ANISHKA CLARKE

    Anishka Clarke, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, began taking a serious interest in dance at the age of 18, having been strongly influenced by Patsy Ricketts and Arlene Richards, two of the country's most recognized female dancers. At around that time, Anishka joined the University Dance Society (UWI) and over the course of four years, built her foundation in Afro-modern techniques, studying with and performing for celebrated Caribbean choreographers, including L'Antoinette Stines (L'ACADCO), Patsy Ricketts, and Arlene Richards (NDTC). At the age of 21, Anishka began studies at the Jamaica School of Dance, Edna Manley College, where she focused on modern, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean techniques including Jamaican and Cuban. During her four years at the School of Dance, she was a member of its performing corps, Danceworks, for which she performed works throughout the Caribbean by other great NDTC dancers, including Barry Moncrieffe and Abeldo Gonzales (Cuba).

    Since arriving in NYC in 2000 to pursue an MBA in Finance from New York Universtiy, Anishka has furthered her studies in other dance forms including her favorite, Haitian traditional dance, and hip-hop. In 2001, she became a member of the PMT Hip Hop Dance Company (NY), where she performed at various city venues, and was able to explore the world of choreography. One of her Afro-modern choreographies was showcased and well received at a Jamaican Independence celebration at Borough Hall, Brooklyn, NY. From that event, she was asked to join Ancient Vibrations (AV), a Jamaican drum and dance company. She has since performed with AV at various venues, including Central Park Summerstage and at Symphony Space.

    In 2002, Anishka was asked to perform with the Nina Buisson Contemporary Move, and has since performed with the NBCM in many showcases and venues throughout NY and the tri-state area, including Madison Square Garden and Atlantic City. She also assists NBCM in rehearsals and in administrative functions for the company.