Jennifer Archibald, a Toronto native, stands as a prominent figure in the world of contemporary Dance 1. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives, Archibald’s influence spans performance and education. Her choreographic talent is widely recognized, having been commissioned by leading ballet companies such as Ailey II, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West, and many others, showcasing her versatility within the dance 1 landscape. She has also extended her creative reach into commercial projects, collaborating with brands like NIKE and MAC Cosmetics, and choreographing for well-known music artists, demonstrating her broad appeal in the dance 1 industry. Her return to the Crypto Arena for KCON’s opening choreography further solidifies her position as a sought-after talent in diverse performance settings related to dance 1.
Recognized for her pioneering spirit, Archibald was appointed as the first female Resident Choreographer in Cincinnati Ballet’s history, marking a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated field of ballet dance 1. Her upcoming commissions for BalletMet, Grand Rapids Ballet, BalletX, and other prestigious organizations underscore her continued impact on shaping the future of dance 1 in 2025 and beyond. Beyond ballet, Archibald’s expertise extends to theater, as seen in her role as acting Movement Director for Michael Kahn’s The Oresteia at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Her directorial debut with WeAight earned official selection at the 2022 Dance on Camera Festival, highlighting her multifaceted talents within the broader spectrum of dance 1 and performance art.
Archibald is particularly noted for her development of the “Documentary Ballet” format. This innovative approach integrates historical narratives into dance 1, fostering community engagement and deeper understanding. Works like Breakin’Bricks, honoring Black Wall Street, Sounds of the Sun, exploring the Holocaust experience of Florence Waren, and Seven, a biography of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, exemplify her commitment to using dance 1 as a medium for historical storytelling and social commentary. These projects extend beyond conventional stage performances, emphasizing historical education as a crucial element of the artistic process within dance 1.
The reach of Archibald’s choreographic works is extensive, with performances at esteemed venues such as Aaron Davis Hall, Central Park’s Summerstage, Lincoln Center, and The Kennedy Center. Her accolades include a Choreographic Fellowship from Ailey’s New Directions Choreography Lab and recognition as a Joffrey Ballet Winning Works Choreographic Competition recipient, affirming her expertise in dance 1. Her commissioned piece “DIRT” was notably presented at TED TALK by MADCO Dance Company, further demonstrating the impact and relevance of her dance 1 creations. Arch Dance Company’s Chasing Shadows was also restaged for Dallas Black Dance Theater, and Archibald received the City of New York Dance Initiative in 2018-19, highlighting her continuous contributions to the dance 1 community.
Currently sharing her expertise as an Acting Lecturer at the Yale School of Drama and as Guest Faculty Lecturer at Columbia/Barnard College to develop Hip Hop dance 1 curriculum, Archibald is also a sought-after guest artist at numerous universities. These include Boston Conservatory, Fordham/Ailey, Princeton, and Virginia Commonwealth University, among others. Her return engagements as a guest choreographer for the School at Jacob’s Pillow further cement her role as a leading educator and innovator in the field of dance 1. Jennifer Archibald’s dedication to choreography, education, and pushing the boundaries of dance 1 solidify her position as a significant and inspiring figure in the contemporary dance world. For more information, visit www.Jennniferarchibald.com.
