ISHMAEL GIDDENS
Orlando, FL
Apprentice since 2025
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Ishmael Giddens, born and raised in Orlando Florida began his dance training when he was just 10 years old with a local hip hop dance troupe in central Florida.  After attending The Nutcracker 3 years later on a school field trip, he had his grandfather enroll him at the Central Florida Ballet Academy the very next day, receiving a full scholarship. While there he trained under the direction of Vladimir Bykov, Vasile Petrutiu, Natalia Bashkatova, Dawn Branch, Shayna Tevaga and Brittany Benton. During his time at the Academy he was able to study ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and even character. In addition to the Academy, he was a magnet member at Dr. Phillips Performing arts high school directed by Kathy Follensbee. Ishmael attended numerous summer intensive programs including Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, The University of North Carolina School for the Arts and Dance Theatre of Harlem. After graduating from Dr.Phillips Performing Arts High School, he studied at the Boston conservatory at Berklee and Alabama State University. After relocating to Chicago, Ishmael received a full scholarship to attend the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program under the direction of Victor Alexander.

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Ishmael is eager to expand his growth as a professional with Visceral Dance Chicago.