Germaul Barnes Headshot

Germaul Barnes

Get Germaul Barnes Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Germaul Barnes BIO

Germaul Yusef Barnes (dancer/teacher/choreographer)- recently choreographed the World Premiere of Marley , the first original musical based on the life and music of the reggie superstar Bob Marley written & directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah. Mr Barnes is a former principal dancer and currently a répétiteur for the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, where he received the New York Dance and Performance Award-The Bessie Award. Mr. Barnes received the Arts International Grant in 2003 which fostered his anthropology study in a small village called Kwahu Tafo in Ghana,West Africa. One of his highest personal achievement is assisting and demonstrating for legendary choreographer/anthropologist, Katherine Dunham.



A native of Phoenix, Arizona, graduate from South Mountain High School of the Arts. He went on to perform in A Chorus Line and Guys & Dolls with Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. Mr. Barnes continued his dance education at the University of the Arts/ Philadelphia. While at University of the Arts, his talents were recognized by receiving the University Creative Grant, which gave him the opportunity to produce an evening of his choreography, Viewsic Expression. Out of this evening Mr. Barnes formed an arts organization in 1991, now based in Brooklyn, New York.

As Viewsic Expression-VE artistic director Mr. Barnes mission is to promote and present multi-media dance performances, art exhibitions, and educational residencies. VE has collaborated with artist such as choreographer Eleo Pomare, composer Bongani Nododana, and visual artist Peter McMath and others. Viewsic Expression has presented works by Eleo Pomare, Bill T. Jones, Leni William, and Germaul Y. Barnes as past of the Black Bones Project 92nd Street Y and Jacobs Pillow.

In 1993 Mr. Barnes moved to Berlin, Germany to performed with Tolada Dance Company (Joseph Tmim, choreographer) and taught throughout Europe.  He has received raving reviews and brilliant acclaim as a dance instructor from prominent dance academies throughout Germany (TanzFabric, Ballet Centrum, Milton’s TanzSchool, and others). Mr. Barnes has taught for Black College Dance Exchange, Guest Artist at Skidmore College, University of Buffalo, Ghana National Dance Theater, Xavier College Prep., Dance Masters/New York, COCA, Cleo Parker Summer Intensive, and 92nd Street Y, Harkness Dance Center, New Dance Technique Laboratory and Guest Artist at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Alabama Dance Festival, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, among other.

Mr. Barnes has received many commissions to create new dances for (New York)- Alvin Ailey/Fordham School, Judson Memorial Church, Aaron Davis Hall, P.S.122, Danspace Project/St. Mark Church, DanceNow/New York, Saratoga Arts Gallery, Dixon Place, HerlemStages/The Gate House, Restoration Youth Arts Academy, Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, Skidmore College, Calvin Wiley Dance Theater, (Alabama)- Southern DanceWorks, Alabama School of Fine Arts (Arizona)-Phoenix Arts Commission and has created eight new works for Movement Source Dance Company, (Massachusetts) Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, Summer Stage Dance (Toronto, Canada) danceImmersion, Jasmyn Fyffe Dance (Ohio)- Cleveland Contemporary Dance Company, (International) Belarus International Modern Dance Festival, Boroditski Denis Dance Company, Ghana National Dance Company, Lublin International Dance Festival Mr. Barnes 15 year collaboration with South African composer Bongani Ndodana, he choreographed, danced and directed Uhambo an opera-oratiorio in Graham Town, South Africa. In January 2003, Mr. Barnes choreographed the opera Lâ'Histoire du Soldat in Toronto, Canada. 

Mr. Barnes has also danced with Pilobolus Dance Company, Tolada Dance Company (Berlin, Germany), Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Philadanco--Philadelphia Dance Company, Movement Source Dance Co. and Group Motion Dance Company. He has appeared as a Guest Artists with Minnesota Ballet, Ohwia Ballet Company (Tokyo, Japan), Errol Grimes Dance Group, Joan Miller Dance Players, and Shrapiro and Smith and, TU Dance Company/Panumber Theater Company.

Germaul Barnes Videos

Germaul Barnes News


�¿The International Association Of Blacks In Dance to Present Teachers For On The 1 | Memphis, A Dance Class Series


The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) announces the world-renowned dance faculty and celebrated instructors for on the 1 | memphis, a dance class series. Classes offered across various genres for all levels.

The International Association Of Blacks In Dance Announces Teachers For On The 1 | A Dance Class Series


The International Association of Blacks in Dance has announced the world-renowned dance faculty and celebrated instructors for on the 1 | a dance class series from January 26-28, 2023 at various times from 10:30am-6:00pm at Canada's National Ballet School.

Gibney Center Expands Residency Programs & Names Sidra Bell Artist In Residence


Gibney, the New York City-based dance and social justice organization, is expanding its residency programs to provide wider and more diverse opportunities for early- and mid-career dance artists in support of the continuing advancement of the contemporary dance field.

Dance/NYC Holds First All Digital Symposium Featuring Dr. Aimee Meredith Cox, Gregory King, Ni'Ja Whitson and More


The service organization Dance/NYC has announced that the fully digital 2021 Symposium successfully occurred on Wednesday, March 17 - Saturday, March, 20, 2021. As the only gathering of its kind for the dance community in the metropolitan New York City area, this year marked Dance/NYC's first four-day, all-digital Symposium.

Dance/NYC Announces 2021 Symposium Full Schedule And Keynote Speakers


Dance/NYC has announced the full schedule and lineup of speakers and sessions for the 2021 Symposium. The Symposium will take place virtually from Wednesday, March 17 - Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Dance/NYC Announces 2021 Symposium Justice Track Speakers, Sessions, And Thematic Guide Curators


Dance/NYC announces that registration for the Dance/NYC 2021 Symposium is now open, available at https://dancenyc.z2systems.com/np/clients/dancenyc/eventRegistration.jsp?event=553&. The Symposium will take place virtually from Wednesday, March 17 - Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Dance/NYC Announces 2021 Symposium Justice Track Sessions, Speakers and Thematic Guide Curators


Dance/NYC has announced that registration for the Dance/NYC 2021 Symposium is now open, available here. The Symposium will take place virtually from Wednesday, March 17 - Saturday, March 20, 2021.

The DANCE NOW Story, Chapter Three to Be Released November 12


In celebration of its 25th season DANCE NOW is presenting a series of online events featuring new and archival digital works by more than 40 innovative dance makers. All events are available on DANCE NOW's new web platform, dancenow.online.

BLACK DANCE STORIES Continues With Oliver Taparga, Jasmine Hearne and More


Black Dance Stories continues during the month of October featuring dancers and choreographers who use their work to raise societal issues, strengthen community through their programming, and use history as a source of inspiration.

DANCE NOW Announces 25th Anniversary Season


To celebrate its 25th season, DANCE NOW is presenting a series of online events featuring new and archival digital works by more than 40 innovative dance makers on its new web platform, dancenow.online.  

BLACK DANCE STORIES September Lineup Announced


Black Dance Stories announces its September 2020 lineup featuring dancers and choreographers who use their work to raise societal issues, strengthen community through their programming, and use history as a source of inspiration.

The DANCE NOW Story, Chapter One Out September 10


To celebrate its 25th season, DANCE NOW is presenting a series of online events featuring new and archival digital works by more than 40 innovative dance makers, interviews with artists, artist-to audience celebrations, and much more. The DANCE NOW Story will be told in six monthly chapters starting September 10, 2020 through May 2021.

DANCE NOW Announces 25th Anniversary Season and Virtual Festival


DANCE NOW will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the DANCE NOW STORY-a reimagined festival composed of a series of online events featuring more than 40 artists. Traditionally held each year immediately after Labor Day, the DANCE NOW Festival is known as the kick-off to the dance season in New York City.

Theatre And Dance At Wayne State Presents Annual December Dance Concert At Detroit's Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts


The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, a program within the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University is proud to present its annual December Dance Concert at Detroit's Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts (350 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226), December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and 8 at 3 p.m.

Germaul Barnes Creates New Work For Alabama Ballet


Germaul Barnes, a New York-based contemporary dance artist with a global approach to movement, will premiere his first work created for Alabama Ballet as part of the Ovation series, April 26-28. Ovation is an annual mixed repertory performance which highlights Alabama Ballet's versatility, strength, and artistry while showcasing bold and creative original contemporary works.

Germaul Barnes To Teach & Speak At International Association Of Blacks In Dance Conference


Germaul Barnes, a NY-based contemporary dance artist with a global approach to movement, will appear as a panelist and master educator at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference & Festival in Dayton, OH, January 22-27, 2019. Barnes is a member of the IABD Next Generation Committee and will teach three master classes and serve on a panel with the Coalition for Diasporan Scholars Moving (CDSM) during the conference.

Live Arts' Fresh Tracks Program Presents Five Emerging Choreographers


On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez. As part of its annual programming, Fresh Tracks has been a 54-year commitment to bringing new voices to the forefront. The program offers a unique vantage point for the artists who are provided an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, experience, and recognition. Fresh Tracks performances take place at New York Live Arts Theatre, located at 219 West 19th Street, NYC. Tickets start at $15 and may be purchased at 212 924 0077 or online at newyorklivearts.org

Live Arts' Fresh Tracks Program Presents Five Emerging Choreographers


On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez.

The Billie Holiday Theatre Presents A Two-Day Festival Of Cutting-Edge Revolutionary Dance


RestorationART presents Afro Pas De Deux, a two-day festival, featuring award-winning 2018 ChoreoQuest choreographers-in-residence as they innovate within the algorithm of a pas de deux on Friday and Saturday, June 22 - 23, 2018. The Afro Pas De Deux Festival is a collective of seven choreographers, exploring the complex and artificial binaries of gender, sexuality, nationality and more. The festival will also feature a conversation with renowned guest choreographers, a master class, and post-performance reception.

City College Center for the Arts and Clark Center NYC to Present FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH


City College Center for the Arts and Clark Center NYC join together in celebration of The Clark Center for the Performing Arts with a presentation of the acclaimed dance/narrative series From the Horse's Mouth on Thursday, October 1 and Friday October 2 at Aaron Davis Hall. The From the Horse's Mouth production will serve as the culmination of Clark Center NYC's weeklong residency at City College Center for the Arts, made possible, in part, by funding from the CUNY Dance Initiative. Performances of From the Horse's Mouth begin at 7pm. A reception will follow the October 1 performance.

Get Germaul Barnes Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos