Performing Art – New York - NYC
DIONNA JOI PRIDGEON, originally from the western suburbs of Chicago, began her dance journey post-high school and has since become a distinguished Dance Educator and Choreographer. A graduate of Point Park University, she launched her teaching career at the renowned Hubbard Street Dance Center and later contributed as faculty at The Lou Conte Dance Studio, where she was mentored by Claire Bataille, the muse and first dancer of Hubbard Street. Her educational journey spans 10 prestigious institutions, including The Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, The Joffrey Ballet School/Academy, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, and more.
Dionna has taught Master Classes across the U.S. at institutions like Columbia College and Loyola Marymount University, as well as internationally in Montreal, Norway, Germany, and South Korea. In addition to her dance career, she has also worked in the modeling industry, represented by Lily’s Talent Agency and Clear Talent Group. Her extensive training includes work with Rennie Harris: Illadelph Legends, Deeply Rooted, and American Dance Festival, along with significant involvement in renowned dance entities like Monsters of Hip Hop, The Pulse on Tour, and Ballroom Dance Chicago. In commercial dance, Dionna’s credits include performances at major events such as Coachella Music Festival, Waterbomb LA, B96 Summer Bash, and 3 Sleuths Las Vegas. She has danced in iconic works by choreographers like Brian Friedman, NappyTabs, Ian Eastwood, Luam, and Tony Testa. Her concert dance repertoire features works by legends such as Lou Conte, Robert Battle, Margo Sappington, and Danny Burczeski. Dionna’s own choreographic pieces have graced venues like TEDx, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion, and more.
As a published author, Dionna is also the Founder and Creative Director of moveDIPR (Deeper), a platform focused on professional development and purposeful projects. Her artistic contributions have earned her a Fiscal Sponsorship from Unique Projects by Pentacle, a grant from the Queens Theatre in New York, and an Artist Residency in France. In 2021, she launched DIPRminds, which includes a YouTube series (in 2021/22) and a podcast (in 2024) focused on artists and their mental health stories. As a creative entrepreneur, Dionna has designed original clothing and developed mental health resources, including a workbook and e-course. She holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Coaching, TESOL/TEFL, and DEI Awareness, and is deeply committed to advocating for mental health through her work, championing the message that #mentalhealthmatters.
After two years in South Korea, DIONNA is now returning to New York to rediscover her artistry, reintroduce herself to the dance community, and focus on a new work exploring the theme of Belonging. This project stems from her personal experiences of hardship, grief, transformation, and self-discovery over the past few years. As she navigates this new chapter, Dionna continues to seek ways to inspire and foster connection through her creative work and advocacy.