Dawn Branch is a native New Yorker and graduate of the world-renowned LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts. Dawn holds a BA in Media & Communications from State University at Old Westbury and is DEA Certified Level II. Ms. Branch was a soloist with the Bernice Johnson Dance Company and a scholarship student with the Alvin Ailey American Dance School. She studied under the guidance of Madame Darvarsh, Penny Frank, Denise Jefferson, Kevin Austin Hunt, as well as Kevin Iega Jeff.

Ms. Branch’s career has included co-choreographing with Michael Peters (choreographer for Michael Jackson) for "On Stage America," performed with Ben Vereen at Avery Fisher Hall in New York and performed with Diana Ross at Central Park, also in New York. She was the rehearsal director for The Chocolate Nutcracker (Orlando, FL).  She is Founder and President of Dawn Branch Master Dance Series & Performances, a workshop series which brought master teachers from the NYC area into Central Florida. 2009-2012. Master Artists included Desmond Richardson, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Obediah Wright, Troy Powell of Alvin Ailey II, and Jamel Gaines of Creative Outlet.

Dawn Branch Works Contemporary Ballet Company was formed after The Center for Contemporary Dance brought choreographer, Dawn Branch, together with local professional dancers for a project for the 2012 Olympics.  Her vision for this Professional Company, “…to establish a strong set of technical dancers who can perform my works — works that have meaning, soul, and what I like to call, “The Give Back”...and help continue the legacy of the dance repertoire that originated with the Bernice Johnson Dance Company “.  As a dancer you age out of the system as many athletes do, but you still have a lot to say. I wanted an opportunity to continue a dance career and give back all that was given to me…” - Dawn Branch featured in Black Enterprise Online Magazine in 2013.

She has choreographed numerous Platinum status awards and first placed titles for both International and National Ballet Competitions, and multiple times her performers placed as National Champions.  She choreographed for the World Ballet Competition in Romania; her work placed fourth and was selected to present at The Gala Awards Ceremony.  She directed the NAACP Local ACTSO program in Sanford, FL for two years where twice her Dance competitor placed Gold which qualified for Nationals.  Most recently, her choreography has won first place overall in duos/trios ages 8-11 division as well as “Judge’s Pick” at the Elite Dance Tournament presented by Joffrey Ballet School and Complexions in May 2015.  In April 2016, her choreography placed first in the Junior Contemporary category at the International Ballet and Contemporary Dance Competition Domenico Modugno / Bari Ballet Competition in Italy and was invited to perform in The Gala as well.

In 2014, Dawn created, choreographed and produced “Eden”, a soulful reflection on the challenging journey towards self-actualization and spiritual connection in this story of Eve as she leaves the Garden of Eden and attempts to assimilate with the world outside.  With a cast of performers aged 8 to adult, Eden features both professional and emerging artists.  Branch says, “The idea of creating a work to give honor to the Lord is exciting.  It’s clean, wholesome and necessary for outreach.  If we can introduce God to one viewer, then I’m pleased.  It’s evangelism through the Arts.” The response was overwhelmingly positive, creating the demand for “Eden” to be an annual production, now in its 4th year.  Auditions are held in the fall with the production in March/April each year. 

In April of 2016, Dawn Branch Works Junior Company was launched, designed for young dancers, between the ages of 7-17, eager to improve their technique and performance abilities, with goals of becoming sought after dancers in the industry, such as commercial, theater, and/or professional companies.  Members receive accelerated learning in Contemporary and Modern with an emphasis on ballet, training together weekly through group coaching sessions and company rehearsals held at Central Florida Ballet. 

Dawn Branch is currently a freelance teacher and choreographer throughout Central Florida.