Alejandro Perez is a first-generation Mexican-American from Los Angeles, California. He was first introduced to dance at the age of 12. He joined a street dance crew in which he use to compete and showcase internationally. Alejandro’s passion continued to unfold as he enrolled at Hamilton Performing Arts High School to begin refining his techniques. He is a recipient of scholarships at UCLA, Jacob’s Pillow Ballet Summer Programs 85th Anniversary GALA, & Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program. Alejandro just completed a 3 week residency in the world renowned Orsolina28 in Moncalvo, Italy dancing under the direction of Mike Tyus. He has also performed with ISHIDA, dawsondancesf, ZiRu Dance, and recently performed Stranger Love at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in addition to several other companies in the United States. He is currently a dancer and choreographer throughout California and has set works on the LINES Ballet Training Program, Summer Program, YAGP and the California summer school for the arts. @alekss.perez
Gretchen Ackerman received her formal training form the Grand Rapids Ballet School and Alonzo King’s LINES training program; where she had the opportunity to work with Alonzo King, Patricia Barker, Maurya Kerr, Arturo Fernandez, Shannon Gillen, Giaconda Barbuto, and Gregory Dawson. From there she joined Dark Circles under the direction of Joshua Peugh. While there, original works were set on her by Peugh, Sidra Bell, Eoghan Dillon, and Mark Caserta. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Gretchen began creating and performing her own works as well as creating original works for Rosanna Gamson. She values the disciplining of the self through understanding the body, the mind and how to use those to communicate ideas clearly and honestly.
