Creative Outlet Theater of Brooklyn

The Creative Outlet Theater was founded by Jamel Gaines, Lakai Worrell and Kevin Joseph in 1994. Creative Outlet's mission is to create an environment and presentation vehicle for artists to develop their work and vision. The company's repertory represents various art forms. Dance, their main ingredient, is infused with theater, voice, poetry, film and live music. Much more than entertainment, the repertory draws attention to social and cultural issues, which in turn heightens awareness of responsibilities to the community and the world at large.

The Creative Outlet Theater was founded by Jamel Gaines, Lakai Worrell and Kevin Joseph in 1994. Creative Outlet's mission is to create an environment and presentation vehicle for artists to develop their work and vision. The company's repertory represents various art forms. Dance, their main ingredient, is infused with theater, voice, poetry, film and live music. Much more than entertainment, the repertory draws attention to social and cultural issues, which in turn heightens awareness of responsibilities to the community and the world at large. Creative Outlet is a highly respected creative arts organization comprised of consummate professional performers who have entertained audiences all over the world. Most recently, we have performed with Disney's "The Lion King", "Fosse", "AIDA", Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" for which an Obe Award was received, Jennifer Holiday, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Savion Glover, Malik Yoba and many more such artists.

Jamel Gaines (Choreographer) is the Artistic Director and founder of Creative Dance Outlet Theater of Brooklyn. He graduated with a BFA from Purchase University where he received the Harry Bellefonte Scholarship. Under the tutelage of Kevin Iega Jeff and as a member of JUBILATION! Dance Company, Mr. Gaines developed his unique and nurturing approach to teaching and composing dance art. His work has been staged by the Actors Theater Workshop, The NYC Department of Parks, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and The Martha Graham School. Mr. Gaines is the director of St. Paul's Eldad Medad Danced Ministry, which seeks to find a spiritual path through movement.

Anika Ellis (Dancer) a native of Washington, DC, began her intensive training at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and has also studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and New York University. Ms. Ellis is a founding member of Creative Outlet Dance Theater of Brooklyn. She has performed leading female roles and the title role on the first national tours of the award winning musical FOSSE and AIDA respectively. Ms. Ellis is the recipient of the 1996 National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts and a Presidential Scholar's Award.

Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines (Dancer) received her early and most influential training at the Baltimore School for the Arts. While attending The Julliard School, she performed with artists including Jamel Gaines and Kevin Iega Jeff, as well as with Donald Byrd/The Group and Complexions - A Concept in Dance. After receiving her B.F.A. degree, Mrs. Sayyed-Gaines joined the Frankfurt Ballet under the direction of William Forsythe. She joined Creative Outlet Theater in 1998.

Kevin Joseph (Dancer) is well rounded, holding a degree in computer information systems from Manhattan Borough Community College and is working towards his degree in Computer Science from Brooklyn College. Mr. Joseph has worked as a DJ while pursuing the ultimate relationship with music - dance. His performances as a dance artist include Jubilation! Dance Company, Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre, of which he is a founding member, The Essence Awards 2000, and videos with Lauren Hill and Anthony Hamilton.

Lakai Worrell (Dancer) is a founding member of Creative Outlet Theater. Blessed with a natural gift, his performance credits include work with Ornette Coleman, Ossie Davis, Jamel Gaines, Esther Grant, Kevin Iega Jeff, Max Roach, Souleman Suquan Diop, Crystal Waters, and Lauren Hill. Mr. Worrell works with The Young Men's Rites of Passage Program of Creative Outlet's Performing Arts Program and is a dance instructor and drummer.

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Watch Past Performances

1/16/03: CELEBRATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE: Breaking Boundaries

Breaking Boundaries – An evening that brings together dance works from a variety of genres that defy physical boundaries and stylistic traditions, featuring Wild Zappers, Lisa Jones and Darby Pack Duet, Creative Outlet Theater of Brooklyn, Baltimore Dance Tech Reverence Ensemble, Phlava Dance Company, and the African Dance Ensemble.

CELEBRATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE: Breaking Boundaries

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Creative Outlet Theater of Brooklyn

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