Daphne Lee
Ballerina Dancer, Model, Artist
https://www.daphnemlee.com/, https://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/
2021
Colored Pencil, Patel & Carbon on Paper 30in x 22in
2019
Graphite on Paper 17in x 14in
“I’m currently an arts advocate and ballet dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in NYC. My mother fought with Multiple Myeloma Cancer and my father is a disabled 2-time war veteran living with Lewy Body dimentia. I am currently aiming to complete my MFA this year and have a scholarship in my named aimed at young women of color seeking to pursue performing arts careers in colleges and universities. I’m here because of the international culture and knowledge my parents instilled in me and the liberty to pursue and be supported in the arts.
I never thought I would be a professional dancer until I auditioned for Juilliard. My mother, a former dancer from London with Bajan/St. Lucian roots was my first dance teacher who taught me a diverse range of styles. On Sunday mornings, she always had the TV turned to a musical to watch performers. My father hails from Panama, where the first music I heard and danced to was Salsa and Panamanian folk dance. So music and dance was always apart of my life. Fast forward many years, I attended and graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program and toured with Ailey II. I then freelanced for six months which landed my gigs with Beyoncé and musical theatre. I then joined Lustig Dance Theatre, guested with Oakland Ballet, and completed three seasons with Collage Dance Collective. This is currently in the middle of my second season at Dance Theatre of Harlem, part of their 50th anniversary season.
As a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem, I’ve been chosen to continue the legacy of our trailblazing founder Arthur Mitchell. We are currently celebrating our 50th anniversary touring the country and having our New York season April 15-18th at New York City Center.”
(http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-daphne-lee-artist-dance-theatre-harlem-manhattan-nyc/)
Daphne is currently a member with Dance Theatre of Harlem, entrepreneur with Beautycounter and has her own scholarship in her name to help women earning degrees in the performing arts.