Anthony Burrell

As an artist, I embrace contradiction, blending righteous and ratchet, sacred and profane elements. My work challenges conventions, reshaping narratives.

Anthony Burrell joined Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2022 as an associate professor of dance. A highly accomplished and versatile artist in the performing arts industry, Burrell has left a significant impact on the arts and founded the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on providing elite arts training for BIPOC communities in Fulton County.

With an M.F.A. in dance from Hollins University, Burrell’s artistic journey began as a creative director and choreographer, making notable contributions to Mariah Carey’s projects, such as Mariah’s World and various concerts and tours. He also played a vital role in Beyonce’s groundbreaking film Lemonade, earning accolades for his choreography in “Formation.”

Known for seamlessly blending classical and commercial dance styles, Burrell has choreographed for prestigious companies and brands like Pepsi, DKNY, and Nickelodeon, collaborating with renowned artists such as Prince, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. His career expanded to Broadway, where he made his principal debut in Come Fly Away, and he also co-starred in the film The Skinny. Burrell’s choreography has been featured on popular television shows like Good Morning America and Empire.

Recognized as a rising talent, he was praised as a “young choreographer to watch” by the New York Times. Burrell has danced with esteemed companies like Philadanco and Ailey II, having had the honor of performing in the MasterWork Revelations for President Barack Obama.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Burrell is devoted to dance education and philanthropy, directing initiatives like the Breaking Barriers Summer Dance Intensive and AB Project, which empowers young dancers and breaks down barriers in the arts. He continues to strive for artistic growth, aspiring to create a lasting legacy in the realms of entertainment, arts, and education.

Awards and Recognition:

• Key to the City of Philadelphia (2018)
• MTV music video award, Beyonce’s “Formation” (2016)
• Peabody Award, Beyoncés Lemonade album (2016)
• Trailblazer proclamation from PHILADANCO in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia (2017)
• National gold medalist, NAACP’s ACT-SO achievement program (1998)

Recent Notable Work: 

• Xscape tour, R&B Experience (2023)
• Usher tribute, Berklee Commencement Concert (2023)
• Nina Del Río, Berklee Performance Center (2023)
• Beyoncé, Super Bowl 50 (2016)
• Mariah Carey, All I Want for Christmas Is You, Beacon Theater (2015, 2016)