ˈTƏR-NƏR ˈTRĀ-NIŊ

Dancer • Educator • Coach

With a foundation in both music and dance, I began my training at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts, the Academy of Ballet Florida, and Boston Ballet, performing works by Marie Hale, Gerri Houlihan, Gina Buntz, Jeff Satinoff, and Kathryn Posin. I went on to study at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where I was mentored by dance legends including Violette Verdy, Julie Kent, and Guillaume Graffin, performing leading roles across classical, contemporary, and African diaspora repertory. I earned a Bachelor of Science with dual concentrations in Ballet Performance and Kinesiology.​

​

As a professional dancer, I toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Italy, France, and Greece with companies including Chicago Dance Theatre, Roxey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and Elisa Monte Dance. My performance credits include works by Mark Morris, Jennifer Archibald, Twyla Tharp, Elisa Monte, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Linda Haberman, Graham Lustig, and Lisa de Ribere. Additional appearances include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Cirque du Soleil at Radio City, Iphigénie en Tauride at Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Orfeo ed Euridice at The Metropolitan Opera. I also performed original works by Karen Gayle as a member of the xodus dance collective at Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out Festival, DUMBO Dance Festival, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Festival in Toronto.

My passion for dance led naturally into education, direction, and program design. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve taught at nationally recognized institutions and competitive studios—including The Joffrey Ballet School, STEPS on Broadway, American Youth Dance Theater, Ballet Tech, and The Harlem School of the Arts—both in-person and virtually. I am a certified Fellow of the ABT® National Training Curriculum (American Ballet Theatre) and have successfully presented students for examination from Pre-Primary through Level V.​

​

I’ve led advanced curriculum development, mentored pre-professional students, and directed school-wide productions and showcases within academic and conservatory settings. My work has helped shape comprehensive dance programs that prepare students for collegiate dance departments, conservatories, and professional careers. I guide dancers through rigorous training, coach them for auditions, and emphasize both technical excellence and artistic exploration. Many of my students have gone on to attend top conservatories, professional training programs, and prestigious universities, including Ivy League institutions.

As founder of Turner Training, I offer individualized coaching, choreograph original work, and coordinate performances across NYC—including annual recitals at The Kaye Playhouse of Hunter College and concerts at The Richard Perry Theatre of the Poly Arts Center. These roles have deepened my expertise in artistic direction, production planning, and community engagement.

​

Informed by a foundation in kinesiology, my teaching prioritizes anatomical awareness, injury prevention, and physical wellness—essential tools for dancers pursuing sustainable careers. I remain committed to empowering the next generation of artists through mentorship, inclusive program design, and opportunities that honor both tradition and innovation in dance.