Anthony Wells started his dance journey by taking a tap class at Dee Dee’s Dance Studio in New Haven, progressed to Betsy Ross Arts Magnet, Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School and Dean College. He has performed in multiple shows such as the Arts Mosaic Show and at Gilette Stadium for the Patriots. He recently returned from Rome Italy where he studied Graham Technique under Christine Dakin.

Thelma Ladeira is a professional Brazilian dancer and instructor with a background in classical ballet, jazz, Brazilian dances and belly dance. Thelma has taught around the world and she has performed for Brazil’s national TV shows, SBT and Record TV. She is currently performing with Mestre Efraim Silva’s company, Ginga Brasieliera, and teaches at the CT Capoeira and Dance Center.

Arien Wilkerson is a choreographer, movement, video and installation artist. A Hartford native, he began his dance training with Jolet Creary, Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, The Artist Collective, Earl Mosely Institute of the Arts, and Batsheva Dance Company’s Gaga Intensive in Israel. He has received numerous awards, grants and public recognition for his work.http://www.tnmotaztro.com/about/

Melinda Marquez is Artistic Director of Melinda Marquez Flamenco Dance Center in New Haven CT. She is thrilled to be joined by Flamenco dancer, Ryan Rockmore, Co-Director of Al Margen Flamenco Dance Company in NYC. The Flamenco bata usually requires plenty of space, so that the dancer can walk, wrap and kick the skirt. BATAlla will explore what will transpire when two tall dancers with unique perspectives have 5 short minutes in very long flamenco skirts in a very tiny space.

Mestre Efraim Silva was born in Sao Paulo Brazil and began his practice of Capoeira at thirteen. Studying Capoeira, Maculele, Puxada de Rede and Samba de Roda he became a master instructor in 1993. He is director of the CT Capoeira and Dance Center and performs with his company Ginga Brasileira in theaters, schools universities all of the US and abroad.

Kiki Lucia is a New Haven, CT-based drag performance artist with a vast training and performance background that includes numerous disciplines: classical ballet, aerial acrobatics, music theatre, modern dance, and acting. She also has a strong background in theatre production, directing, and costume and production design, and producing as well. Most well known as the producer and host of Let’s Have a Kiki – a variety show featuring drag and burlesque artists – that currently performs regularly at three Connecticut locations.

Gusto Dance/Chloe Carlson shares her passions for dancing, spreading its empowering magic, and collaborating through performing, choreographing, teaching and directing GUSTO Dance and serving as Board President of David Dorfman Dance. Past performing with ECDC-a joy and honor. She is a wife, mother, writer, (non-practicing) attorney and mermaid.

Julien Kanor is originally from Guadeloupe, a tiny French Island in the Caribbean. He loves to explore movement in new ways practicing various styles and types. Julien brings us the piece "Minimalist" in the TINY SHORTS performance.

Representing Alisa's House of Salsa, Jason Ramos and Amanda Duvall bring Salsa and Bachata. A Salsa and Martial Arts fusion; and Bachata Fusion dance. Big things can come in small packages. In our brief performance, we want to bring pops of fun and flavor that will leave you asking for more!