The Komansé Dance Theater Team
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.
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.
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.
KDT Advising Artists
(Choreographer in Residence, 2024-25)
Tony Berry
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.
(Digital Media Director, 2025-26)
Akeem Edwards
Akeem Edwards is a published creative entrepreneur, digital media specialist, and Jacksonville, Florida native. His passion for visual storytelling began in high school, where he served as a senior photographer and editor for the school newspaper and journalism club. There he developed foundational skills in photography, copy editing, layout design, and content creation.
For over five years, Akeem has furthered his digital media expertise as a producer, editor, and website manager for PandaKo Media, contributing to projects ranging from creative development and branding to post-production editing and multi-platform social strategy. He has also managed social media for various companies, with strengths in digital design, copywriting, analytics, audience engagement, and content optimization.
In addition to digital media, Akeem is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist. He began his dance training at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts and is versed in various dance styles from Ballet to West-African.
After earning his B.A. in Psychology, he relocated to Atlanta, where his performance and creative work have reached major platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, BET, Showtime, Paramount+, Tyler Perry Studios, Debbie Allen, Garth Fagan Dance, and BOSE’s global ad campaign. Akeem’s blend of digital expertise and creative versatility positions him uniquely within the arts. He is excited to serve as Digital Media Director for Komansé Dance Theater, where he aims to elevate the company’s visual voice, storytelling, and digital reach.
Connect with Akeem | @akeemjedwards.
(Rehearsal Director, 2018-25)
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”
Jordan Cowan
Jordan Cowan was born in Birmingham AL but raised in Jacksonville Florida! His love for dance started in grade school when he would dance with his schools hip hop dance team who would eventually turn into a dance crew that performed all over Florida. Eager to enhance his knowledge on dance Jordan attend Alabama State University (ASU) in Montgomery AL. Jordan graduated with his BFA in dance in 2019 and Join Garth Fagan dance later that same year. Jordan dance with Garth Fagan until 2021 before moving to Atlanta. Jordan now dances with Komansé Dance Company under the direction of Raianna Brown . Jordan is so thankful for all the support his family and friends provides him and always encourages everyone to let their light shine to the fullest.
How do you pronounce Komansé?
