Alumni Spotlight: Demetrius Burns

Growing up in Boston, my family encouraged me to play football and basketball, but I never felt at home on a sports team. I was introduced to dance in the third grade, when I saw an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance. That’s when I finally found the world in which I truly belonged.

I experienced my first Boston Conservatory dance performance while I was applying to colleges. The diversity of the works presented was so captivating, I knew I wanted to be one of the students on that stage.

Progress defines my experience at the Conservatory. Every class pushed me intellectually and physically. I saw my body transform and my movement improve. I had the opportunity to work with amazing choreographers, including Ebony Williams and Uri Sands. These experiences were an enormous source of artistic growth and inspiration as I moved toward the next step in my career.

The Conservatory inspired me to want to make a difference in the lives of others and to reach diverse audiences by championing new works. I also want to inspire other dancers by working for one of my favorite dance companies—or by creating my own.

Dance isn’t just a way to create new ideas—it connects people. I strongly believe that we can build community and make the world a better place through movement, energy, and passion. Boston Conservatory gave me the tools to make my dreams a reality.