The Ailey School

Shakerah McDowell began training at a small studio in her hometown of Philadelphia, PA. She continued  training at the Creative and Performing Arts High School as a company member where she was a lead dancer for 3 years in the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has danced with many different companies including Eleone Connections, Creative Reactions, and CAPA Dance Company.  Shakerah graduated from CAPA as a Dance Captain under the direction of Ladeva Davis and was accepted into The Ailey School Certificate Program where she had the opportunity to choreograph and premier some of her own works, and to develop a love for performing and teaching.  As a member of the Ailey Student Performance Group she worked with choreographers Bradley Shelver, Amy Hall, Hollie Wright, and Patrick Coker, among others.  She has also participated in The Ailey School January Explosion and Global Harmony performances. She is a graduate of The Ailey School Certificate Program, class of 2022.