Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher
Donald Laney graduated from the University, of California, Irvine, with an MFA in Dance. He is currently the co-Artistic Director of the West Virginia Dance Company. Before entering the graduate program at UCI, Donald performed with the West Virginia Dance Company, Houlihan & Dancers (Miami, FL), Randy James Dance Works (NYC), X-Factor (NC), and the Charleston Ballet. While attending UCI, he had the opportunity to perform for Donald McKayle, Loretta Livingston, Lisa Naugle, and Christine Chrest, as well as presenting his own choreography which was chosen to represents the university at ACDFA in 2003 and 2004. Donald's work with Lisa Naugle and John Crawford has produced 3 dance videos that have been presented at the Lincoln Center and in dance video conferences in Yugoslavia, Japan, New Jersey, Michigan, Arizona, and at ADF in Durham, NC. Donald was the 2005 WV Governor's School instructor in Dance.
Mr. Laney has performed with Toneta Akers-Toler, both with the West Virginia Dance Company and Theatre West Virginia since 1993. She has been a constant mentor, teacher, and artistic advisor to Mr. Laney throughout his career.
Besides performing, Mr. Laney also pursues a career as a freelance artist in teaching, choreographing, and costume design and construction. His choreography has been presented by the WV Dance Company, Charleston Ballet, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Lees-McRae College, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, NC Stage Ensemble, and various high schools around WV. Donald has been a guest instructor in modern dance at James Madison University, UCI, Lees-McRae College, Charleston Ballet, and Jack Britt High School (NC). Costuming credits include: WV Dance Company, Charleston Ballet, Muhllenburg College, Theatre West Virginia, UCI, and Capital High School.