Du’Bois A’Keen

Du’Bois A’Keen is a proud husband, father, and accomplished composer, recording artist, producer, singer, songwriter, choir director, and vocal arranger. As a multi-hyphenated artist, A’Keen’s work has been featured on OperaWire, NPR, the New York Times, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Dance Magazine. Most recently, he served as creative associate and music director for Sacred Songs, choreographed by Matthew Rushing for Alvin Ailey American Theater and The Whitney Museum’s Edges of Ailey. 

Du’Bois started his career in NYC as a dancer, singer, and choreographer, touring with the Bessie Award-winning Urban Bush Women. He made his operatic debut as choreographer and guest artist for Charlie Parker’s Yardbird with Arizona Opera. In 2021, he returned to Yardbird as the director and choreographer for the Dayton Opera Company’s production. His accolades include being a 2018 NYTV Featured Artist, choreographer for Dance Squad on FOX, and guest choreographer for Opera on Tap.  

Education is a principle value for A’Keen so in addition to his professional and artistic accomplishments; A’Keen has extensive teaching experience. His pedagogical ideology is informed by his work with master teachers like Jawole Zollar, Gerri Houlihan, Jesse Zaritt, Dan Wagner and Dr. Matthew Carter. As an interdisciplinary educator and multi-genre teaching artist A’Keen has taught nationally and internationally at some of the most prestigious institutions.  

A’Keen currently serves on faculty at Columbia University where he teaches in the School of Professional Studies at the Climate School and Earth Institute and Barnard college. At Barnard, he teaches arts & entrepreneurship, sustainability management, and advanced contemporary dance technique. Previously, he has served on faculty at New York University Tisch School of Dance and Fordham University. As a guest lecturer and artist in residence, A’Keen has taught at Arizona state, Florida State University, University of Florida, Brenau College, Tulane University, University of Georgia and more.