Ailey Extension Instructor

Martell Ruffin

Martell Ruffin Headshot

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Ruffin began his formal dance training at Joffrey Ballet under the direction of Pierre Lockett and Lisa Johnson-Willingham, former Ailey dancer and current director of the Ailey Extension. He attended Chicago High School for the Arts (Chiarts) under Lisa Johnson-Willingham who served as director at the time, and continued his dance training on scholarship at The Ailey School.

Ruffin has completed summer programs with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and The Ailey School, and has performed works by Alvin Ailey, Kyle Abraham, Robert Battle, Matthew Rushing, George Faison, Sonya Tayeh, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Camillie A. Brown, Jae Man Joo, Earl Mosley, David Neumann, and more.

Ruffin has danced with Ailey II, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He can also been seen in the “Poison Girl” Christian Dior commercial for women’s fragrance and the Urban Outfitters commercial for music artist Samantha Urbani.  

Ruffin has choreographed for The Ailey School, Princeton University, Peridance, Orsolina 28, andTriptych (Eyes of One Another), an opera based on Robert Mapplethorpe. Ruffin is currently a performer at the Metropolitan Opera House and is freelance artist and choreographer.

Upcoming Classes

We use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how you use our site. By accessing or clicking any link on our Web site, you give consent for us to set these cookies.

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.