University and the American Dance Festival. She is a member of Venus Fly and Get Down Gang street dance crews, and has been with Ephrat Asherie Dance since 2012, while also touring with Bill “Crutchmaster” Shannon.
Eriko Jimbo
Jimbo is a Tokyo born NYC based performing artist, educator, creative, and collaborator. Her background ranges from contemporary/modern, hip hop, partnering, house, martial arts, aerial arts, sway pole, to acting, physical theater, and Taiko. Her credits include performing for Life & Trust, The Center Will Not Hold by Michelle Dorrance and Ephrat Asherie, Pilobolus Dance Theater, the Met Gala, Sidi Larbi Cherkoui, Michael Arden, Ephrat Asherie Dance, MAWU, Fuerza Bruta (NYC & global), and was also an original cast & show captain of Fuerza Bruta "WA!!" in Tokyo. She has had the pleasure of playing lead in “Ships in the Night” by Gypsy Snider (Les 7 Doigts de la Main) as well as serving as an associate artistic director for Untitled Dance Show Party Thing, by Ani Taj & Sam Pinkleton. You can follow her adventures at www.erikojimbo.com or @jb0b0.
Dorren “Moglii” Smith
Dorren ‘Moglii’ Smith is an American artist born in the Bronx, New York, and a YDC alumnus. Moglii’s modes of movement include ballet, modern, contemporary, breaking, Hip Hop, and House dance. Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club was the first place where the passion for dance was sparked wholeheartedly. Professional dance training was completed at the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase where his performance experience includes works by Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, Luca Vegetti, and a repertory solo by Crystal Pite. Moglii performed in the ILuminate show for many years off-broadway and nationally. He also appeared with the cast of America’s Got Talent. Recently, Moglii has been dancing and collaborating with Ephrat Asherie Dance where there are always new and exciting projects being explored and created. When Moglii is not performing he also teaches creative movement workshops in places that include New York, Berlin, Prague, Switzerland, Vienna, and also competes internationally to keep the spirit of expression and exchange alive.
Matthew “MegaWatt” West
Matthew 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 is a regular guest artist with Dorrance Dance and can be seen in Baz Lurhman’s Netflix series The Get Down and battling with his crew, the Mellow Animals.
MUSICIANS
Arturo O’Farrill
Mexican-American pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill stands as a towering figure in contemporary music, renowned for his genre-defying virtuosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice through music. O'Farrill is a celebrated composer whose work has been performed by Dr. Cornel West, pianist Lara Downes, The San Francisco Ballet and more. Hailed by DownBeat as "one of our greatest living pianists”, O’Farrill bridges the gap between traditional Latin rhythms, modern jazz, and contemporary composition, continually pushing the boundaries of the art form while maintaining a profound connection to his roots. Beyond performing worldwide, O'Farrill is a passionate educator and advocate for social justice, using his platform to champion diversity and unity. As founder and director of both the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) and Belongó (formerly known as the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance), O'Farrill plays a pivotal role in nurturing cultural dialogue through the transformative power of music.
Driven by a mission to merge Afro Latin traditions with the innovation of modern jazz, Arturo O’Farrill founded the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO) in 2002, redefining Latin jazz through bold performances, social commentary, and global collaborations. From Carnegie Hall to NYU Abu Dhabi, the ALJO has become a vital force in music, recently appearing at Town Hall with Brazilian legends and at WNYC’s Centennial Broadcast. O'Farrill has partnered with choreographers from Alvin Ailey to Ballet Hispanico and scored major works like Arielle Smith’s Carmen for the San Francisco Ballet. His compositions, like Tabla Raza with Tania León and Four Questions with Dr.Cornel West, reflect a deep engagement with heritage and activism. In 2007, he launched the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (now Belongó), a nonprofit advancing Afro Latin jazz and community empowerment. A renowned educator at UCLA and beyond, O’Farrill also leads Casa Belongó, a new cultural hub in East Harlem. A 6-time GRAMMY winner, his acclaimed recordings include Fandango at the Wall in New York, Four Questions, and the 2024 release Mundoagua: Celebrating Carla Bley, hailed by The Wall Street Journal as a grammy-nominated "masterwork.”
Eduardo Belo
Eduardo Belo is a Brazilian bass player and composer. Belo has worked with renowned musicians including Ari Hoenig, Chico Pinheiro, Duduka Da Fonseca, Helio Alves, Claudio Roditi, Kevin Hays, Gabriel Grossi, Koran Agan, and Mario Adnet, among others. Belo earned his B.A. in Music at the Universidade de Brasília, and his M.M. in Jazz Studies from the Queen’s College of New York.
Juan Carlos Polo
Juan Carlos Polo is a Peruvian drummer, percussionist, and composer based in New York City. Described by Latin Jazz Network as an artist who “melds jazz improvisation techniques into his drumming and makes a fine display of his virtuosity,” Polo has established himself as a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene. He has collaborated with renowned musicians, including Arturo O’Farrill, Ayodele Casel, Akua Dixon, Bill O’Connell, and hip-hop legend Grandmaster Caz. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, such as La Casa de las Américas and the Teatro Nacional de Cuba during the Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana, the Ithra Theater in Saudi Arabia, the Ciudad Emergente Festival in Argentina, and the Varadouro Festival in Brazil. A recipient of the 2021 New York City Artists Corps Grant, Polo has also been awarded grants from the Jazz Foundation of America and the Louis Armstrong Foundation, further cementing his impact in the world of jazz and beyond.
Larry Bustamante
Larry Bustamante is a professional baritone saxophonist who has established himself in the competitive NYC jazz scene as a fierce and powerful voice in the art form. Born and raised in NYC, he completed his bachelors in music education from Brooklyn College, as well as his masters’ in jazz performance from New Jersey City University. Upon graduating, he joined the Grammy award winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, led by Arturo O’Farrill, in which he has won 3 Grammy’s with. He has been part of the orchestra for 11 years, establishing himself as a core member of the group. Since then, he has played and toured with the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes, Antonio Sanchez, Pedrito Martinez, Aretha Franklin, the Mingus Big Band, and Common. Larry is also a professor at New Jersey City University, teaching both private saxophone lessons and leading ensembles. In 2025, he was recognized in Downbeat magazine as one of their, “Rising Star Baritone Saxophonists.” He is currently endorsed by D’addario winds. Larry currently resides in New Jersey, where he performs and teaches regularly. He is an exceptional doubler, as he also plays tenor sax, alto sax, bass clarinet, clarinet, and flute. Larry also tours the country extensively and internationally, being seen as a prominent voice of the baritone sax. He’s constantly trying to play as many styles of music as possible as he continues to push the boundaries of both what the instrument can do and how it can serve the music best.
Alfredo Colon
Dominican-American saxophonist and composer Alfredo Colon is a proud New York City native. His playing has been described as authoritative and fiery yet mournful and melodic. Drawing on his interest in Dominican folklore and the works of visionary saxophonists Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman, Colon creates a musical atmosphere that highlights beauty by framing it in disarray. Alfredo Colon has collaborated with artists such as William Parker, Amirtha Kidambi, Henry Threadgill, Moses Sumney, Cafuné, Charlie Burg, Hamid Drake, Cautious Clay, Dawn Richard, Aaron Parks and Harish Raghavan. In 2020, Colon was awarded the Jazz Coalition Commission Fund Grant. He was awarded Roulette Intermedium’s Van Lier Fellowship in 2022 and was a Roulette Resident Artist in 2023.
DESIGNERS
Kathy Kaufmann (Lighting Designer)
Kathy Kaufmann is a two-time Bessie award recipient and a New York City native. Kaufmann was also nominated for a 2015 Bessie for Rebecca Davis’s Bloowst Windku. Kaufmann has been a resident designer at the Danspace Project at St. Marks Church for over 15 years and has toured extensively throughout the world. Kaufmann was honored to be included in Curtain Call: Celebrating 100 Years of Women in Design at the New York Performing Arts Library and currently teaches lighting design at Sarah Lawrence College. Kaufmann regularly works with artists including Michelle Dorrance, Joanna Kotze, David Parker, Eiko & Koma, Rebecca Stenn, Moriah Evans, and Mina Nishamura. Kaufmann’s recent projects include designs for Jonathan Gonzalez, Morgan Bassichis, Mariana Valencia, Jasmine Hearn, and Tatyana Tenenbaum.
David Dalrymple (Costume Designer)
In 1994, David Dalrymple began working with Patricia Field as the designer for “House of Field ” collection. David expanded and elevated the established fashion brand by celebrating its connection to New York's downtown scene. He shared the excitement, energy and spirit of nightlife and sent it down the runways of New York Fashion Week. The one of a kind collection became a must have for stylists, celebrities and sexy “it” girls worldwide. Since then, David’s client list reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry including Beyoncé, Pink, Mary J. Blige, Lion Babe , Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Eve , Ciara , and Deborah Harry and Bette Midler. David has designed and built costumes for dance companies including Rioult Dance, Stephen Petronio, Richard Move and Tere O’Connor and has come full circle with his work by designing for the main stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Werq The World Tour, and drag race alumni past and present.