JEFFERSON
DANCERS
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHERS
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!
Jordan Kindell
A dancer born in Los Angeles, California, in 1991, Jordan began his dance training at Jefferson High School under the direction of Steve Gonzales. He enrolled at the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, Oregon, and became a full-time company member in 2011. He also participated in summer programs at the School of American Ballet in New York City. Throughout his career, he has danced professionally with organizations such as the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Victor Ullate Ballet, and Ballet Preljocaj. He is currently based in Paris, France.
Ellie Thomas
Ellie (she/they) is a dancer, artist, teacher, and choreographer based in the Pacific Northwest and the greater New York City area. Originally from Portland, OR, she trained at the Sultanov Ballet Academy and was a member of the Jefferson Dancers under Artistic Director Steve Gonzales. Ellie recently graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Purchase, earning a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Composition and a minor in Arts Management.
While at Purchase, she performed works by esteemed choreographers including Eve Chan, Wallie Wolfgruber, George Balanchine, Mary Anthony, Jenelle Figgins, and Lauren Edson. Additionally, Ellie had the opportunity to study abroad at the London Contemporary Dance School, where she performed a new work by Frauke Requardt and David Rosenberg. Her supplemental training includes experiences with Whim W’Him, Vim Vigor, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and the San Francisco Ballet. Currently, Ellie works as an apprentice and teacher with Open Space based in Portland, OR, under the artistic direction of Franco Nieto.
In addition to performing, Ellie has presented her own choreography at events such as the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Seattle, the Newmark Theater in Portland, and Purchase College. In 2020, her choreography won second place at the YAGP Seattle semi-finals. She has choreographed and taught for the Jefferson Dancers, Purchase BFA Acting, pre-professional contemporary ballet programs, and movement classes for younger dancers. Ellie is excited to return to choreographing and working with the Jefferson Dancers!
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.