Darien Jones (Neptune, NJ) began his dance training under the direction of Heather Wanner with Shoreline Dance Academy, where he competed and trained intensely from age 7-17. DJ has expanded his training over the years attending the Ailey Summer Intensive on scholarship, being a member of USTD “The Company”, and many other cross-training opportunities at other studios, classes, and intensives in the Tri-State areas, outside of his rigorous competition/recital schedule. During his collegiate career, DJ headed off to Jacksonville University where he received his bachelor’s on scholarship for Dance & Choreography, as well as being a four-year Jacksonville University Siren dance team member and choreography captain. During his collegiate career, DJ has received many accolades such as Most Excellent in Dance Performance for the universities Dance Department, NDA All American x3, etc. DJ was a part of works by esteemed choreographers such as Brian Nicholson, Norbert De La Cruz, Paula Nunez, Cleo Parker Robinson, Yoshito Sakuraba, and many more throughout his time at Jacksonville University. Darien danced professionally with DBDT: Encore! for two seasons and is now in his first season with Dallas Black Dance Theatre.