MARK WILLIS

Mark Willis, a New York City native, is a professional dance artist. He began his formal dance training at Montclair State University, under the direction of Lori Katterhenry where he received his B.F.A. in Dance. At MSU, Mark performed works by esteemed choreographers such as José Limón, Earl Mosely, Bill T. Jones, Anna Sokolow, May O’ Donnell and Maxine Steinman. He was the recipient of the Jeanne Wade Heningburg Scholarship and Spirit of Dance Award given by the Department of Theatre and Dance. In 2014, Mark’s solo piece entitled, “Save Me” was selected to be performed at the American College Dance Festival at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, where it accorded positive reception and praise.

Mark has graced both national and international stages as a principal dancer with the José Limón Dance Company and WHITE WAVE Dance Company, performing at renowned venues such as at Lincoln Center, Jacob's Pillow, The Joyce Theatre, and Asia Cultural Center (S. Korea). He's had the pleasure of working with BARKIN/SELISSEN Project, Jody Oberfelder Projects, Douglas Dunn and Dancers, ARCOS Dance, Christina Noel and The Creature, Obremski/Works, Maxine Steinman and Dancers, Earl Mosely's Diversity in Dance / Hearts of Men, Hee Ra Yoo and Dancers, among others. Mr. Willis has performed in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and throughout North America. His teaching credits include The José Limón Dance Foundation, Montclair State University, Gibney Dance, Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Center, Seoul Tanz Studio and more. His other creative endeavours include choreographing, composing, singing, and playing the trumpet.

In addition to dancing, Mark is involved with Drum Corps. and pageantry activities. From 2007 to 2012 Mark performed with the 10-time Drum Corps. International (DCI) World Championship national touring ensemble, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps as a member of the colorguard. In 2009, Mark had the privilege of performing with The Cadets in President Barak Obama’s inauguration parade. He was a featured soloist in their 2011 Championship show entitled "Angels and Demons", in which The Cadets were awarded the gold medal. He was a performing member of Winter Guard International (WGI) finalist, Alter Ego Winterguard in 2009 and 2011. Mark has choreographed for The Cadets, AMP Winterguard, Fusion Winterguard, Alter Ego Winterguard, Q Winterguard, The Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps., as well as high schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida.