Desmond Richardson

DESMOND RICHARDSON. Co-Founder, Co-Artistic Director, HON Doctorate UNCSA recipient.

An iconic American Dance Professional, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet celebrating its 30th year anniversary in 2025, Broadway Tony Award Nominee, Critics Choice Award, LA Ovation Award, TedTalk Guest artist & speaker, and So You Think You Can Dance & AMICI (Italy) Guest performer & Choreographer.

Richardson is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and has graced the covers of various publications; he was the first African American Principal dancer of American Ballet Theater, a principal dancer with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Frankfurt Ballet and has been a featured guest performer nationally and internationally.

He has received the Capezio, Rosey Roosevelt Thompson, Bessie and Dance Magazine awards. Richardson and his collaborator Dwight Rhoden recently choreographed the musical “Mozart Her Story” that received its debut at Carnegie Hall and on the West End in London, UK. Richardson’s character Ted appeared on the HBO Max hit series “The Other Two” Season 3. He continues to teach nationally and internationally.