Danielle Criss is affectionately known as Dani Criss The Artist; a dancer, actress, activist, creator, and writer, seeking to explore the individuality in humanity, the concept of self liberation, and the use of ourselves and our work as catalyst for social change. She is heavily influenced by the African diaspora, her heritage, and the history we stand on as she implements thorough research elements and processes through her artistry. Trained extensively in the dances of the African Diaspora, predominantly in West African and Congolese techniques, various stylings of modern, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, and liturgical dances. Dani is a graduate of High Point University with a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Dance.  As an actress, she studies authentic storytelling and uses techniques such as Misner to connect to true places of empathy. From comedic relief, to the undeniable underdog, and the powerhouse, Dani grasps the essence of character work as if it’s her story; having worked in her collegiate theatre company, performing in outdoor theatre projects, collaborative theatre, and writing works of her own.  She has trained with Collage Dance Company (Durham, North Carolina), the American Dance Festival and their faculty (Durham, North Carolina),  Otesha Cultural Arts Ensemble (Winston Salem, North Carolina), Urban Bush Women and the Summer Leadership Institute (New Orleans, Lousianna & Brooklyn, New York), The Honorable Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble (Durham, North Carolina),  as well as numerous other professional artist around the country. Her work has been seen at High Point University (High Point, North Carolina), the American College Dance Association (Tennessee and Mississippi), Mark Morris Dance Center (Brooklyn, New York), Headlong Theatre (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),  The Durham Arts Council (Durham, North Carolina), and other various festivals, schools, and venues in North Carolina and New York City. Dani strives to create and display authentic work that will ultimately touch, inspire, and change lives. She is a native of Durham, North Carolina and currently works, trains, teaches and performs as a freelance artist in Brooklyn, New York.