ABOUT ME
James R. Atkinson Jr. is a highly accomplished artist, educator, and choreographer with a deep passion for creating classical and contemporary ballet and dance. With a diverse range of talents and experiences, his work extends beyond the stage to include theater, site-specific, film projects, global events, festivals, and much more. As an artist dedicated to pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic possibilities, Mr. Atkinson consistently delivers captivating performances that captivate audiences worldwide.
His expertise in both classical and contemporary styles of dance allows him to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, creating dynamic and thought-provoking works that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Atkinson's artistic vision encompasses a wide range of themes and narratives, reflecting his deep understanding of the human experience and his commitment to storytelling through movement.With an impressive portfolio of accomplishments and a relentless drive for artistic exploration, James R. Atkinson Jr. continues to make a lasting impact on the world of dance. Click on the tabs below to delve deeper into his artistic journey, collaborations, and upcoming projects.
Education
2009-2011
New York University
Tisch School of the Arts
New York, NY
He earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree with an emphasis on Dance Performance and Choreography. This advanced degree has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies of dance as an art form and has honed his skills as a performer and choreographer.
2000-2003
SUNY Purchase College
State University of New York
Purchase, NY
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a strong emphasis in Ballet composition, Dance Performance, and Art Administration courses. This comprehensive undergraduate education has provided him with a well-rounded foundation in various aspects of dance and arts management.
2003/Summer Milwaukee Ballet School
1997-2002 Dance Theatre of Harlem School
1997/Summer San Francisco Ballet School
1996/Summer Hartford Ballet School
1995-2000. New England Ballet School
1995- 1997 Education Center for The Arts (ECA) Dance Department
Dance Training
Company Experience
2009 Connecticut Ballet: Guest Performer
2006 Jose Mateo’s Ballet Theatre: Company Artist
2005 Capacitor: Company Artist
2005 Oakland Ballet: Company Artist
2004-2006 Columbia City Ballet: Soloist
2004 Ballet British Columbia: Company Artist
2003 Sacramento Ballet: Company Artist
2002 Dance Theatre of Harlem: Ensemble Artist
2001 Gleich Contemporary Ballet Company: Company Artist
2001/Summer Compania de Danza Contemporanea de Burgos (Spain): Company Artist 1998-2008 New England Ballet Company: Principal Artist
1998 Sonia Plum Dance Company: Company Artist