Performing Artists

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 Mikaela, native to Sicklerville NJ, attended University of the Arts in Philadelphia, receiving the “Artistry” Scholarship to study dance. Receiving her B.F.A in Dance under the direction of Donna Faye-Burchfield in 2017. During these four years she was fortunate enough to work and perform in works choreographed by Katie Swords-Thurman, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Jesse Zaritt, Sidra Bell, Milton Myers, Meredith Rainey and Kyle and Dinita Clark. Simultaneous to her schooling Mikaela was also an active company member with Philadanco! D/2 second company under the direction of Donald T. Lunsford. This then led to apprenticeship opportunities with PHILADANCO! Until transitioning into a full time company artist post graduation. Mikaela continues to stay curious and seek out knowledge and new perspectives- deepening her craft she has studied with Jacob Jonas the Company, Kyle Abraham’s A.I.M, NVA & Guests and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Mikaela also works as a movement director for various filmmakers and projects as well as performance artist for various music videos and short films. Parallel to performing, Mikaela finds joy in teaching and pouring her knowledge back into her community as a faculty member of The School of Philadelphia Ballet since 2021 as well as various schools and programs across the city and tri state area. In her 6th season as a guest artist with Jo-Mé Dance Theatre, Mikaela continues to demand the stage with her artistry and dancing.

Born: Pensacola, FL, raised in Dayton, OH.
Training: Interlochen Arts Academy, and summer intensives with Alonzo King Lines, Boston Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet.
Education: Indiana University Bloomington Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Science in Ballet and Media Advertising.
Professional experience: Dance Theatre of Harlem (fourth season).
Repertoire includes works by Robert Garland, Jodie Gates, John Taras, William Forsythe, Justin Peck, Dwight Rhoden, Ulysses Dove, Pytor Ilych Tchaikovsky, and George Balanchine. Ariana is the recipient of the IU Premier Young Artist Award, the Brown Girls Do Ballet Scholarship for Change, Interlochen Young Artist Award, and the Interlochen Arts Academy Fine Arts Award.

 Bio coming soon 

 Courtney Niles-Charles was born and raised in Boston, Mass where she was a dance major graduate from the Boston Arts Academy. She started her training at the age of 7 at the Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts. Epps became an Original Member of Jo-Mé Dance in 2011 when the 2nd company was first founded. In 2016 Courtney was invited to join the 1st company and become a teaching artist for the younger generation of Jo-Mé Dance Arts. Courtney developed her passion for dance and has continued her training at Dean College as a dance major in 2014 followed by the Ailey School Certificate Program in 2015 where she graduated and received their B.A. Certificate in 2018. Niles-Charles was a dance educator at Boston Arts Academy and Horton Teacher for Jo-Mé Dance Arts Academy. Courtney seeks to press forward by shearing her expression through her movement art as she takes on her 8th season with Jo-Mé Dance Theatre (1st Company)