About Darnell
Darnell Williams is a Dance and Theatre Artist who has worked in both the DMV and NYC Dance Communities, as well as Internationally.
He started his dance journey at the age of 5 in a tap class at Sharon’s Star Dance Studio. Darnell danced most of his competition days competing at Dance Depot in Waldorf, MD under the direction of Sheila Jedlowski where he competed at competitions including Groove National Talent Competition, StarQuest Dance Competition, and Showstoppers American Dance Championships. Darnell holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts In Dance Performance and Choreography from Towson University. He made his professional debut performing in the Tony Award-Winning Musical After Midnight on Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Tap Brother (Directed and Choreographed by Warren Carlyle). He has danced in companies such as ELSCO Dance (Directed by Ellenore Scott), Wandering Movers (Directed by Kevin-Ortega Rojas), and XY Dance Project (Directed by Nijawwon Matthews). Darnell can also be seen in Isak Danielson’s Music Video for his song "Hold My Hand" (Choreographed by Kevin Ortega-Rojas). He has also performed in TAPTASTIC (Directed and Choreographed by Brother Brian Davis), Made To Dance In Burning Buildings at Joe's Pub at the Public (Choreographed by Emily Bufferd), Disney’s The Little Mermaid at The Fireside Theatre (Directed by Ed Flesch), Big Band Beat at Tokyo Disney Resort, and also on Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wonder. Currently Darnell is aboard the Norwegian Prima as a Tap Dancer and Dance Captain for the Inaugural Cast of Noiseboys. Darnell is now represented by The Carson Kolker Organization Ltd.
FUN FACTS
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Asian Cuisine and Seafood
Skills/Interests: Martial Arts, Billiards, and Engineering/New Tech
Favorite Video Games: Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh
Favorite Anime: Sword Art Online, Naruto, Hunter X Hunter
Favorite TV Shows: Law and Order: SVU, Once Upon A Time, and Doctor Who
Favorite Singer: Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Gavin Degraw
Favorite Comedian: Katt Williams, Dave Chappelle
Artist Inspiration: Gregory Hines
Dream Shows: Newsies, Hamilton, Aladdin, Mean Girls
Darnell Started Teaching Dance At The Age Of 14
He started as a teaching assistant at Dance Depot in Waldorf, MD and eventually moved into a teaching position at 16. At this time, Darnell also discovered a love for choreography. He was fortunate enough to choreograph and have his choreography performed at multiple competitions. While attending North Point High School For Science Technology And Industry, he was also named Assistant Choreographer of the school's production of Legally Blonde. Darnell then went on to Towson University, Where he honed his Choreographic Process. While attending Towson, Darnell was able to choreograph each semester in multiple Towson University concerts. The faculty also selected his work Little Infinity to be presented at the MidWest Region American College Dance Association Adjudication Conference. He was also the Rehearsal Assistant for the Baltimore County Public Schools Men’s Dance Ensemble. Darnell is the recipient of the The Outstanding Choreography Award at Towson University, and has taught at local studios and summer intensives HeartBeats Music and Dance (Springfield, VA), Turning Pointe Dance Academy (Elkridge, MD), Urbana Dance and Performing Arts Center (Ijamsivlle, MD), and Power Explosion Studio of Dance (Charlotte Hall, MD). He also had the opportunity to teach a master class at The Ramon C. Cortines High School For Visual And Performing Arts (Los Angeles, CA). Darnell continues to teach and choreograph whenever given a chance. He continues to spread his love and knowledge of dance with all his students.