Director
Giovanni Allen
Giovanni Allen, Gio, is originally from New York City, where he received his early training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and American Ballet Theater. He did his undergraduate work at California Institute for the Arts in LA. After graduating, he spent two years performing with La Companyia in Spain.
Since moving to Texas in 2010 Gio has been a choreographer and teacher for some of the Dallas area’s most prestigious dance companies and studios including Joffrey School of Ballet, Beyond Belief, Prodigy Dance & Performing Arts, and others. He is also a trusted choreographer for the Highland Park Belles and Tyler Apache Belles drill teams. In 2022, Gio choreographed for the band Kaleo at Soluna Arts Festival.
He has been the owner and artistic director of Groundworks Dance Company since 2018. He is committed to growing young people dancers and artists in a supportive environment.
Kaili Bright
Originally from Kailua, Hawaii, Kaili is a dancer, choreographer, now educator currently based in Dallas, TX under the representation of Bloc Talent Agency. Dancing throughout her childhood all over the United States she realized she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She was fortunate enough at an early age of 17 to kick start her career on America’s Best Dance Crew with Request Dance Crew under the directional Parris Goebel. Since then Kaili has toured the world with Justin Bieber on his Believe Tour, you may have also seen her dancing alongside many artists including, Adele, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, FKA Twigs, Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo, Hailee Steinfeld. You definitely cannot miss Kaili onstage. You most likely have seen Kaili dance at the superbowl, on televised shows, live shows and award shows including The Grammys, the Billboard Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, Coachella, to name a few. Most recently you can catch Kaili in any one of Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Shows on Amazon. Kaili is currently the associate artistic director for the Joffrey Ballet School full time Trainee program and has worked with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders in Dallas. Kaili hopes to bring her unique style combining performance, and a fusion of technique and hip hop to the new generation of talent across the globe.
Aleigh Hawkins
Aleigh Hawkins was born and raised outside of Dallas, Texas. She began her training at XD2 dance studio and furthered her classical training at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. During her time at BTW she had the opportunity to perform works by Peter Chu, Jennifer Archibald, Azure Barton, and more. In 2018 she received honorable mention for YoungArts in modern dance. Aleigh continued her education at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a concentration in Modern dance. She performed works by Jessica Lang, Nacho Duato, Amy Hall Garner, and more. As of May 2022, Aleigh is now a graduate with a BFA in Dance.
Alexander Barnes
Alexander Barnes, is a native Texan, having grown up in Plano. Dancing for more than 10 years, Alexander trained with incredible mentors including AJ Megaman, David Castro, Rashaad Hasani, and many other talented individuals who have shaped him as a dancer and artist.
A proud member of the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue dance crew for four years, Alexander served as captain for three of those years. He is a two time USASF Dance Worlds gold medalist, an honor that reminds him of the power of dedication and teamwork in the dance world.
As a teacher, Alexander’s goal is to ensure his students walk away from every class having learned something valuable—whether it’s a new skill, a deeper connection to movement, or simply a boost of confidence. Let’s grow together and make every session count!
Resident Choreographer
Maleek Washington
Maleek Washington was born in the Bronx, New York, and at seven years old was introduced to dance at Broadway Dance Center and the Harlem School of the Arts. After attending Laguradia HighSchool for Performing Arts, Maleek continued his education at The Boston Conservatory while dancing for CommonWeallth Ballet. After college Maleek joined CityDance Ensemble. A company that performed works by Paul Taylor, Kate Weare, and Alex Noreal to over 8 countries. During his time with Citydance Maleek attended SpringBoard Danse in Montreal where he was able to join Jose Novas's Company Flak for a 2 seasons of European tours. Currently Maleek is in his Third season collaborating with McArthur Genius awardee Kyle Abraham, and his company Abraham in Motion. While dance at the Mckittrick in the off Broadway show "Sleep No More". With multidisciplinary, experiential performance works that investigate the people, practices, and spaces shaping Washington's black identity, he was proud to present his art in 2017 at the Boston Dance Festival, Pepatian and BAAD!, Periapsis Dance and Music Noesis, and at the legendary Movement Research at Judson Church in Spring 2018. Washington is also a 2017-18 Dancing While Black top 10 choreographic finalists. Alongside his creative work, Washington has entered his second season with Camille A. Brown and Dancers in collaboration for her work Ink that premiered at the Kennedy Center in December 2017.
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