Bio & Resumes
Bio
Milerka, also known as “Mile” (ME-leh), is an ARTrepreneur from New York. Music, movement, and writing are her expression tools of choice; tools she uses to find balance living as a Dominican-American woman in a complex world. She is on an ongoing spiritual, self-healing, and decolonization journey that informs her work and views on life.
Early years
Mile began moving and writing as hobbies at a young age, often dancing in her living room and writing poems and songs. It was the only way she knew to escape trauma and abuse in her home. In school, she found creative outlets through different groups like band, choir, dance teams, sports teams, and musicals. Her growing passion for expression & performance was undeniable, and although she became an adult before she had the opportunity to begin her formal dance training, she decided she would still pursue her dreams and forge a creative career. In her 20’s, dance became her focus.
Dance
Dance has always been one of Milerka’s favorite things to do. Unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity to take classes or lessons growing up, nor did she have access to any underground groups to learn from. Instead, she would dance freely in her home, teach herself techniques using online videos, and create her own choreographed pieces with friends & classmates. Together with her college dance team C.E.O, Milerka was eventually able to land paid performance gigs, which only helped to fuel the fire! Before long, she joined New Beginnings Dance Company led by Kyra “Ms. J” Johnson in December 2009. There is where she received training in ballet, modern, African, Afro-Caribbean, and praise dance. The opportunity to teach at New Beginnings opened her up to new experiences, and eventually lead to both Rehearsal Director and Assistant Director positions at the school. As a dancer, Milerka continues her training in New York City excelling in street styles like: Hip-hop, Vogue, Waacking, and house, as well as other rhythmic styles such as Afrobeat and Dancehall. She has performed throughout the Westchester and NYC areas, as well as internationally at Riu resorts in Jamaica. Milerka has worked with the likes of Excel Garner, Tavia and Tamara of Brukwine, Derek Mitchell, Gigi Torres, Jamal Josef, and Charles Smith. She is also a member of Hip Hop Theory The company led by Christina Cruz, and Les Ballet Afrik led by the legendary Omari Wiles. As a choreographer, she produces original works with positive messages and a purpose-driven agenda.
Writing
Milerka is a talker. Her curiosity always leads her to seek answers, usually in the form of persistent question-asking. When those questions went unanswered, however, writing became an important way for her to process feelings of confusion. In high school, Mile was in English honors and creative writing classes that nurtured her ability to construct ideas and concepts on paper. Upon receiving a B.BA from Monroe College of New Rochelle at age 20, she began working several administrative jobs that continued to aid the development of her writing and organizational skills. Today, Milerka does freelance work with individuals and small dance businesses in need, writes poetry and blog posts about life & movement exploration, and is working on a podcast! In the future, she hopes to author several books, write & produce independent films and visuals, and try her hand at comedy writing.
Teaching
The path to teaching was not an unusual one. Most dancers seek out teaching opportunities when they are in between performance or commercial jobs. It was, however, definitely unexpected. For Milerka, teaching was not in the plans! But she was offered to assist in her mentor’s classes and eventually take over her beginner Hip-hop class at New Beginnings. This work-study agreement allowed her to continue her training there, so she jumped at the chance. In 2013, Milerka was hired by ASPIRA NY, a non-profit organization and afterschool program that would start her teaching artist journey. Since then, she’s been teaching movement and dance to all ages in public schools, dance schools, like Broadway Dance Center, Peridance, & Ballet Hispanico, companies such as Pizarts, ABT, & Dancers Unlimited, as well as community centers all around NYC. Milerka also holds regular classes, workshops, and private lessons in NYC & NJ. Her teaching philosophy relies on meeting people where they are and giving students tools to reach their next step. She focuses on building bodily awareness, basic movement mechanics, artistic expression & communication, character work, and making connections through rhythm. Although it was not an original goal, teaching has really become an important part of Milerka’s life, and is an honor she does not take for granted.
community
To Milerka, having a tribe is essential. She believes in community over competition, and the importance of exposure to culture. She has joined and worked with several organizations throughout the years to bring awareness and change in areas such as women’s wellness issues, accessibility of the arts in schools, and nutrition & fitness just to name a few. As a member of Chi Zeta Sigma Sorority, Inc, Milerka has always taken the task of giving back to the community very seriously. Currently, she works with the “Thinking through the Arts” program at the Katonah museum. As the resident choreographer there, she guides students in connecting with, and interpreting the pieces of art through movement at various schools and community events. Mile has also created a movement workshop called “MILE Mondays” where people of all ages can learn foundational techniques for dances rooted in African and Caribbean cultures for FREE! As a member of Les Ballet Afrik, she plays a part in bringing the underground scenes to the masses in fun, entertaining, and educational ways. Her work with the youth is also prevalent. Along with her partner Kevaughn Isaacs, she helped found MPWRD Arts- an organization built on giving young people the tools to turn their passions into careers. This is the important work!
Milerka strives to produce work that Moves, Inspire change, spread messages of Love, Enlightenment minds, and show the world that it’s never too late to seek more!
