Anya Susan Collins is an emerging choreographer from Pittsburgh, PA, and Broward/Miami, FL. They attended New World School of the Arts High School and New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Anya’s works have been recognized on various stages in New York City, including Battery Dance Festival, The Craft, and 92Y’s “Dance Up!” Festival for High School Students. They have performed work by Staycee Pearl, Sidra Bell, Yara Travieso, Robert Battle, and Bill T. Jones.

Tyler Anderson is a Pittsburgh-based multi-disciplinary artist, most partial to dance and theatre. He is rooted in modern and jazz dance styles, and draws inspiration from his Queer identity, his love of language, and a deep passion for culture. Currently, Tyler is dancing with Shana Simmons Dance, and also acts as the Arts Education Program Coordinator at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. He’s human-centered, enjoys collaboration, and loves sharing laughs with new people.

Nia Goodman, a Charlotte native now in Pittsburgh, graduated from Point Park University in 2022 with a degree in
dance and accounting. Founder of Valentines Productions, LLC, she has performed works by Al Blackstone, Camille A. Brown, Rennie Harris, and Jason McDole, and choreographs for Queen City Fest.

LEX CASEY (They/She) is a contemporary dance artist with a BFA in modern dance from Point Park University. In 2023 they completed a semester abroad at London Contemporary Dance School where they deepened their interest in more euro-centric contemporary dance styles. Lex has performed in various works of their peers while in school, and has also worked with artists such as Mark Caserta, slowdanger, Michiyaya, Ben Green, and more outside of school. They are deeply interested in research and investigation through performance and captivated by movement that originates from a connection to personal identity, such as queer theory and sensations of the body.

Gloria is a vibrant violist and teacher from Chicago. She began her musical journey in her middle school’s orchestra and has gone on to earn a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, a Master of Music, and an Artist Diploma in Viola performance from Duquesne University. Gloria has performed with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in addition to performing solo and collaborative works anywhere that music is heard. Most notably, Gloria performed in the string orchestra that accompanied Stevie Wonder in October 2024 at his Pittsburgh tour stop at PPG Paints Arena.

Joy Holder (she/they), a dancer and creator based on the East Coast, holds a BFA from Columbia College Chicago. They have performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Excited to join PearlArts, Joy is eager to explore movement and share their passion for dance and collaboration.

Lennon is a non-binary dance artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. They are deeply invested in the art of performance and it’s purpose within a community. Exploring themes of self-discovery, social activism and interpersonal relationships, their work invites audiences to connect first with themself, then to the world around them. Lennon has received their BFA in Modern dance from Point Park University and is currently a resident artist at The Space Upstairs.

AYANA DAVIS (they/them) currently attends Point Park University, earning their BFA and M.Ed. They’ve performed in works by the Koresh Company, Karla Garcia, Martha Nichols, Mike Tyus, Mathew Neenan, Crystal Fraizer, and Marc Spaulding. Ayana obtained their dance training in Atlanta, Georgia, where they often train at Xcel Studios and work as faculty at their home studio, Elite Studios. Ayana Davis has also danced with ADMIX Project under the direction of Rachel Truitt since 2017.

Lex Casey – Dancer
Tyler Anderson – Dancer
Ayana Davis – Dancer
Joy Holder – Dancer
Nia Goodman – Dancer
Gloria Wide – Musician
Lennon Richison – Dramaturg