JEFFERSON
DANCERS
GUEST COREOGRAPHERS
Alicia Anthony
Alicia is an aerial dance instructor, coach, performer, and choreographer based in Portland, Oregon. She developed her skills as a studio dancer and competed while studying at the University of Oregon. Later, she began training as a circus artist. You can often see her performing with A-WOL Dance Collective, Rose City Circus, and March Fourth Marching Band.
Alicia has launched several aerial dance training programs in the Pacific Northwest and is co-artistic director of A-WOL Dance. She also owns Aerial Dance PDX, a studio dedicated to young aerialists. Her true passion lies in creating choreography and collaborating creatively with dancers.
Julie Hoel Barnes
Julie began her journey in dance and gymnastics at the age of six in the Chicago area. She minored in modern dance at both the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College. After moving to Portland, she discovered a passion for aerial movement. Julie has performed with Pendulum Aerial Dance Theatre and Polaris Dance, and she co-founded and performed with the A-WOL Dance Collective. Currently, she serves as a board member of A-WOL and works as a school psychologist at Jefferson. This year, she has been excited to explore aerial work with the Jefferson Dancers!
Kristi Bacon-Trad
Kristin Bacon-Trad began studying ballet at the age of 3. She trained with the Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, and the Houston Ballet Academy. At 17, she was asked to join the Houston Ballet. Under the direction of Ben Stevenson, Kristin enjoyed a fruitful career dancing many Soloist and Principal roles. She also worked with many world-renowned choreographers, such as Jiri Kylian, Margot Fonteyn, Paul Taylor, and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. While enjoying a full performance schedule at home with Houston Ballet, the company also toured throughout Europe and China. Kristin also filmed several works for Danmarks Radio in Aarhus, Denmark. In 1996, Kristin joined Oregon Ballet Theatre. During her tenure with the company, she danced Principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Serenade, and Alice in Wonderland, to name a few. After leaving OBT in 2003, Kristin enjoyed dancing with the multimedia modern dance company Bodyvox. Bacon-Trad is currently part of the faculty at Elite Dance Studio and The Portland Ballet. She joined the Jefferson Dance Program from 2008-2013 and was the founder and co-artistic director of Jefferson Dancers II.
Derrell “Sekou Soumah” Walker
A Portland, Oregon, native and a strong presence in the West African Drum and Dance community. He is the perfect blend of drum and dance, Western and West African. He effortlessly inhabits the highest levels of Mandingue drum and dance and blends these skills with his American roots and deep knowledge of the Mandingue culture.
The embodiment of these traits, combined with a natural gift for teaching and mentoring, make Sekou one of a kind. Africans and non-Africans alike respect Sekou. In 2003 he starred as a dancer and percussionist in Moustapha Bangoura's Tinkanyi instructional dance videos. In 2004 Sekou received his teaching certification from Mamady Keita and Tam Tam Mandingue, followed by a teaching diploma in 2008.
Sekou began his dance career in 1998 after several years of training as an athlete. He possesses grace and power in dance, which is rare. Sekou continues to refine these skills through performing and teaching dance all over the United States and internationally.
Thomas Yale (TJ)
TJ is a world-renowned performer and choreographer, known for his dynamic presence on stage and creative contributions to dance. A proud Portland native, TJ began his dance journey with the esteemed Jefferson Dancers in 1997, dedicating over six years to honing his craft and developing his unique choreographic voice.
Following high school, TJ moved to New York City, where he quickly signed with Clear Talent Agency under the direction of renowned choreographer Rhapsody James. While in New York, he reunited with fellow Jefferson Dancer alum Jonte’ Moaning and toured internationally, performing in major cultural hubs including Tokyo and Paris.
TJ’s career highlights include appearances at the Latin Grammy Awards, Saturday Night Live, and a special performance at an OMSI benefit event alongside the legendary Gregory Hines. He has also collaborated locally with Mark Smith, Creative Director of the Jordan Brand at Nike, assisting with shoe testing for celebrity clients.
Recently, TJ has returned to his tap roots, choreographing for da Vinci Arts Middle School and collaborating with local jazz musicians. With a passion for blending classic styles with contemporary energy, he continues to revitalize and reimagine tap dance for new audiences.