

Celebrating 6 Years
Michelle Dorrance

Michelle Dorrance is a groundbreaking tap choreographer and performer, celebrated for pushing the boundaries of the art form. Known for her deeply musical, physically demanding, and emotionally compelling work, she blends innovation with tradition. Raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Dorrance studied under legendary hoofers and founded Dorrance Dance in 2011 to honor tap's Black American legacy while offering a fresh perspective. The company’s debut earned her a Bessie Award, and she has since created over 20 original works performed internationally. A MacArthur Fellow, Doris Duke Artist, and Princess Grace Award winner, Dorrance has collaborated with artists across genres, including Dormeshia, Derick K. Grant, and Bill Irwin. She made her Broadway choreographic debut in Flying Over Sunset in 2021. Dorrance has been supported by institutions like the Ford Foundation, Jacob’s Pillow, and the Guggenheim. She holds a BA from NYU and an honorary Doctorate from UNC.