The Komansé Dance Theater Team

Artistic Director - Raianna Brown

At the intersection of technology, art, and social activism stands Komansé Dance Theater, founded by multidisciplinary artist and innovator Raianna C. Brown. Born from Brown's unique vision while she pursued dual enrollment at The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Emory University, Komansé has evolved into a groundbreaking performance company that merges cutting-edge technology with powerful storytelling.

The company's distinctive approach has combined projection mapping, 3D printed costumes, and immersive performances to amplify narratives of marginalized communities. Through partnerships with prestigious institutions like the High Museum of Art, The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta, and The National Center for Civil & Human Rights, Komansé creates transformative experiences that challenge audiences while celebrating black cultural expression.

Brown's leadership extends beyond traditional artistic boundaries. A 2018 Georgia Tech graduate, she seamlessly bridges the worlds of engineering and art, having served as a lead software developer at CMB Global Partners consulting firm, while working as a dancer with industry icons like Beyoncé, Shakira, and Debbie Allen. Her innovative fusion of disciplines has earned her recognition as one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" in 2021, with features in Teen Vogue, Elle, and The Cut.

Today, Komansé Dance Theater continues to expand its impact through full evening-length shows, workshops, and masterclasses. Their recent production, SKID, created in partnership with Covenant House, demonstrates their commitment to community engagement. As the Cecilia Caines Artist-in-Residence at The Paideia School in Atlanta, Brown collaborates with fellow Georgia Tech graduates Ta Nycia Wooden and Dr. Michole Washington to develop educational programs that emphasize storytelling, representation, and movement.

Through every performance and initiative, Komansé remains dedicated to its core mission: creating art that illuminates the universal connections in human experience while advancing social activism through the power of dance and technology. By weaving together traditional movement, innovative technology, and authentic storytelling, the company creates spaces where audiences can both witness and engage with pressing social issues.

This unique approach not only entertains but educates and empowers, fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse communities. Whether through their mainstage productions, educational workshops, or community partnerships, Komansé continues to demonstrate how the intersection of arts and technology can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change and human connection.

Company Manager & Creative Consultant - Ta Nycia Wooden

Ta Nycia Wooden has been in love with art since the beginning of time. As a child, you could find her with many different colors in her hair and countless ideas spilling onto the pages of her notebook. Today, that same vibrant spirit breathes life into every project she touches. A multi-hyphenate creative, Ta Nycia seamlessly blends artistry and strategy, leaving an indelible mark on every endeavor.

A 2018 graduate of the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology, Ta Nycia’s journey is defined by both artistic exploration and steadfast leadership. During her time at Georgia Tech, she held numerous leadership positions, volunteered as a campus tour guide, and cultivated a unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking—skills that have propelled her across industries and artistic disciplines.

As the Company Manager and Artistic Consultant for Komansé Dance Theater, Ta Nycia's role is as expansive as her talents. She moves effortlessly between managing the internal operations of the company and contributing to its artistic vision. Her work behind the scenes is rooted in a deep understanding of both the creative process and the logistical frameworks that bring performances to life.

Beyond Komansé, Ta Nycia has carved a dynamic path in the world of independent film. She has worked on numerous award-winning film sets and most recently served as producer for Something in the Water, a documentary commissioned by her alma mater, Georgia Tech. Her contributions to the arts extend to directing, costume design,  and art direction for projects commissioned by the High Museum of Art and collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Ta Nycia is a published photographer and the founder of That’s the Rumor Productions, a creative hub that embodies her diverse talents in directing, producing, and consulting. She runs her own creative consulting agency, where she partners with artists to bring their visions to life—from timeline building and securing corporate sponsorships to stage management and creative direction. Her professional journey is further enriched by her experience as a consultant at CMB Global Partners where she earned a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma Transformations. This unique blend of creative and analytical expertise allows Ta Nycia to approach her projects with a rare combination of loving discernment and strategic precision.

An avid pianist, Ta Nycia’s love of music deeply influences her work with dancers, infusing each collaboration with rhythm, emotion, and intention. Her artistic mission is rooted in empowerment—whether through her archival photography, which will travel her internationally in 2025, or her thoughtful leadership in the many creative spaces she inhabits. Ta Nycia Wooden is an artist, a leader, and a visionary who thrives on being on all sides of both stage and film productions. Her work is not only a reflection of her boundless creativity but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to elevating the voices and visions of those around her.

Tony Berry - Choreographer in Residence

Teacher, Dancer, and Choreographer Antonio DeBerry better known as Tony Berry. Graduated from Bowling Green State University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education with a focus in Dance. Over 10 years Tony has been an educator, dancer and choreographer in the industry. Training and creating in the styles such as Jazz, Contemporary Modern, Hip Hop and Heels. Working with a wide range of artists such as Kanye West, Rico Nasty, LaLa Rai, Savannah Cristina , Lisa Yaro, Diamond ATL, Todrick Hall, Big Freeda, Teyana Taylor, Jill Scott, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyage and more.

Although dance has been Tony’s main identifier, his talents didn’t stop there. Following his love for musical theater Tony has appeared in popular Broadway plays such as Chicago, Dreamgirls, and Westside Story. The excitement of musical theater was what lead Tony into Television and Film. Casted as the lead, Matt, in Foul Play, on Amazon Prime. Then having the opportunities to work with Disney and Marvel Studios on the show Tag Team, Genius Aretha on National Geographic, With this Ring on Lifetime movies , and season 2 of PValley on Starz, to name a few. It was clear Tony loved the screen.

Concert dance has been a huge part of Tony’s training and artistry development. Dancing for companies such as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Dancing Wheels dance company, a physically integrated dance company, Verb Ballet, Davis Contemporary Dance Company, NU-World Contemporary Danse Company, Komansé Dance Theater, Duffy Liturgical, and City Gate Dance Theater. Every company has instilled knowledge and skills into their artist and help mold them. Giving them more then just dance but community. That’s why Tony gave back to his community by doing outreach with the cities department of recreation to provide free dance classes to inner city children that can’t afford dance opportunities. Also, doing outreach in local city schools and the Boys and Girls Club of America. Just providing the children with different avenues of expression. Giving back has afforded Tony the opportunity to dance for the NAACP, and to be acknowledged by the United Black Funds and the Mayor of Denver , Michael Hancock.

“The experiences that I am bringing is one like no other; passion, authenticity, and creativity are just a few words to describe my approach to my students and to my artistry. Not only am I an educator through movement of dance but through inspiration and integrity. The imprint and influence I hope to bring is undeniably captivating.” — Tony DeBerry.

Company Photographer - Chelsea Burks

Chelsea Burks is a multifaceted professional whose passions for law, technology, and art intertwine seamlessly in her dynamic career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Law, Science, and Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was also a recipient of the Georgia Tech Prestige Scholarship, in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, and the Atlanta Mayor’s Youth Scholarship. During her time at Georgia Tech, Chelsea served as the Overnight Visitations Chair for the African American Recruitment Team through Georgia Tech Admissions and held a leadership role as Black History Chair on the executive board for the African American Student Union.

Chelsea’s dedication to excellence extended beyond academics. She previously worked as an Associate at BlackRock within the Client Experience organization, where she honed her skills in client service and innovation. Currently, Chelsea is a 1L at Howard University School of Law, pursuing her goal of becoming a patent attorney and ultimately owning her own law firm.

In addition to her legal career plans, Chelsea is the founder and owner of CDNB Photography, a business that reflects her lifelong love for art and photography, particularly inspired by dance. As the company photographer for Komansé Dance Theater, Chelsea combines her artistic vision with practiced precision, capturing moments that resonate deeply with audiences. Her commitment to CDNB Photography is resolute, as she seeks to bring joy to those who witness her work and satisfaction to clients looking to preserve special memories.

When not immersed in her studies or behind the lens, Chelsea enjoys traveling, advocating for the rights of all Black women, and binge-watching Netflix. Her journey is marked by a steadfast belief in the power of pure will, and she continues to nurture her diverse talents with the same passion and dedication that have defined her path from Georgia Tech to law school and beyond.

image by CDNB photography

Rehearsal Director - Lindsey Renea

Lindsay Renea is a Choreographer, Dancer Performance Coach, and Movement Director with a background in concert dance, musical theater, and Dance on Screen.

She earned a BFA in Dance from Howard University and joined the Tony Award Winning Choreographer, Garth Fagan’s dance company, Garth Fagan Dance in upstate New York. While exploring her own creativity and choreographic endeavors she earned a MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University.

She has choreographed dance companies including Komansé Dance Theater, Muda Africa Tanzania, as well as her own company, Notnebia Dance Company based in South Eastern region.

She has been nominated for Broadway World’s "Best Choreographer" award for creating movement to support scripted musical storytelling on theater stages including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Production of "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Nina Simone: Four Women”. Visually, no matter the setting, Lindsay’s choreography is a blend of vivid storytelling through complex melodies and grounded syncopations that intrigues even the most trained eye and ear. 

Lindsay has also served as the Artistic Director and an Assistant Professor of Dance at Alabama State University. She is the Founder of Dance On Screen Alabama(DOSABAMA) training program and festival. She choreographed the internationally broadcast 2022 Olympic World Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

She can also be seen as a featured dancer in several movie productions including “Coming 2 America” 

KDT Assistants

  • Rochelle L. Philips

    Rochelle L. Phillips is a fourth-year Dance Performance and Choreography major who has begun to flourish at Spelman College. Phillips was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and  has been training since she was two years old. Phillips started at the Conservatory of Dance and Fine Arts where she trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and acrobatics. After graduating from Dekalb School of the Arts, she attended the University of the Arts on scholarship, where she also completed her freshman year of college. Phillips has applied her knowledge by interning at the Infinite Dance Theatre, performing for Jade Nova’s Live concert, and performing with Komansè Dance Theater.

  • AC A. Wilson

    AC Wilson is a native to Minneapolis, MN and has been training in tap, ballet, and musical theater for nearly 7 years. AC began his dance journey as an actor that just respected and love the art of dance. Eventually leading to a more in depth relationship. He found himself in Atlanta, GA by way of Clark Atlanta University, perusing a degree in public relations. While in school he has been fortunate enough to work and study under creatives such as Anthony Burrell, Debbie Allen, Dyllon Burnside, as well as Tyler Perry. He plans on being a full time writer, actor, and artistic director and Komanse Dance Theater has given him the space to peruse those outlets simultaneously. He looks forward to his first full season as a company assistant.

 

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