ABOUT CAMRYN

Camryn Stafford, a native of Dallas, Texas, is a NYC-based dancer, choreographer, teacher, and company manager. Her dance journey began at Dallas Black Dance Academy and Booker T. Washington HSPVA, where she danced with the Allegro Performing Ensemble and Repertory Dance Company II. Over the years, Camryn has had the privilege of working with renowned artists such as Kyle Abraham, Alicia Graf Mack, Milton Myers, and Misty Copeland.

A graduate of Princeton University, Camryn's experience in the dance department at the Lewis Center for the Arts included collaborations with Netta Yerushalmy, Christopher Ralph, Peter Chu, Francesca Harper, Urban Bush Women, and Ronald K. Brown. Her senior dance thesis, "There She Is," received the Toni Morrison Prize, the Outstanding Creative Work award, and accolades from Dr. Brenda Dixon Gottschild. She received funding from the Lewis Center of the Arts through The Peter B. Lewis Fund, The Mellor Fund, and the Mallach Fund to pursue creative and choreographic research. 

In 2017, Camryn founded Turning Tables Inc., a non-profit organization committed to challenging discriminatory practices in dance and increasing diversity in the field. Through Turning Tables, she has provided platforms for dancers to address topics of diversity and inclusion, offered dance classes to underrepresented youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, and supported aspiring dancers through summer intensives and scholarships.

Camryn has trained at prestigious institutions such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Gibney, Joffrey Ballet School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Camryn has participated in several creative processes as a dancer, collaborator, and choreographic advisor. Camryn's choreographic works have premiered at various venues, including Booker T. Washington HSPVA, Theater Intime, McCarter Theater Center, Mignolo Arts Center, and Arts On Site. Known for her unique approach, Camryn engages audiences through visceral and dynamic movement, scene-setting storytelling, and a profound connection between the dancers and the audience.

As an artist, choreographer, and creative contributor, Camryn continues to use her platform to advocate for social change and reform in the dance world. With a focus on inclusivity and pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, she remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on the art form and society at large.