Ailey Extension Instructor
Linda Celeste Sims
Linda Celeste Sims (Bronx, NY) began training at Ballet Hispanico School of Dance and graduated from LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts. She was a member of Ballet Hispanico from 1994–1996 and danced with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1996-2020 where she was assistant to the rehearsal director. Sims was also the rehearsal director for pieces set on Ailey Company including Twyla Tharp’s The Golden Section, George Faison's Suite Otis, and Ronald K. Brown's Open Door, Four Corners, and Grace.
Sims won Arts Recognition in 1994, Outstanding Performance at the 2014 New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie), the 2016 Inspiración Award from Ballet Hispánico, the 2017 Dance Magazine Award, and most recently was honored in 2019 at BAAD’s 20th Anniversary. Sims has been featured on the cover of Dance Magazine, New York Amsterdam News, Refinery29, and on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Mo'Nique Show, LIVE with Kelly and Michael, and The Today Show. Sims has appeared at the White House Series, Youth America Grand Prix, Vail International Dance Festival, Evidence Dance Company. Galas in Budapest, Vienna, and Rome. Originated featured roles by Judith Jamison, Donald Byrd, Alonzo King, Dwight Rhoden, Ronald K. Brown, Mauro Bigonzetti, Jennifer Muller, Karole Armitage, Rennie Harris, Christopher L. Huggins, and Aszure Barton.
Sims was the rehearsal director of Ballet Hispanico from 2021–2022.
Sims teaches masterclasses worldwide in ballet and modern dance for levels K-12 and universities. She has taught at Marymount College, Ballet Hispanico, Ailey Extension, SUNY Purchase and is a certified Zena Rommett Floor-Barre® instructor.
Upcoming Classes
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