COMPANY ARTISTS
THE ARTISTS
HEATHER CAGLE
Heather Cagle (Toledo, Ohio) is a dancer, teacher, mentor, and friend. She received her BFA in Dance from Wright State University in 2019. During her tenure at WSU, she was fortunate to be a part of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s, pre-professional ensemble DCDC2 for two seasons. Proceeding college, she became an Apprentice for DCDC through the Jeraldyne Blunden Fellowship. She is beyond ecstatic and grateful to be in her second season with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. She would like to give a special thank you to her family, friends, and supporters for their constant love and encouragement. Lastly, she has learned more than anything, that perseverance and dedication will get one farther than they could imagine.
EMANI DRAKE
Emani Drake (Cleveland, Ohio) began her dance training at Revolutions Dance Academy under the direction of Lisa and Tricia Bires. Simultaneously she trained at the Cleveland School of the Arts as well as Tri-C Creative Arts Academy. Ms. Drake attended The University of the Arts on full scholarship and graduated with a BFA in Dance. While being a full-time student at UArts, she was a company member with Eleone Dance Theatre. After graduating she joined Verb Ballet as a trainee. Additionally, She has performed in the works of Ulysses Dove, José Limón, Christopher Huggins, Amy Hall Garner, Kevin Iega Jeff, Juel D. Lane, and many more. Ms. Drake joined Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in 2021. There, she was nominated and awarded a Princess Grace Honoraria Award in Dance Performance in 2023.
CHERAE JANELLE GRIMES
Cherae Janelle Grimes (Philadelphia, PA) Began her dance training at the age of 3 years old with The Children of Shango West African Dance and by 7 years old she knew that dance was her passion. She continued her training at Point Breeze Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia where she studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, African, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Voice, and Acting. She graduated from The University of The Arts where she received her BFA. She has trained with others along her journey such as Debbie Allen, Anthony Burrell, Karen McDonald, Chantel Heath, and Eartha Robinson just to name a few. During her time at the university she danced with Eleone Dance Theatre. After graduating she moved to Atlanta, GA to be a member of Anthony Burrell’s AB Project where she became rehearsal director. Additionally she has performed in works from Tommie Waheed- Evans, Milton Myers, Debbie Allen, Kim Bears- Bailey, Dara Meredith, and more. This is her second season with the company.
AHMAD HILL
Ahmad Hill (Chicago, IL) started dancing through the dance ministry of St. Mark Methodist Church and then trained with Russell Talbert until he was accepted to Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts). A meeting with Kevin Iega Jeff led Ahmad to the summer program with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) where he also met guest instructor Kevin Thomas who invited him to apprentice with his company, Collage Dance Collective. He also worked with Joshua Ishmon’s project-based company, Production: COLORS, before returning to DRDT where performed works such as Heaven, Church of Nations, When Men, and Flack. Ahmad danced for GreeneWorks Project directed by Terrence Greene. He performed the lead in Greene’s Coming of the King and assisted Greene in setting his work Empathy on Ahmad’s alumni school ChiArts. Ahmad also joined Ballet Austin II, during his time spent there, he’s performed Steven Mills’s version of The Nutcracker as the Nutcracker Prince, as well at the Lead Male in Paquita.
JOSHUA L. ISHMON
Joshua L. Ishmon (Gary, IN) is a 2007 graduate of Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts where he also studied with Ballet Chicago and M.A.D.D. Rhythms. After graduating, Ishmon joined Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2 and in 2009, he matriculated into the 1st company. He is now a co-rehearsal director, a co-founder and the Artistic/Producing Director of Deeply Rooted’s Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase in addition to continuing to dance with the company. Ishmon is also a member of Winifred R. Harris’ Between Lines (Denver, CO), Seamless Dance Theater (Kansas City, MO), a guest artist with Ballet Chicago as well as Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and has shared the stage with Bobby McFerrin. Joshua is always in a constant pursuit of deepening his artistry, continuing to grow, and must pay homage to the amazing people whose shoulders’ he stands on.
REBEKAH KUCZMA
Rebekah Kuczma (Pittsburgh, PA) received the majority of her dance education and training in Pittsburgh, PA. She was introduced to modern dance while attending the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts middle and high school- where she met teacher and mentor, Greer Reed. Rebekah continued her dance training at Point Park University, performing works by Toru Shimazaki, Kevin Iega Jeff, Kiesha Lalama, and more; simultaneously working professionally with the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble (AWCDE, director, Greer Reed) and improv based company, the Pillow Project (director, Pearlann Porter). Some highlights of her career include: two European tours with The Pillow Project, performing in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow with REED Dance (formerly AWCDE), and working in Steamboat Springs, CO with Antonio Brown Dance in residency at Perry Mansfield. She is currently working with Winifred Haun & Dancers (director, Winifred Haun). Rebekah is extremely grateful to be a company member of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, as the company and directors have been a constant inspiration to her over the years.
MEKEBA MALIK
Mekeba Malik (Chicago, IL) began his dance training at the age of 12. He has been trained in Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, African, and Flamenco. Mekeba has been under the tutelage of Kayla Harley, Dereque Whiturs, Debbie Allen, Virginia Johnson, Robert Garland, Gary Abbott, Kevin Iega Jeff, Nicole Clarke-Springer, Ted Seymour, Thomas Talawa Prestø and Alonzo King, just to name a few. He has trained at Kiara Dance Arts Studio, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Chicago MultiCultural Dance Center, and The Chicago High School for the Arts. At age 17, Mekeba was the youngest to be accepted to Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet Training Program on a full ride scholarship. Unfortunately, he had to leave both the program and dance due to the passing of his grandmother. This took a toll on his mother’s mental health, leading Mekeba to step up to be her support and healthcare assistant until the end of her life. After taking time to feel his transition and adjust to his new life, Mekeba has decided to be obedient, and share his love of dance with us. During his time away from dance, Mekeba became a certified yoga instructor and a certified personal trainer.
ALYSSA MCCALLUM
Alyssa McCallum (Baltimore, MD) has been blessed with the gift of dance from a young age. She began her dance training at competition studios, ballet schools, and gymnastics gyms in the area, then attended and graduated from The Baltimore School for the Arts, as well as received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The University of the Arts. McCallum was an original cast member of Rock the Ballet X while attending college and has completed two European tours with the company. She is now an company member with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and couldn’t be more excited to expand her artistry and touch others with her passion.
TAYLOR MCQUEEN MYLES
Taylor McQueen Myles (Columbus, OH), born and raised, began her dance training learning from local studios, Christian Dance Academy, and later on, Leap of Faith Christian Dance Studio in Central Columbus. Taylor attended and graduated from Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, focusing on dance and music. Taylor attended the Joan Palladino School of Dance at Dean College, where she double majored in Dance and Exercise Science. At Dean College, Taylor trained with Kristina Berger, a principal dancer with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company and master teacher of the Horton and Hawkins technique. Taylor also studied at various dance institutions participating in their dance programs such as The Paul Taylor Dance Intensive, The Gus Giordano College Pro Dance Intensive, The Ailey School as an Independent Study Program student, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as a second company member. Taylor recently completed her first season with Deeply Rooted as an Emerging Artist Ensemble member. Taylor is now a member of the company and is excited to continue to grow as an artist.
SAM OGUNDE
Sam Ogunde (Media, PA) where he started training at Broadway Bound Dance Academy and Future Legacy of Dance at the age of ten. Sam grew up outside Philadelphia, PA, which led him to begin his Pre-Professional training at Philadanco in the second company in 2018. In Spring 2023, Sam Graduated from the University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a B.F.A. in Dance. While a student at Kaufman, he had the honor of working and performing works by William Forsythe, Jodie Gates, Silas Reiner, Kyle Abraham, Penny Saunders, Yin Yue, Bret Easterling, Jiri Kylian and more. Sam also studied at programs such as Dance Theater of Harlem, The Pennsylvania Ballet, Philadanco, The School at Jacob's Pillow, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and Kyle Abraham's A.I.M. winter program.
LOUIS PEARSON
Louis Pearson (Pittsburgh, PA) is a dance artist from Pittsburgh PA and currently residing in Chicago, IL. He started his training at a small school in Pittsburgh. From there he started competing. Louis graduated from Pittsburgh CAPA in 2017 majoring in Dance. After graduating high school he continued his studies at University of the Arts. During the summer he had the pleasure to train at Ballet X for their annual summer dance intensive. He performed works by Helen Pickette, Gary Jeter, Tommie Waheed-Evans and Pearl Primus and many more. Louis received his BFA in Dance and Performance from University of the Arts in 2021. This is Louis’ second season with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and is excited for many more.
TAYLOR RAMOS
Taylor Ramos (Toledo, OH) attended Toledo School for the Arts, where she first found dance and additionally trained in ballet, modern, and Jazz at her outside studio, Toledo Ballet. She later went on to study at Wright State University as well as dance as a second company member with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company all through college. Over the course of her training, she worked with many choreographers such as Rob Priore, Greg Graham, and Keisha Lalama. After graduating with a BFA in dance, Taylor moved her way to Buffalo to become a company member with Lehrer Dance where she toured nationally and internationally. In 2018 Taylor toured all through Germany performing in Jon Lehrer’s Shadows in Motion. Now living in Chicago, Taylor is very excited to continue her growth as a dancer with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater as a company member.
NYEMAH STUART
Nyemah Stuart (New York, NY) born and raised in New York City, began her dance training at the age of five at the Uptown Dance Academy. She continued training at Professional Performing Arts High School, which had a dance program tied to The Ailey School. After graduating high school, she studied ballet at Dance Theatre of Harlem as a scholarship student. Stuart has matriculated through the Deeply Rooted Summer Dance Intensive and apprenticeship programs to become a company member. Stuart is honored and excited to continue elevating her artistic voice through Deeply Rooted’s repertoire. “For as long as I can remember, dance has been a part of my life. I do not feel alive or fulfilled if I am not dancing. I am thankful for this craft, for it continues to keep me focused and allows me to express myself because words are never enough.”
LORI WIGGINS
Lori Wiggins (Arlington, TX) grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where she began dancing competitively at a small, local dance studio at the age of five. From the age of twelve through high school graduation, she received formal dance training at Artistry in Motion Performing Arts Center where she performed works by Melissa Jackson, Jason Ambrose, Dusty Button, and Addison Reed Holmes. She furthered her training by attending master classes and intensives instructed by Jillian Davis, Desmond Richardson, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Kent Boyd, Alicia Graf Mack, and others. In 2023, she graduated from The Ailey School/Fordham University BFA Program as a double major in Dance and Sociology. During her enrollment in the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, she had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Janice Rosario, Sarah Wingo, Chuck Wilt, Sonia Dawkins, Mark Caserta, and Levi Marsman. As well as perform in restaged works of José Limón and Martha Graham. She is deeply grateful for the continuous support from her family, teachers, and friends and looks forward to exploring and enriching her craft with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater.
COMPANY APPRENTICES
MYLES HARRIS
Myles Harris (Maywood, IL) began his dance journey at age 14 with Stairway of the Stars dance studio in Maywood, IL where he has taught a variety of dance and visual arts classes for many years. In 2021, he joined Winifred Haun and Dancers as an apprentice before becoming an official company member. He has performed with the Lyric Opera in their productions of Ernani and Hansel & Gretel. He has participated in two of Deeply Rooted’s summer programs where he has performed works by Nicole Clarke-Springer, Kevin Iega Jeff, and Gary Abbott. Myles is now a company apprentice and is looking forward to growing with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater.
SAGE SARAI
Sage Sarai (Baltimore, MD) began her dance training at the age of two. At seven years old, she started intense training at Morton Street Dance Center in all styles under the tutelage of Donna Jacobs, Elana Anderson, and Algernon Campbell. At 13, she began her ballet-focused training at Ballet Nouveau directed and founded by Kristen Stevenson. She attended George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology high school for dance while simultaneously performing with Eleone Dance Theatre’s second company, Morgan State University's modern dance ensemble, and was featured in multiple projects like the Netflix Documentary, Dark City: Beneath The Beat and Teyana Taylor’s music video, “We Made It.” She has participated in training programs with EVIDENCE, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Dance Theater of Harlem. After high school, she continued her dance training at New York University Tisch School of The Arts and graduated with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Russian Studies. Throughout her dance career, she has performed works by Darrell Moultrie, Sidra Bell, Ronald K.Brown, Gary Abbott, Jennifer Archibald, Allyne Gartrell, and more. Ultimately, Sage discovered her love for dance early on and decided that she will use her art to help shape, educate, and impact the world one creative step at a time.
GIAVANNI MALIA POWELL | IN MEMORIAM
Giavanni Malia is a movement artist, writer, and creator; a young woman with a voice and vision eager to honor those that came before her and elevate those who will come after. Giavanni began her dance training in Upper Marlboro, Maryland at Dance Expressions. She later received a BA in Dance with an Entrepreneurship minor as a Linehan artist scholar from UMBC under the direction of Carol Hess. While at UMBC, she performed with Baltimore Dance Project including works by Doug Hamby and Shaness Kemp. She has also performed internationally with Culture Shock DC and at venues such as the Kennedy Center, the Fillmore, and Sax DC. Giavanni shares her love of dance with students of all ages by assisting Brandon Perry and Shaness Kemp on the collegiate level as well asteaching at local dance studios in Maryland. Giavanni plans tocontinue using dance and other art mediums as a communicative and reflective tool in evaluating the current socio-political climate.