Nashville native, Countess V. Winfrey, currently serves as a performer, teaching artist, choreographer, and rehearsal director for The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Winfrey attended the University of Memphis, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance, and a minor in Dance. Countess has performed nationally and internationally in Bermuda, China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. She has had the privilege of performing works by acclaimed choreographers including Talley Beatty, Rennie Harris, Paul Taylor, Dwight Rhoden, Ron K. Brown, Donald McKayle, Ray Mercer, and many more. Additionally, she has taught and choreographed for various institutions throughout the midwest, including DCDC, DCDC2, The Ohio State University, Miami University, The School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, Ohio University, and Regional Dance Association. Her most recent commissions include the world premiere of “Homage: What was, Is, To Come” (commissioned by the Cincinnati Art Museum and Ohio Dance, 2022) and “Somewhere, They Freed Themselves” (commissioned by Mutual Dance Theater, 2023). Ms. Winfrey will be entering her 10th season dancing with the professional company and her 12th year with the Organization.
Get to know Countess!
Seasons with DDI: 3
Company affiliation: DCDC
What inspires you? Why do you dance?:
Music, stories, human connection;
I dance because I can...I am blessed to have a body, mind, and spirit that dances. I don't ever want to forget how powerful that is.
What do you love about DDI?
I love the beautiful relationships and comradery that is birthed from this summer performance experience.
Favorite Dayton local business:
After5, Culture, The Reserve on 3rd