Marissa Beccard was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. She began dancing at the age of 10 and hasn't looked back since. She attended and performed at the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival at University of Wyoming multiple times. While there, she was fortunate to study with a variety of teachers and companies including Repertory Dance Theater and Trey McIntyre Project. Upon graduating High School she relocated to St. Louis, MO to pursue her BFA in Dance with a Modern Emphasis as well as her BA in History at Webster University. During her time at Webster, Marissa has studied under Michael Uthoff, Alicia Graf Mack, James Robey, Beckah Reed, Monica Newsam, and Patravadi Mejudhon. She has also had the opportunity to perform in works by José Limon, Michael Uthoff, James Robey, Monica Newsam, and Maggi Dueker. This year beyond MADCO 2, Marissa is an instructor at MJ’s Performing Arts Academy in St. Louis.
Gabriella (Gabby) Billy born and raised in St. Louis, started her dance training early on, under the instruction of Christine Kardell. Throughout high school Gabriella became a student at COCA (Center of Creative Arts) where she joined pre-professional companies Ballet Eclectica and COCAdance. She has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Darrell Grande Moultrie, Camille A. Brown, Kirven and Antonio Douthit-Boyd, and Alicia Graf Mack. She has also had the pleasure of learning repertoire from companies like Pilobolus and LeherDance.
Emily Duggins is from Raleigh, North Carolina. She received a BA in both Dance and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. At Wash U., she studied under David Marchant, Cecil Slaughter, Christine Knoblauch-O’Neal, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, and Alicia Graf Mack. She has worked with The Slaughter Project and Black Irish Contemporary Hip Hop Company. In addition to performing, Emily has a passion for choreography and teaches at Arts in Motion and Innovative Movement.
Austin Grigg from Huntsville, AR, recently received his BFA in Dance from Missouri State University. While attending, he was a 2 year member of the program’s touring performance group, Inertia Dance Company. Austin had the privileged to attend, learn, and performed at four ACDA conferences during his time at Missouri State. His choreography was also selected to represent the program in a concert adjudicated by Doug Neilson. Austin has performed repertory works by Merce Cunningham under the direction of Ruth Barnes and co-produced and choreographed for fall and spring productions at his university. Austin is thrilled to start his first year in MADCO 2!
Daryon Kent began his dance training at Ms. Bridget's Conservatoire of Dance and continued training at Central Visual Performing Arts High School (CVPA) under the direction of Raymond Parks. Daryon became a member of Alexandra School of Ballet under the artistic direction of Alexandra Zaharias and appeared in featured roles. Daryon performed in the 5th Annual St. Louis Fox Teen Talent Competition "The Dancing Six" and was awarded 3rd place. Daryon has worked with choreographers Gina Patterson, Jennifer Archibald, Cecil Slaughter, and Nejla Yatkin.