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DANCERS
Candice Michelle Franklin (Dancer/Choreographer)
Candice Michelle Franklin originally from St. Louis, Missouri, trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and received her BA in Dance on a four-year scholarship from the University of Kansas. Since her arrival to New York City, she has performed and choreographed for stage, film, television, commercials, and music videos. She has also performed for several concert dance companies such as Avodah Dance Ensemble, Earl Mosley's Diversity of Dance, Mia Michaels Raw Workshop at Theatre of the Riverside Church, the Underground Dance Project, Phoenix Rising Dance Creations, Nommo Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Vissi Dance Theater as well as several other commercial dance companies. Moreover, she has performed in several off-Broadway theatre productions as a dancer such as Derrick Mitchell's Thin Line , C. Bembry's, A Mix Nut in New York, and the Westco production of Tales of Anansi the Spider. Current projects for Miss Franklin include: numerous industrials for Corporate Brands, Resorts, and Casinos for CEG Productions, the live stage shows and music videos for recording artists, Shakti, Daphne Shawn, and Buffalo Stance, and the Off Broadway production of Billie's Blues directed by T. Bankole as well as several appearances in the films Step Up 3D and A New York Thing, as well as reggae’s Matisyahu’s latest music video, “One Day” (SONY EPIC Records) and the national commercial for the video game, “DJ Hero” featuring Jay-Z and Eminem. Miss Franklin is a member of SAG and is represented by DDO Artists Agency.  Demar Braxton (Dancer/Rehearsal Director)
Demar Braxton , originally from Brooklyn, New York, studied dance at The Ailey School. In addition to performing numerous dance works by Candice Michelle Franklin, Mr. Braxton has performed with Genesis Dance Company, Contemporary Ballet Theater, Louis Johnson Dance Theater, Alpha Omega Dance Company, and the Eleo Pomare Dance Company. Moreover, Mr. Braxton has performed as a principal dancer in the music video for India’s Top 5 Chart Buster song, “Do The Thing Thing,” with international Indian Hip hop recording artist, SHAKTI. He has also performed in the following musicals: Purlie, Dreamgirls, West Side Story, and The Wiz. Mr. Braxton has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2004.
Caroline Banks (Dancer/Rehearsal Assistant)
Caroline Banks grew up in South Florida. She moved to NYC to pursue her passion in dance and graduate from the Alvin Ailey/Fordham University B.F.A. program. Caroline has performed along the East coast and London, England with various companies; Phoenix Rising, Inc, Vissi Dance Theater, and ACFDance, Inc. She has also had the honor of working with talented artists such as, Nathan Trice , Dennis Wayne, Kevin Wynn, Pascal Rekoert, Sasha Deveaux, Candice Franklin, and many more. Caroline enjoys every minute of, and continues on, this inspiring journey. Ms. Banks has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2004.  JoiLynn (Dancer/Rehearsal Assistant)
JoiLynn began her professional dance training at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C., and continued on to train at the Boston Conservatory and The Ailey School. She has also studied Haitian Dance under Adia Tamar Whitaker. She has appeared as a dancer on Regis and Kelly, and has performed with Impulse Dance Company, Deveux & Co., Nommo Contemporary Dance Theatre, Balance Dance Theatre, Ase Dance Theatre Collective, the Zodiac Dance Project, and played a lead in the dance theatre show “Voodoo Queen”. She was also a part of the cast for the development of the new Broadway show based on the life of Bruce Lee, “Journey to the West”, scheduled for production in 2010. She has also danced in videos for recording artists Jay-Z, CK, Shakti, Anjela, Laura Pausini, and Loot. In addition, she was choreographer for the musical “Loving You” presented by The Riant Theatre. Miss Hopkins is the owner/director of JoiLynn Productions.
Since 2003, Victor Reddick has performed numerous dance works by choreographer, Candice Michelle Franklin. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Victor began studying dance at Creative Outlet of Brooklyn at 12 years old. He has also studied at The Ailey School, Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Boston Ballet. As a student at La Guardia Performing Arts High School in New York City, in his senior year, Reddick won the National Foundation for Advancement of The Arts Recognition Award of 2003. In the summer of 2006, Victor performed with choreographer George Faison in, “Armistead” for the Spoleto Dance Festival in Italy. Reddick also danced in “Dance African/2006”. Other dancers and choreographers of note that he has studied with are, Desmond Richardson, and Nathan Trice , Shirley Black Brown, Igal Peri and Swan Pouiffer. Victor currently performs with Donald Byrd’s new company, Spectrum Dance Theater, in Seattle, WA.
Shakirah Stewart (Dancer)
Shakirah Stewart began her professional training at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Performing Arts, working with Troy Powell, Jamel Gaines, Penny Frank, and Elisa King. She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance from Purchase College, where she performed works by Lauri Stallings, Paul Taylor, Ori Flomin, Megan Williams, and Kevin Wynn. While at Purchase, she performed in Gloria by Mark Morris and in its ensuing presentation at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. After graduating, Stewart danced with the New Dance Group Company, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Amanda Selwyn at Notes in Motion, the DASH Ensemble, and Lucinda Childs Dance. She has performed works by Sidra Bell at Purchase College, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the Modern Dance Festival at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Ms. Stewart has been performing works by Candice Michelle Franklin since 2007. Youthen Joseph (Dancer)
Youthen Joseph was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He has danced with Balance Dance Theater, Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, and was a guest artist with Graham II, formerly known as the Graham Ensemble. He is grateful and humbled to be able to devote his time and energy to something that he loves so passionately. May he and this truth serve as a light, an inspiration to whoever elects to let it be so.
Careith Davis (Dancer)
Careitha Davis is a 08' graduate from Purchase College. She has been studying dance since the 5th grade and is a founding member for Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn. She has performed in numerous works by Candice Michelle Franklin as well as productions directed by George Faison, Donald Byrd and the Alvin Ailey Company. Recently, she can be seen as a principal dancer in Shakti’s latest music video, “Do the Thing, Thing.”
Danion Lewis (Dancer)
Danion Lewis , originally from Brooklyn, New York, received his conservatory dance training from SUNY Purchase, New York. In addition to performing numerous dance works by choreographer Candice Michelle Franklin prior to Jazz Ain't Dead, he has performed in several hip hop shows, industrials, and musical videos, including a video for Estelle for BET Jazz and as a main background dancer for SHAKTI. Moreover, his image has been seen on tall skyscrapers and bus shelters for the new national print campaign for iPod. Mr. Lewis has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2006.
Chelsea Arce (Dancer)
Chelsey Arce is from Gulford, CT and formally trained under Joyce Dilauro and The Boston Conservatory BFA program. She also spent summers studying at the Ailey School, Lines Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet . Upon coming to New York, she has participated in the workshop of MOMIX’s current show “Botanica” along with shooting “The Green Issue” of New York Times Magazine with MOMIX. In addition, Miss Arce has appeared as a guest with David Parker and The Bang Group in "Nut-cracked" and as a featured dancer in The Celebration of Cirque Du Soleil's 25th Anniversary. Commercial Work: Microsoft, Coca Cola, Rhapsody Music, Official product model for Dance Paws Footwear and the Ads. TV and film credits include: Ugly Betty, Gossip GIrl, 30 Rock. Music Video: DJ Fresh' s Hypercaine Choreographed by Jermaine Browne, and ICEBLOC " Count It." Miss Arce is a member of SAG and signed by BlocNYC.
Jerome Melsaun Warren (Dancer)
Jerome Melsaun Warren has been performing works by Candice Michelle Franklin since 2003. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Warren received his dance training from the Alivin Ailey American Dance Center, Creative Outlet, Ballet Hispanico, Joffrey Ballet , and Walnut Hill. After only two short years of studying dance, he was asked to join the first company of Creative Outlet. He has since performed with Balance Dance Theater, and Philadanco as well as on the hit TV show, So You Think You Can Dance Season 3. He has also been seen in feature films including I am Legend with Will Smith. Mr. Warren wishes to thank God and his family for blessing him with his talent.
 Carmen Carriker (Dancer)
Carmen Carriker , originally from Detroit, Michigan, trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in the Fordham University BFA program. In addition to performing numerous dance works by Candice Michelle Franklin, Miss Carriker has performed with Obediah Wright's Balance Dance Theater, Phoenix Rising Creations, Urban Bush Women, and Sasha Devereux's Devereux & Co. Moreover, she has performed as a specialty dancer and background singer for SHAKTI. In addition to dancing, this creative young woman is the proud owner of Crown Soul Creations, a fashion line of knitwear clothing, hats, and other accessories. Ms. Carriker has been performing with Candice Franklin since 2004.
 Andre Irons (Dancer)
Andre Irons was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He began his formal dance training at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and completed a double major in Africana Studies & Business Administration from the University at Albany in 2005. Andre trained extensively at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and received an Honorable Mention Award in Modern Dance from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) in 2001. He has worked with noted choreographers such as Camille A. Brown, Darrell Grand-Moultrie, Roger C. Jeffrey, Lisa Rhinehart, and Candice Franklin- to name a few. In addition, Mr. Irons is main background dancer for SHAKTI, and is currently signed with DDO Artist Agency in New York City. Mr. Irons has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2008. 
Martine La Pri Quigley (Dancer)
Martine La Pri Quigley, originally from Australia, has danced and starred in numerous pieces of Candice Michelle Franklin. She has been seen extensively on stage, music videos, and television. She has performed with some the best talent of our time including such big stars at Michael Jackson, Madonna, Mario, Wycleaf Jean, Cyndi Lauper, Shaggy, Fatman Scoop, and even David Copperfield. She has also been seen dancing on television for such high profile shows as the Grammy's as well as been a featured dancer on the David Letterman Show, MTV, and Comedy Central. Martine has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2004. 
Anthony DeCarlis (Dancer)
Anthony DeCarlis is from Rochester, NY. He has received his professional training form Ballet Chicago, The Ailey School, Garth Fagan and Deeply Rooted of Chicago and earned his B.F.A. at the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music and Dance. He has performed with Links Dance Company, Williams Henry Dance Theater, and Beings Dance Company. Mr. DeCarlis has also performed in theater productions such as The Merry Widow and Aida at Lincoln Center. I am excited to be a part of this project and can’t wait to continue and grow as an artist.  Shekitra Starke (Dancer)
Shekitra Starke's dancing and singing talent has been seen on both the Broadway and off Broadway stage. Miss Starke has done the National Tour of Fosse as well as made her Broadway debut in Disney's hit show, Mary Poppins. In addition, Miss Starke has also performed in the Off Broadway production of River Deep as well as regional theatre productions of Something to Shout About, Money Can’t Buy Me Love, and Ain’t Misbehavin’. Jazz Ain't DeadTM will be the second work Miss Starke has done with Candice Michelle Franklin.
Jazz Ain’t Dead Dancers on hiatus:
Alexandra Andrade (Dancer)
Ms. Andrade has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2004. 
Chris Coates (Dancer)
Mr. Coates has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2007.
Adrienne Jean Fisher (Dancer)
Ms. Fisher has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2004.
Andrea Colabufo (Dancer)
Ms. Colabufo has been performing with Candice Michelle Franklin since 2005.
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