Rayven Nishae Leak
Rayven Nishae Leak is a multidisciplinary artist, mover, creator, and forward-thinker. Her work explores themes of Afro-futurism, culture, and spirituality. Leak’s passion remains at the intersection of her love of music, visual arts, and film.
A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Rayven Leak attended University North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, where she studied contemporary dance under the direction of Susan Jaffe and received her high school diploma. Leak earned her BFA in Dance from Howard University, Washington, D.C., and during her undergraduate studies, her choreographic work was hand-selected by dance faculty members to be performed in their annual concerts. With great pleasure, Leak has had the opportunity to perform works by Juel D. Lane, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Royce Zackery, Ohad Naharin, T.Lang, Jamal Story, and other artists.
After graduating, Leak became a company member with B. Moore Dance in Dallas, Texas, under the direction of Bridget Moore. During her time with the company, she performed in various soloist roles. She also had the opportunity to serve as a choreographic assistant on many projects. Leak is the inaugural Liz Cherry Jones Commission Recipient, nominated by Company E of Washington, D.C. In her current role, Leak serves as community coordinator at University North Carolina School of the Arts. Homage to her ancestors, the unconditional love of her family, and the art all keep her going.