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Accept life as it happens. Accept the things that make you who you are. Accept the challenges, the heartache, the good and the fabulous. Embrace everything as a part of your journey.
All of life's happenings, LEARN FROM THEM! Build from the triumphs and mistakes. A rose from the concrete grew from a seed. Let your journeys nurture you into your being.
BE! SHINE!!! Fulfill your purpose. Accept it. Grow from it. EVOLVE!
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My Mission

As​ ​an​ ​artist​ ​I​ ​aim​ ​to​ ​create​ ​work​ ​that​ ​is​ ​used​ ​as​ ​a​ ​catalyst​ ​for​ ​social​ ​change;​ ​creating​ ​work​ ​in hopes​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​awareness​ ​and​ ​enlightenment​ ​to​ ​societal​ ​issues​ ​that​ ​are​ ​constantly unacknowledged.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​my​ ​desire​ ​that​ ​my​ ​work​ ​sparks​ ​conversation,​ ​that​ ​an​ ​audience​ ​can​ ​walk away​ ​pondering​ ​a​ ​thought,​ ​one​ ​they​ ​can​ ​resonate​ ​with,​ ​alter​ ​their​ ​perspective,​ ​and​ ​aid​ ​change for​ ​the​ ​greater​ ​good.​ ​Most​ ​importantly​ ​I​ ​aim to​ ​keep​ ​the​ ​African​ ​Diasporic​ ​culture​ ​alive,​ ​to​ ​gain knowledge​ ​and​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​self,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we​ ​all​ ​might​ ​thrive​ ​and​ ​seek​ ​liberation.​ ​To​ ​me,​ ​liberation is​ ​our​ ​goal;​ ​to​ ​have​ ​obtained​ ​a​ ​liberated​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​self​ ​through​ ​knowledge,​ ​style,​ ​art,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​way of​ ​life.​ ​Living​ ​life​ ​boldly,​ ​as​ ​we​ ​seek​ ​to​ ​state​ ​change​ ​and​ ​evolution.​ ​We​ ​all​ ​deserve​ ​that​ ​freedom

BIO

Affectionately known as Dani Criss The Artist; a dancer, actress, activist, creator, and writer, Dani Criss seeks to explore the individuality in humanity, the concept of self liberation, and the use of ourselves and our work as catalyst for social change. She is heavily influenced by the African diaspora, her heritage, and the history we stand on as she implements thorough research elements and processes through her artistry.

Trained extensively in the dances of the African Diaspora, predominantly in West African and Congolese techniques, various styling of modern, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, and liturgical dances. Dani is a graduate of High Point University with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Dance. As an actress, she studies authentic storytelling and uses techniques such as Misner to connect to true places of empathy.

From comedic relief, to the undeniable underdog, and the powerhouse, Dani grasps the essence of character work as if it’s her story; having worked in her collegiate theatre company, performing in outdoor theatre projects, collaborative theatre, and writing works of her own.

She has trained with Collage Dance Company (Durham, NC), the American Dance Festival and their faculty (Durham, NC), Otesha Cultural Arts Ensemble (Winston Salem, NC), Urban Bush Women and the Summer Leadership Institute (New Orleans, LA & Brooklyn, NY), The Honorable Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble (Durham, NC), as well as numerous other professional artist around the country. Her work has been seen at High Point University (High Point, NC), the American College Dance Association (Tennessee and Mississippi), Mark Morris Dance Center (Brooklyn, NY), Headlong Theatre (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), The Durham Arts Council (Durham, NC), and other various festivals, schools, and venues in NC and NYC. Dani strives to create and display authentic work that will ultimately touch, inspire, and change lives. She is a native of Durham, NC and currently works, trains, teaches and performs as a freelance artist in Brooklyn, NY.

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© 2021 All rights Reserved by Dani Criss | Created with love @ Temple Royale

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