ROMAN CRUZ
Roman Cruz, native of Newark, New Jersey began his formal dance training at Arts High School, under the direction of Ronnie D. Carney and Kim Richardson. Using his background training in Latin dance, under instructors Griselle Ponce and Jossue Bonilla, Roman excelled quickly and received scholarships to study at The Ailey School, The Joffrey Ballet School, and American Ballet Theatre. He received his first professional performance opportunity as guest artist in American Ballet Theatre's production of 'Cinderella'. In 2007, Roman became the recipient of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center\Star-Ledger Scholarship for the performing Arts. Upon graduating high school, Roman attended The University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he had the opportunity to work closely with Cunningham teacher Brenda Daniels and choreographer Alonzo King. Inspired by Mr. King's work, Roman transferred to The Juilliard School where he received his Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts on a full scholarship. While studying at The Juilliard School, Roman has had the privilege of working with choreographers Sidra Bell, Alexander Ekman, Luca Vegetti, and Fabien Prioville; While performing classic works by Jose Limon, Mark Morris, and Nacho Duato. In his Sophomore year, not only was Roman honored with the Dizzy Feet Scholarship, but also received a favorable mention in the New York Times for his "gritty" performance in Jerome Robbin's 'Opus Jazz’. After spending some time teaching, and reflecting, Roman now is reinventing himself, working towards becoming skilled in the music industry, utilizing his formal dance training to his best potential, while singing, and also acting - in hopes to one day be able to accomplish his all time dream of being a well-rounded artist. Furthermore, he intends on being one of the founders of his own dance company, touring all over the world, collaborating with the great musicians, and artist of his Era.
@PUROKING
COLLABORATIVE HISTORY:
* "WOULDN'T BE GOOD ENOUGH" (2010)
Performed at:
-The Juilliard School (October Studio Workshops)
- Dance Now NYC / Joe's Pub
- Dixon Place NYC
* Creation of "Pandemonium Solitude"
NJPAC Summer Youth Performance Workshop 2012
* Creation of "Ignited Forms"
NJPAC Summer Youth Performance Workshop 2012
* "SOLO" (dancer)
NJPAC Star-Ledger Gala 2010
* "4 GOOD MOURNINGS"
Jchen Project eTRANSLATE 2013
Dixon Place NYC
Performed at:
-The Juilliard School (October Studio Workshops)
- Dance Now NYC / Joe's Pub
- Dixon Place NYC
* Creation of "Pandemonium Solitude"
NJPAC Summer Youth Performance Workshop 2012
* Creation of "Ignited Forms"
NJPAC Summer Youth Performance Workshop 2012
* "SOLO" (dancer)
NJPAC Star-Ledger Gala 2010
* "4 GOOD MOURNINGS"
Jchen Project eTRANSLATE 2013
Dixon Place NYC