FOUNDER | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

(She/They)

Dominique M. Fontenot, a multifaceted visionary, channels her passion for the arts into a transformative force. Hailing from Lawtell, Louisiana, she earned her BFA in Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and pursued further studies, attaining an MA in Dance Education and Ballet Pedagogy from New York University and American Ballet Theatre. As the founding dance instructor at Achievement First Ujima High School, she is entrusted with the curation of all artistic productions, while concurrently stewarding an esteemed after-school initiative known as Lion Dance Ensemble. Dominique is the artistic director of R.E.A.C.H. Collective, which is a non-profit dedicated to nurturing Black and Brown movement artists, fostering creation, instruction, and performance opportunities. A guiding principle echoes through her work: "You live to create another day." Dominique's influence radiates as a teaching artist at Harlem School of the Arts and American Ballet Theatre, while her mentorship extends to Northwest High School's 'Dazzling Dolls' and the trailblazing 337 All Star Dance Team: the Elite Gems, which she founded in 2017. Dominique Fontenot embodies the essence of artistic empowerment, weaving a legacy that resonates far beyond the stage.