Jamel Gaines and Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn (contemporary guest artists) present dance as the main ingredient fused with theater, voice, poetry, film and live music. Much more than entertainment, their repertory draws attention to social and cultural issues. Jamel is the Founder and Artistic Director of the company. He was raised in Queens, NY and began his career as a choreographer at SUNY/Purchase, where he graduated with a BFA and received scholarships from Harry Belafonte and Alvin AileyAmerican Dance Center. Under the direction of Kevin Iega Jeff and Jubilation! Dance Company, Mr. Gaines developed his unique sense of staging and performance quality. Over the past fourteen years, Mr. Gaines has choreographed and staged over 50 concert and repertory productions. His work includes choreography for the Alvin Ailey Dance Center, the Martha Graham School of Dance and the American Black Film Festival/Film Life Awards Ceremony among numerous others. Jamel choreographed and instructed for the DT Performance and Intensive in 2003, 2004 and 2008. creativeoutlet.org