Kyle “JustSole” Clark

A native of Baltimore, Kyle Clark attended University of the Arts in Philadelphia from 2002–2006. In 2003, he joined PHILADANCO!'s D/2 company and in 2004, he joined Eleone Dance Theater. Shortly after graduating from UArts in 2006, Clark joined the world-renowned Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM). In 2010, he was promoted to rehearsal director for RHPM until 2015. Clark has performed and taught internationally in countries such as France, the UK, Amsterdam, Russia, Mexico, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan. He also served as a US Cultural Ambassador for Hip Hop three times. Clark has won and judged battles nationally and internationally, including “House Dance Forever” and “Juste Debout.” He has also choreographed for dance companies such as Ailey II, Eleone, JUNK, and many others. Being passionate about the history, culture, and articulation of Hip Hop, Clark co-founded “Funky Sole Fundamentals” with Dinita Clark in April 2011—a dance workshop series dedicated to the preservation of hip hop, house, and funk styles. It is responsible for bringing in pioneers and educators from around the world to Philadelphia for the most affordable prices possible for the local dance community. Also in 2011, he co-founded Just Sole! Street Dance Theater Company, where he serves as choreographer and artistic director. Just Sole! SDTC has performed all over the Northeast US, including Jacob’s Pillow and SummerStage NYC. In 2015, Clark was selected as a premier choreographer for Ailey II's 2015–2016 seasons. His work titled I Am The Road is the first hip hop dance choreographed on Ailey II in its history. In 2016, Clark was awarded a grant by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage for his physical autobiography titled The Life Of A Just Sole. In 2017, the University of the Arts awarded him its President’s Distinguished Teaching Award followed by a Rocky Award for his contributions to the Philadelphia community. Currently, Clark is a professor for three universities: University of the Arts, Temple University, and Swarthmore College.