Dedrick Gray

About Dedrick Gray

Dedrick \"D.Banks\" Gray completed his MFA in Choreography and Production in May 2022 at Florida State University (FSU). His diverse background in academics and his profession in dance inspired him to deepen his artistic practice in African Diasporic dance (Hip Hop, West African, Jazz, Contemporary, Afro Cuban) through teaching, and performance. As an aspiring choreographer, he expanded his knowledge by supporting Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC) as the interim residency coordinator. He had the opportunity to support over 50 choreographic artists and dancers through administrative support with planning and customizing their residencies based on their focus and interest. During his tenure at FSU, Dedrick leveraged his time with collaborating and assisting faculty, staff, and fellow cohorts with administrative support, DEI initiatives, creative development, rehearsal directing, and concert production. He also facilitated two artist panel discussions and workshops for his students and the dance program at large to engage in discussions and cultural practices on Hip Hop and black dance in America. Dedrick also served as an adjunct at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he taught Jazz and Creative Methods in Dance with a focus on African American Dance and History from the 70s to 00s. He recently served as a visiting professor at Bard College through a partnership with Gibney Dance in New York. As Dedrick continues his journey post-grad, he is interested in continuing his Choreographic journey with creating performance around the African American Experience in connection the African Diaspora. He is also seeking opportunities for collaborative projects and partnerships where he can expand his service through Teaching, Choreography commissions, Workshops, Health and Fitness Initiatives, Dance Residencies, and Production (Award Shows/Specials, Theater, Television, and Film). Credits Includes: Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Gwen Welliver, Onye Ozuzu, J\'Sun Howard, Darrell Jones, BET, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MANCC, Yielded Vessel Dance Ministry, Muntu Dance Company, Red Clay Dance Company, Dance International Alliance Project (Kaohsiung, Taiwan), GoodFoot Podcast, and The Loop Showcase.

Experience

1. Program Coordinator

   Goddard Riverside

   Jun 2023 — Present · US

Education

• Jacobs Pillow School of Dance

  Certification Award for the Professional Advancement in Dance Jazz to Hip Hop/ Improve and Tradition, Visual and Performing Arts

  2015 — 2016

• Columbia College Chicago

  Bachelor’s Degree, Marketing Communications/Dance

  2011 — 2015

• Florida State University

  Master of Fine Arts - MFA, Dance, A

  2019 — 2022