Michelle Dorrance (Artistic Director/Choreographer/Dancer), founder and artistic director of Dorrance Dance, is one of the most sought after tap dancers of her generation and “one of the most imaginative tap choreographers working today” (The New Yorker). A 2016 United States Artists Award Recipient, 2015 MacArthur Fellow, a 2014 Alpert Award Winner, 2013 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award winner, 2012 Princess Grace Award Winner, 2012 Field Dance Fund Recipient, and 2011 Bessie Award Winner, Dorrance performs, teaches and choreographs throughout the world. Mentored by Gene Medler, Michelle grew up performing with the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble and has since performed with STOMP, Manhattan Tap, Savion Glover’s ‘Ti Dii’, JazzTap Ensemble, Barbara Duffy & Co, Rumba Tap, Derick Grant’s Imagine Tap!, and Jason Samuels Smith’s Chasing the Bird to rave reviews. She holds a BA from New York University, played bass for Darwin Deez, teaches on faculty at IFTRA, and is a Capezio Athlete. Michelle wishes to credit the master hoofers from whom she studied with in her youth for constant inspiration and influence.
