CHANEL HOLLAND // FOUNDER + ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Chanel Holland is a traditional ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop choreographer and pioneer who devotes her time teaching Vaganova technique to inner-city youth. She’s a lead teaching artist for BalletX’s in-school dance education program, Dance eXchange.

At the age of 16, Chanel was accepted into The Alvin Ailey School, a world-class training program for aspiring dancers. She studied at Koresh, The University of the Arts, National Dance Institute NYC, and Wissahickon Dance Academy. Determined to put her knowledge to use, Chanel’s experience extends to becoming a Complexions’ Apprentice, a member of the Philadelphia Dance Company II, NAACP-ACT-So’s 2011 Gold Medalist, 2010 Choreographer of the Year, and a member of the Sixers Junior Dance Team. Through her time in the dance community, Chanel engages in the opportunity to be an active background dancer for various local and international artists.

Throughout her creative journey, Chanel didn’t just test out dance: she started as an actress, attending the New Freedom Theatre performing arts program. Chanel was granted the opportunity to participate in roles with legendary Philadelphia actors Johnnie Hobbs, Jr., Walter Dallas, and many others.
She created Chocolate Ballerina Company for change due to the lack of ballet culture in urban communities and performance opportunities for black artists. Building a company out of pain and self-resentment has transpired through the company’s repertory and lives through the passion in the company dancers.

Chanel received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet from Temple University and continues to choreograph and teach artist development experiences.