People

SLJ Staff

Zane Booker
Executive/Artistic Director, Founder
Zane Booker, a native Philadelphian, began his dance training at the age of seven with the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts under the direction of Joan Myers Brown. By age fourteen he was selected by Ms. Brown to perform with Philadanco. He went on to become one of the Company’s principal artists dancing roles created by Talley Beatty, Louis Johnson and Gene Hill Sagan. Zane went on to pursue a degree at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Encouraged by his teachers to continue his training at the School of American Ballet, Zane moved to New York, auditioned and was accepted into the SAB. Once there, he was invited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to augment his studies at the American Ballet Theater.  Zane maintained a rigorous training schedule at both institutions for two years.

During a trip to Holland with the School of American Ballet to perform on a joint program with the Vagonava School, Zane auditioned for the Netherlands Dance Theater. He was quickly accepted into the company and spent the next six years dancing under the direction of Jiri Kylian. As a soloist he danced roles created by Kylian, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, Mats Ek and Ohad Nahrin. In 1996 Zane accepted an offer to join Les Ballets De Monte Carlo under the direction of Jean Christophe Maillot. During his tenure there he was featured in ballets created by John Alleyne, Ted Brandsen and Jean Christophe Maillot.

Zane left Les Ballets De Monte Carlo in 1999 to accept invitations to appear as a guest artist with major ballet companies around the world including the new National Theater of Tokyo, Philadanco, Complexions, Les Ballet De Monte Carlo, the Opera of Monte Carlo, and Rhythmek. During this period Zane also focused his energies on creating choreographies for universities, ballet companies, operas and musical productions. His credits include works for the Philadelphia Dance Company, Mogador Theatre-Paris, the Jackson Ballet Competition and the Opera of Monte Carlo. Mr. Booker has also taught for companies and schools in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. After moving back to the U.S., Zane was invited to dance with Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project. There he danced for two years before the group disbanded.

In 2006 Zane became the founder and artistic director of the Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative (SLJ), a socially conscious, multimedia, dance theater company, promoting HIV/ AIDS awareness. He created Ebony, Beige and Bronze: The Philadelphia Show to inspire social consciousness about HIV/AIDS. Dance Magazine chose SLJ as one of 25 companies to watch in 2007. Zane is a master lecturer at University of the Arts and Howard University.

Brandi Booker
Executive Administrative Director

Elaine Booker
Director of Fundraising

Justin Bryant
Artistic Associate

Lindsay Lafountain
Artistic Associate

Will Oaks
Stage Manager

Juliet Gray
Public Relations

Consultants:

Gabe Bienczycki
Company Photographer and Graphic Design Artist

Jen Filer
Arts Management Consultant

Karen Pressley
Arts Management Consultant

Sandy Smith
Public Relations Consultant

 

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SLJ Artists

	Donnie Hammond - an original cast member of The Headine Theater Company. She is a singer, dancer and actress who has not only performed throughout the tri-state area but throughout the country.
	Jack Drummond - a qualified and knowledgeable Teaching Artist (among other things) from the Philadelphia community who is committed to helping people achieve an appreciation for the arts and performance skills through ongoing consistent instruction and involvement. His business “Collage Of Talent” (COT Productions) began in 2004 and focuses on developing the total artist through Music and Drama. Jack is currently a member of the Headline Theater Company.
	Kenny Jones - a cast member of The Headline Theater Company. His credits include Stomp! touring company 2006/2007 and Lazarus Unstoned, Freedom Theater 2004.
	Darien Moore - a talented vocalist who was last seen on Battle of the Choirs as a member of Patti Labelles Choir.
	Wendy Stanton will next be seen in the Arden Theater Company's Our Town and DE Shakespeare's Romeo and Julliet.
	Justin Bryant - a native of Atlanta, GA, and is currently a student at The University of The Arts. He has performed with Eleone Dance Theatre, Dance Fusion and other local companies. This is his second year performing for SLJ. Artistic Associate for SLJ.
	Lindsay LaFountain – NY, NY, Lindsay is a current graduate from the University of the Arts where she received her BFA in Modern Dance. She began her trainining at Munson Williams Proctor Institute School of Art in up-state NY. This is her second year performing for SLJ. Artistic Associate for SLJ.
	LeRoy Church – a native of Baltimore, MD. He began formal training at the Baltimore Tech Summer Intensive at the age of 16 and studied at the Alvin Alley Summer Intensive 2005. He is currently matriculating at the University of The Arts to receive his BFA in Ballet. This is his second year performing for SLJ
	Jeff Sousa - Originally from Waterbury, Connecticut, Jeffrey Sousa is a sophomore at the University of the Arts. He has performed with Earl Mosley's Diversity of Dance, Pennsylvania Ballet and has studied under scholarship at Alonzo King's LINES Ballet School. This is Jeffrey's second year working with SLJ. Special thanks to his family and friends, love you Zane!
	Scott Bartell – Began his dance training at Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan. Scott is a senior ballet major at the University of the Arts. Scott has choreographed for many magnet schools in Detroit. He has worked with many choreographers such as Christopher Huggins, Ray Mercer, and Milton Meyers. This year Scott is working with the National High School Dance Festival Committee
	Cedric Greene - currently attending The University of the Arts as a sophomore dance major.
	Nicole Sabella - Began dancing at the age of 4. Ms. Sabella graduated with high honors from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) in St. Petersburg, Florida. While attending PCCA, Ms. Sabella worked with Lloyd Whitmore, Peter Kalivas, Travis Mesman and John Parks. She is currently attending the University of the Arts, PA where she will earn her BFA in modern Dance.
	Bridgette Madera - currently a junior at the University of the Arts. She began her dance training at the age of 13. She studied at the Ailey School throughout her high school career. She also studied with teachers such as Troy Powell and Nasha Thomas-Schmidt. This is her second year performing for SLJ.
	Emma Kraus - currently attending The University of the Arts as a sophomore dance major. Ms. Krauss attended The Governors School of the Arts in Norfolk, VA. This is her second year performing for SLJ
	Kyle DuPree - first season with SLJ, and he's pleased to say it was a great one. Kyle is currently a Jazz Performance Major at the University of the Arts. Past credits include Helen Keller with the Rebecca Davis Dance Company, Mungojerrie in Cats at Plays in the Park, Dance Captain for UHSPAC Aida & LOTP. Enjorals in Les Miserable, Dreamgirls at Plays in the Park, and FAME. He was also nominated for Best Featured Actor by Papermill Playhouse for Enjorals in Les Miserable.  Kyle would like to say thank you to his family and friends for their constant support, love, and laughter. Thank you Zane.
	Karama Butler – raised in Cincinnati, OH. Ms. Butler began her dance training at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. As a professional she has danced with Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company and Dance Theater X under the direction of Charles Anderson. She has also studied with many noted choreographers. This is her first year working with SLJ. Ms. Butler appears with SLJ courtesy of Dance Theater X
	Maya Johnson - Los Angeles, CA, Maya is a recent graduate from The University of the Arts. She has previously trained with the Alvin Ailey American Dance School, Los Angeles County HS for the Arts, and Alonzo King’s Lines Contemporary School of Ballet. This is her second year performing for SLJ
	Radea James – a second year dance major at The University of Arts. Her genre is modern technique and performance. She has been professionally trained since the age of three in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Improvisation, Composition, Anatomical Science, Performance of Repertoire and Hip-Hop. Raedya has performed in the 2005 Boscovo’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, participated in Talent Olympics Dance Competition 2004, 2005, 2006, performed at The University of Arts 60th Alumni Anniversary, Charity for Lupus, and starred in 76ers Primetime-Guest Performance
	Sierra Robinson - Bermudian-born, Ms. Robinson trained at United Dance Productions, Bermuda, under the artistic direction of Ms. Suzette Harvey. She is currently studying at the University of the Arts, PA. Sierra-Renee has performed extensively in her country, for the government and other local international organizations. This is her second year performing for SLJ
	Kyle McKargh is a senior at the University of the Arts. He is an original cast member of Ebony, Beige and Bronze: The Philadelphia Show.