AZYA WARRICK

Azya Warrick (Prince George’s County, Maryland) began her dance journey 17 years ago at Marcellus Dance Studio, where she discovered her passion for movement and embarked on a path of self-discovery through dance. This early training laid the foundation for her evolution as a dancer. Continuing her education, Ms. Warrick enrolled as a dance major at Benjamin Foulois CPAA from 2013 to 2015, training under Amanda Standard and Teresa Barnes. This experience enhanced her technical skills and artistic expression, motivating her to further her dance education at Divine Dance Institute (DDI). From 2014 to 2022, Ms. Warrick diligently trained at DDI under the mentorship of Amanda Standard and Adrian Vincent James. This foundational training was instrumental in shaping her unique artistic voice and refining her skills. A proud graduate of Suitland High School & Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), Ms. Warrick immersed herself in dance throughout all four years. Under the guidance of esteemed instructors Jannette Gillis, Linda Hallman-Darr, and Elana Anderson. She was also given the opportunity to perform works by Christopher Huggins, Levi Marsman, and more. This formative period laid the groundwork for her future pursuits in dance. In 2018, Ms. Warrick achieved a significant milestone by performing a reconstruction of Alvin Ailey’s iconic piece, Revelations alongside Paula Brown. This experience not only showcased her talent but also allowed her to perform for Judith Jamison. Her excellence in dance extended beyond high school; she was selected to perform with the PGCPS High School Honors Ensemble (2018- 2019) and participated in the inaugural Kennedy Center Dance Lab in 2019, curated by Hope Boykin. There, she trained with Darrell Moultrie, Roxanne Lyst, and Alicia Graf Mack, further enriching her diverse performance repertoire. As a member of the Repertory Dance Ensemble at Suitland High School CVPA for three years, Ms. Warrick’s commitment to her craft continued to flourish. Currently, she is a Senior BFA Dance Major at Alabama State University, where she has had the privilege of working with acclaimed choreographers such as James R. Atkinson, Jr., Ronald K. Brown, Crystal Perkins, Nathan Trice, Ramone Wilkinson, Rodni Williams, Lenard Foust, Jerome Stigler, and Lindsay Benton. In January 2024, she was given the opportunity to attend the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference, where she had the pleasure of working with Katherine Smith, Iquail Shaheed and more As Azya Warrick navigates the challenges and triumphs of her senior year, her journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring dancers. From the halls of Suitland High School to the stages of Alabama State University, and now the highly acclaimed professional dance company, DBDT: Encore!, Azya continues to embody the spirit of creativity and perseverance that defines her remarkable dance career. This is her first season with the company.