Mikaela S. Brandon
Performing Artist (SAG-AFTRA, 200 RYT)
Mikaela S. Brandon (she/her), originally from Warren, NJ is a dancer, choreographer, actor, and yoga teacher. She began formal dance training at age three at Washington Rock Dance under the mentorship of Cleo Mack. She furthered her education at Fordham University/The Ailey School and received her BFA in Dance with a minor in Psychology. In 2018-2019, Mikaela was named recipient of the Denise Jefferson Memorial Scholarship. Her college performances include Alvin Ailey’s Memoria at New
York City Center and Robert Battle’s The Hunt (excerpt) at David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Mikaela also assisted choreographer Bradley Shelver in setting Where There Are Tongues on the second company, Ailey II, after being an original cast member in the work.
For three consecutive years, Mikaela presented original choreography at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. Her work has been described as powerful, meaningful, and thought-provoking. It demonstrates an appreciation of raw emotion and authentic experience. Common themes include truth, connection, and
stillness. Her most recent work, When and Where I Enter (2022), premiered with McKoy Dance Project || MDP at Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Mikaela has been on the Junior Division faculty at the Ailey School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She is well-versed in codified modern and contemporary dance techniques. Additionally, Mikaela completed programs such as Hubbard Street’s Professional Training Program (HSPro) and Springboard Danse Montréal, under the direction of Alexandra Wells. She has studied and worked closely with Amy Hall-Garner, Jennifer Archibald, Peter Chu, Adam Barruch, Troy Ogilvie, and more.
Mikaela is equally passionate about both performance and social engagement. In 2017, she traveled to Guatemala with JUNTOS Collective, an organization devoted to dance and community outreach initiatives. In 2020, she worked within Dance Artists’ National Collective, a New York-based organization devoted to justice and change in the field. To rest/heal, Mikaela enjoys spending time in nature and practicing yoga in different ways. She recently formed Conscious Movement, LLC. to further her movement journey and to share with others. Mikaela is currently the Associate Artistic Director of McKoy Dance Project || MDP, a contemporary dance company based in Brooklyn NY. To connect further, visit www.ms-b.me.
