The Ailey School

Shayla-Vie Jenkins is a collection of opposites: majestic yet modest, poised yet relaxed, explosive yet contained. She dances as if she’s having an intimate conversation with each member of the audience. A native of Ewing, NJ, Jenkins began her training at the Watson-Johnson Dance Theatre and the Mercer County Performing Arts School. In 2004, she graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program (with a minor in English literature) and went on to dance with the Kevin Wynn Collection, nathantrice/RITUALS and the Francesca Harper Project. In 2005, she became a founding member of Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre and also joined the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Jenkins continues to captivate audiences as a dancer and artistic collaborator in both companies.