Dyson Ramey
Principal Dancer

Dyson Ramey, a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher from Pittsburgh, PA, began his dance journey as a competitive dancer before concentrating on ballet, theater, and concert dance during high school. He attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School in Midland, PA, where he performed in productions such as The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Singin’ in the Rain, and Matilda: The Musical. His training at Lincoln Park included ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and theater under Jennifer Verba, Krista Shovlin, Stephanie Anderson, Mindy Silver, Jeremy Czarniak, Justin Fortunado, and Sharon Schaller.

Dyson’s career took a significant turn when he was invited to join Central Illinois Ballet (CIB) in Peoria, IL, as a soloist. At CIB, Dyson has portrayed a variety of roles, including The Nutcracker and Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd, Prince Charming in Cinderella, and Albrecht in Giselle. His success in each role he has played got him promoted to principal after 2 years.

Dyson's choreographic successes led to his promotion to Resident Choreographer and, subsequently, Associate Artistic Director at CIB, where he collaborates with Jessie Williams and the company’s artists. In addition to his performance and choreographic work, Dyson teaches at Cornerstone Academy of Performing Arts, where he instructs in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tumbling, and partnering, and has created jazz, contemporary, and hip hop choreography for the academy’s yearly spring showcase.

Dyson is beyond excited to continue his work here at Central Illinois Ballet and bring the art of dance to Peoria.