Iyun Ashani Harrison is the founder and creative director of Ballet Ashani (formerly Ashani Dances). Harrison is a graduate of The Juilliard School, received his MFA from Hollins University, and a doctoral candidate in Education at Marymount University.

He has danced with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Seattle Dance Project, and Ailey II. Harrison’s television credits include PBS’ Setting the Stage 2007, NBC’s ‘20th Hispanic Heritage Awards, PBS’ Who’s Dancin’ Now? – Arts Education in Your Community and The South Bank Show in England.Harrison’s choreography has been commissioned by the Juilliard Dance Ensemble, Ailey School, Boston Conservatory, Collage Dance Collective, American Dance Festival, University of Florida, Henderson State University, Pomona College, Jamaica School of Dance, and the University of the West Indies.

Harrison has held several academic positions, including professorships with Cornish College of the Arts, Goucher College, and Webster University. He has also taught on the faculties of Pacific Northwest Ballet School, The Ailey School, Peabody Conservatory, and Maryland Youth Ballet. Harrison is currently an Associate Professor of the Practice of Dance at Duke University. For more information, visit http://balletashani.org, @iyunashani on FaceBook & Instagram, @balletashani on FaceBook & Instagram.