LESLIE ANDREA WILLIAMS

BIO

Leslie Andrea Williams is a creative storyteller who loves art, fashion, film, and music. She dances, sings, writes songs, acts, models, makes dance films, does art/movement direction, choreographs, and sketches. 

Leslie was born in Newport News, Virginia and was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Leslie studied at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, and graduated with a BFA in Dance. While at Juilliard, in her senior year, she had the honor of dancing the leading role of "She of the Ground" in the revival of Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow. Also in her senior year, she performed "The Trumpet Solo" from Bob Fosse's Dancin, staged by Deb McWaters. Her performance in Dark Meadow earned her an invitation to join the Martha Graham Dance Company—not even two months after graduating from Juilliard. She has now excelled in the company and is a leading dancer performing Principal roles around the world— in places such as Italy, France, Germany, Greece, China, Taiwan, Russia, and Cuba. Her most notable and iconic role is as the lead in Martha Graham’s Chronicle. Her performance earned her a mention in The New York Time's “ Best Dance of 2019” list. She has also been named in Dance Magazine as a dancer “On the Rise” and in Teen Vogue as a “Rising star Personifying Black Excellence” Ms. Williams' work has been described in reviews as “hypnotic,” “larger than life,” and she is someone who “effortlessly controls the gaze of the audience.” Leslie has also been profiled and featured in Marie Claire Taiwan and Psychology Today. 

Leslie has danced in multiple music videos for music star/singer/songwriter/producer Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange) featuring artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Ava Raiin. Leslie has also created movement and starred in music videos for artists Zenizen, Braxton Cook, and Glassio. Leslie has danced/modeled in NYFW shows for brands Wiederhoeft and Desigual. Her work with Wiederhoeft has been seen in Vogue and Paper magazine, just to name a few. Leslie frequently collaborates with Alex Aikiu, a top fashion creative director and and artist based in Paris, France on a multitude of projects. Leslie also has served as movement director for fashion brand Saint Sintra. 

Leslie works with world-renowned artist and film director Rashid Johnson on his exhibition The Hikers, and has performed for his exhibition openings in Aspen, Colorado and New York City. 

Leslie has been a model and ambassador for the dance wear brand Capezio. She has also starred in the Dior Perfume campaign #DiorLoveChain.

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In early 2022, Leslie was appointed a position on the board of directors for a brand new theater company, Off-Brand Opera.

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Leslie intends to spend a lifetime performing on and off the stage in an array of creative outlets. 

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