Company

Shirley Ann Bryant (Artistic Director) 

a native Detroiter, who graduated from Detroit Northern High School, BA in Computer Science from Marygrove College. Shirley was introduced to modern dance at the age of 10. Training includes Modern, Jazz, African and Dunham dance techniques locally and out of state. She studied under local artist Jacqueline Hillsman, BaBa Ali Abdullah, MaMa Fabio Manzira, Carole Morisseau, Jeri Sterrett, Greg Curry and Crystal White-Cade. She has performed in plays and festivals throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area. Her dance experience includes: Afro-Dance Workshop (1979-1982), Experimental Movement (1980-1982) artistic director Jacquelyn Hillsman, International African Cultural Arts Exchange Center (1991-1994) artistic director Ali Abdullah, Detroit City Dance Company (1995 - 1996) artistic director Carole Morisseau and Jazz & Spirit Dance Theatre of Detroit (1997-1998, 2002) artistic director Jeri Sterrett. She has worked as an IT Specialist since 1987. Founder of ‘Body Rhythm Dance Theatre’.  She was a 2014 Knight Foundation award winner for her Detroit musical, Black Bottom's Paradise a Musical. 

 Olivia Alise Bryant (Dancer) born and raised in Southfield, MI. She is a graduate from Southfield A&T High School.  She is currently in college working on a double major in dance and nursing concentration. She  trained at Body Rhythm Dance Theatre starting at the age of 3. Her dance training consist of Ballet, Modern, Jazz,  Contemporary, Tap, African, Hip Hop and Lester Horton technique. She has participated in summer intensive with Dance Theater of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Debbie Allen Dance Academy.  She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2019.
 

 Sierra Phelps (Dancer) is a Houston native who graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Africana Studies.  Developing her passion for dance at the age of 8, Sierra has continued to explore her artistry within the styles of modern, ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz. She attended several dance studios, but was not transformed by the quality and essence of movement until joining Urban Souls Dance Company under the direction of Harrison Guy. Within the company, Sierra expanded her repertoire as a student of Graham and Dunham techniques as well African dance.  She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2021.

Davonna Snipes (Dancer) born and raised in Detroit, graduated from Murry Wright High school.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Software Development, from ITT Technical Institute and currently works as a Business Analyst. In high school under artistic director Kimberly Traver, she began training in  Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, African, Hip Hop, and Ballroom.  Davonna also danced under artistic director Jeri Sterrett of Jazz and Spirit Dance Theatre of Detroit from 2016-2019. She began  taking community class in 2014 at Body Rhythm Dance Theatre. She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2021.

Sondra Kariem (Dancer) is a Detroit native who graduated from Cass Technical High School.  She attended for undergrad with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Oakland University. Sondra started dancing at the age of 2. The first dance company that she joined was Cuban Festival Dance Company. She continued to dance with local instructors such as Karen Prall, Penny Godboldo, Sandra Jones-Kariem, Anthony Smith, etc. Sondra’s dance training consists of African, Cuban, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Liturgical, etc. Sondra has attended various workshops with Katherine Dunam, Clifford Fears, and Alvin Ailey Dance Company. While at Eastern Michigan University, Sondra joined Diversion Dance Troupe. In 2018, Sondra was selected to join the Debbie Allen’s Summer Intensive. Sondra teaches dance and cheerleading to children ages 5 to 14. She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2021. She will continue to pursue her love for dance for many years to come.

Bre'Ahynna Barton (Dancer) born in Detroit Michigan, started her dancing journey training in modern, jazz, tap, praise, contemporary, and majorette.  She graduated from Cass Technical High School, where she trained under Lisa Reynolds and Anthony Smith while also being a majorette dancer and choreographer for Cass Tech Marching Band Majorettes.  Bre'Ahynna trained at Dancetera Dance Studio and Booth Dance Academy under director Tammie Booth.  She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2021.

Emily Elise Bryant (Dancer) born and raised in Southfield, Mi.  She graduated from Southfield University High School and    has a BS in nursing concentration from EMU, her goal is to be a Pediatric Nurse. She trained at Body Rhythm Dance Theatre starting at the age of 3. Her dance training consist of Ballet, Modern, Jazz,  Contemporary, Tap, African, Hip Hop and Lester Horton technique.  She joined Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2021.

Takyra Jackson (Dancer) born and raised in Detroit, Mi. s a graduate from University Preparatory High School where she trained under Michelle Briscoe and Tiffany Veal. She started her dance journey training in ballet, modern, contemporary, and praise. Takyra trained at Booth Dance Academy under director Tammie Booth. This is Takyra's first year with the company.

Demiân White (Dancer) a native Detroiter,  graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse. Demiân received her training in ballet from The Link School of the Arts before continuing contemporary and ballet training at Dance Athletics Competitive Edge. Demiân continued dancing with Michigan State University’s Dance Team. She joins Body Rhythm Dance Theatre in 2024.