Anthony Burrell

With my motto, “Dedication, Determination, Discipline,” my students will leave my classes knowing who they are, confident in what they bring, and ready for the real world, not just as dancers but as adaptable, professional artists who can walk into any room and own it.

Anthony Burrell is an award‑winning choreographer, creative director, educator, and performing artist whose dynamic career bridges concert dance, commercial entertainment, and theatrical production. A Philadelphia native, Burrell received his foundational training at the Ailey School before joining Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where his commanding presence and technical excellence earned him international acclaim.

A celebrated force in contemporary choreography, Burrell is the recipient of both a Peabody Award and MTV’s Best Choreography Award, honors that reflect his impact on shaping the visual language of modern performance. His creative vision has been featured in some of the most influential cultural moments of the past two decades. Burrell has collaborated with global icons including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Katy Perry, contributing to world tours, televised performances, and music videos that have reached audiences worldwide. His choreography is recognized for its musical precision, emotional depth, and seamless fusion of classical technique with contemporary movement.

Beyond his commercial achievements, Burrell is a dedicated educator and mentor. He is the founder of the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance in Atlanta, where he cultivates emerging artists through rigorous training and community‑centered programming. His teaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, artistic integrity, and the development of a strong personal voice—principles he brings to every classroom and rehearsal space.

At Boston Conservatory, Burrell shares his extensive industry experience and passion for excellence with the next generation of dancers, inspiring students to pursue bold, meaningful, and technically grounded creative work.

Career Highlights

1. Creative Direction and Choreography for Global Icon: Served as choreographer and creative collaborator for Mariah Carey on her Number 1 to Infinity Las Vegas residency and Sweet Sweet Fantasy World Tour, contributing to large-scale commercial productions seen by international audiences

2. Award-Winning Creative Contribution: Contributed as part of the creative team for Beyoncé’s LEMONADE, including work connected to “Formation,” recognized with an MTV VMA Award and a Peabody Award

3. Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show: Performed and collaborated on the creative team for the Super Bowl 50 halftime show featuring Beyoncé, one of the most-watched live performances globally

4. Broadway Principal Performer: Made Broadway principal debut in Come Fly Away, choreographed by Twyla Tharp, blending concert dance and theatrical storytelling at the highest level

5. Film and Television Appearances: Featured in major film and television productions including The Color Purple, Haunted Mansion, and Hawkeye

6. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Performed with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, including seasons at New York City Center, contributing to one of the most influential companies in American dance

7. Founder and Artistic Director: Founder and artistic director of the Anthony Burrell Center for Dance in Atlanta, Georgia, a training and mentorship hub focused on classic and commercial dance, artist development, and community engagement

8. Higher Education Leadership: Associate professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and founding full-time faculty member of the commercial dance program, designing and leading courses such as Composition and Performance for Commercial Dance, Pop Diva Repertory, Commercial Audition Skills, and Dancing for the Camera

9. Creative Direction for Major Touring Productions: Creative director for the Queens of R&B Tour featuring SWV and Xscape (2024), leading choreography, staging, and visual storytelling for a national tour

10. Industry Collaborations and Brand Work: Collaborated and performed with major artists and brands including Rihanna, Cher, Pepsi, Ivy Park, and Nickelodeon

Awards and Recognition:

1. Distinguished alumni award, Philadanco’s “Joanies,” 2026

2. Next Steps Grant, the Boston Foundation, 2023

3. Trailblazer Award, the Dance Institute of Washington, 2019

4. Key to the City, Philadelphia Living Legend Award, 2017

5. Peabody Award, LEMONADE, 2016

6. MTV Music Award for Best Choreography, Beyoncé’s “Formation,” 2016

7. MTV Music Award nomination for Best Choreography, Beyoncé’s “Sorry,” 2016