Donald Lunsford
Donald T. Lunsford is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Horticultural Science and began dancing as recreation, performing in studio concerts, campus plays and musicals. His formal training began at The University of the Arts where he received a B.F.A. in Modern Dance, during which time he entered PHILADANCO's training program. Ultimately, he became the featured dancer and guest artist for the company.
Since 1990, Donald has inspired dancers through his artistic direction with Danco 2 (D/2) the Philadelphia Dance Company's apprentice performance group. Under his leadership many dancers have moved onto other companies and schools including: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Garth Fagan Dance, The Washington Ballet, the Juilliard School, Rod Rodgers Dance Company, African-American Dance Ensemble, Inc., Muntu Dance Theatre, Transitions, Koresh Dance Company, Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Ron Brown’s Evidence and PHILADANCO.
Winner of the American College Dance Festival Award, Donald is listed in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and the Who's Who among American Teachers. He has received a certificate of appreciation from the Mayor's Office of Community Services and recognized as part of the 100 Black Men Making a Difference. A recipient of a fellowship grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Donald was honored with the African American Theater Arts Award in association with the National Create-A-Drama Laboratory for research in the related arts. He attended the ADF Teachers Enrichment and Skill Enhancement training and the Philadelphia New Impulse Choreographers Workshop. Donald has also been a recipient of several choreographic grants including a Philadelphia New Edge Mix and C.E.C. Dance Advance Grant.
Donald has taught and choreographed for Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College among others. Presently he serves on faculty at The University of the Arts, PHILADANCO, The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts and Wissahickon Dance Academy. Donald is also a performance coach for new and upcoming artists with the label I am Entertainment group.