Davalois Fearon is a trailblazing choreographer, dancer, and educator whose work has garnered acclaim for being “unapologetic” and “electrifying” in nature. Hailing from Jamaica and raised in the Bronx, New York, Fearon's artistic journey has been marked by accolades and recognition. Notably, she received a Bessie Award for her outstanding performance in "the skeleton architecture, or the future of our worlds," in 2017. She was highlighted as one of "7 Up-and-Coming Black Dance Artists Who Should Be On Your Radar" by Dance Magazine in 2018. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, Fearon's educational background underscores her commitment to rigor and innovation in the field. At the heart of Fearon's choreography lies a mission to provoke contemplation and address challenging societal issues. Her visually striking and meticulously crafted movements have been praised for their blend of fluidity, assertiveness, and thoughtfulness, captivating audiences and delivering bold engagement. Fearon's collaborative spirit has led her to partner with artists from diverse disciplines, including poet Patricia Smith, composer/clarinetist and saxophonist Mike McGinnis, visual artist Jasmine Murrelle, and others, enriching her creative process and expanding the boundaries of her work.
As the Founder and Artistic Director of Davalois Fearon Dance (DFD), she has spearheaded a groundbreaking dance company that embodies social consciousness and artistic integrity. Fearon's choreographic works, such as 'Time to Talk,' 'Finding Herstory,' and 'For C.J.,' seamlessly blend African diasporic influences with contemporary dance, showcasing her unique artistic voice and profound storytelling abilities. Her commitment to community engagement is evident through DFD's educational initiatives, which include panel discussions and interactive activities that invite audiences to explore complex themes through movement and dialogue. Her extensive administrative experience encompasses managing all facets of her dance company, including development, marketing, and overseeing programs meant to nurture the next generation of dance professionals through programs such as the DFD Commissioning Initiative. This initiative allows developing dancers and choreographers to develop a project with the option to share their work with an audience. It offers a forum for sharing and premiering their work and provides each commissioned artist with a stipend, mentorship from Fearon, and administrative and production support. She has led other impactful initiatives, such as the 'Time to Talk' and 'For C.J.' initiatives, which shed light on racial identity, systemic racism, and health disparities through the transformative power of dance. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship is evident in her roles as a Core Faculty Lecturer at Princeton University and her extensive experience conducting workshops and masterclasses worldwide. Fearon's dedication to educating and inspiring others underscores her role as a visionary in the dance world, shaping the future of dance through her innovative choreography, collaborative spirit, and commitment to social change. Fearon herself is a commissioned artist, having completed works for Princeton University, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Harlem Stage, Gibney Dance Solo to Solo, the University of Florida, Barnard College, and further solidifying her impact on the contemporary dance scene. Her choreographic commissions, including works like 'I.D.G.A.,' 'Let Go,' and 'Joy,' delve into themes of control, joy, and societal commentary, reflecting her deep-rooted commitment to addressing pressing social issues through movement. Fearon's performances have graced renowned venues in New York City and beyond, from the Joyce Theatre to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing her innovative choreography and thought-provoking narratives. Fearon's artistic prowess has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit, The Village Voice, The New Yorker, poet Ntozake Shange’s book, Dance We Do: A Poet Explores Black Dance, in the 2019 documentary film If the Dancer Dances and most recently in the 2023 book A year of Black joy by Jamia Wilson. Before founding DFD in 2016, Fearon spent over a decade performing and teaching globally with the Stephen Petronio Company, honing her craft and sharing her passion for dance with audiences worldwide. She has been recognized for her artistic excellence with grants and awards, including DanceNYC’s Dance Advancement Fund Award 2020-2023, MAP Fund Grant in 2019, Pentacle Art Award from 2017 to 2019, 2023 Mosaic Network & Fund, and grants from the Howard Gilman Foundation. Her company has enjoyed continuous support from the Bronx Council of the Arts. |