Endalyn T. Outlaw

The Prix de Lausanne epitomizes the pinnacle of excellence in training and preparation of young artists to enter the field of classical ballet. Long recognized and established as the crème de la crème of dance competitions, the name itself garners attention and respect. To participate as a juror in this event that provides opportunities through scholarships and launches careers through job offers is an honor. As the Dean of Dance with a vested interest in future of landscape of dance and the artists who will carry the field forward, it is thrilling to get to experience firsthand the exceptional collection of talent, training and passion that is an integral part of this competition ! UNCSA is proud to have students be part of this Prix whose goal it is to discover, promote and support the finest talents from around the world.
One message I would give to the 2023 candidates is: What a fait accompli to have been selected to participate in PDL in its 50^th year of existence. You represent the best our industry has to offer and highlight what is possible when opportunity, talent and hard work align. Savor this moment of getting to share your gift with your peers, the artists in attendance whose shoulders you stand on and the numerous supporters of dance who are rooting for you from near and afar. You are already victorious – so dance with your whole heart and soul. Leave it all on the stage… Congratulations
And congratulations and thank you also to the PDL for the impact you have made on the ballet industry. Some of the most dynamic artists in the field have graced the stages of this competition and gone on to inspire and set a standard for others to aspire towards. Kudos for taking steps to build on your relevance and acknowledge that inclusivity is essential to moving forward into the next 50 years.

Endalyn T. Outlaw received her earliest dance training at the Mayfair Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago IL. In 1984, she joined Dance Theatre of Harlem’s company and became a Principal in 1993. She performed leading roles for such dignitaries as Coretta Scott King, Colin Powell, President Bill Clinton, the late Princess Diana, former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and many others.

In 1992, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of Carousel and went on to perform in Broadway’s The Lion King, and Aida. Outlaw performed for the Tony Awards in 1993 and 1997. Outlaw has taught master classes throughout the United States and abroad and ran a performing arts institute in Cambridge Massachusetts. She was the Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and taught, choreographed and staged works on students in the Professional Training Program. In 2010, she was invited to bring ten of her students to the White House to participate in a new arts initiative of the Obama’s. In 2013, her young students performed for the 1st Lady and the Wives of Heads of States luncheon hosted at the Studio Museum of Harlem. Outlaw has choreographed numerous works including as Co-choreographer and Concept Developer for the Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York City.

Most recently, Outlaw has choreographed works for Collage Dance Collective, performed the co-choreographed work Chalk Lines at the American Dance Festival in New York, and a collaborative work entitled The Counterpoint Project, which premiered in New York City in 2018. Outlaw was among a group of six seasoned female artists who performed in an evening length work entitled The World as We Know it and received rave reviews for her performance of the solo Is All. Additionally, she leant her choreographic voice to the 2019 University of Illinois Theatre Departments’, August Wilson play Gem of the Ocean, directed by Chuck Smith. Outlaw has presented lectures at Coventry University in England, University of California, Irvine, participated on panels at the Collegium for African Diasporic Dance and National Association of Schools of Dance.

Outlaw is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including, Outstanding Achievement in Media and the Arts Award from the Institute Against Domestic Violence in the African American Community, Minneapolis, MA, 2009; Initiative for Multi-Racial Democracy Award, Campus Research Board, 2017, Excellence in Teaching Award, Fine & Applied Arts at the University of Illinois, 2018, Presidential Initiative: Expanding the Impact of the Arts and the Humanities, University of Illinois 2021, and Excellence in Public Engagement Award for Faculty & Staff – Emerging Category, 2021. She is honored to have had the Big Ten Network’s documentary short, Illinois Artist – Endalyn T. Outlaw receive a Mid- America Emmy for Best Program Feature Segment, Arts/Entertainment, October 2019. Outlaw received her MFA in Dance from Hollins University in 2012 and was an Associate Professorship and Dean’s Fellow for Black Arts Research at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign prior to becoming the Dean, School of Dance at North Carolina School of the Arts, August 2021.