LACHSA is excited to welcome Dr. Evan Williams as the new Chair of its Dance Department. Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience to LACHSA Dance both as a dancer and a physical therapist.

He was born and raised in London, England and started dancing at age 12. Upon graduation from The Royal Ballet School in 1990, he became the first black dancer to be offered a contract to perform with The Birmingham Royal Ballet. He went on to join The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York and then The Geneva Ballet in Switzerland. Throughout his dance career he performed work by Sir Kenneth McMillan, Alvin Ailey, Nacho Duato, Ohad Naharin and William Forsythe amongst others. In addition, he was the rehearsal Director for Phoenix Dance Company in England and The Director of The Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, California.

He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy from St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London, England and his Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He has also completed a Fellowship in Orthopedic and Sports Injuries at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California.

He attributes his successes to the focus and discipline he learned from dance:

“The focus and discipline I acquired from my dance training and career has allowed me to achieve not one but two degrees, become fluent in Spanish, and start my own business. It has taken me around the world and opened me up to worlds and cultures I would never otherwise have been exposed to! The magic felt when onstage dancing, is how I imagine a bird feels when it flies through the air.”

Williams became a teaching artist at LACHSA during last school year, teaching Classical Ballet. In addition to his role at LACHSA, he works as a Physical Therapist specializing in Orthopedic and Sports injuries.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Williams to the LACHSA family as the new Dance Department Chair!