Bio
Jōvan Dansberry is a New York–based director and choreographer working across theater, television, and other live performance. His work centers on dance as a driving force in storytelling- blending movement and music to create dynamic, emotionally resonant experiences. Recent collaborations include Let the Good Times Roll (Phoenix Theatre Company, Associate Director), The Little Mermaid (Paper Mill Playhouse, Associate Director), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (Goodman Theatre, Associate Choreographer), The Preacher’s Wife (Alliance Theatre, Associate Choreographer), and Porgy and Bess (The Metropolitan Opera, Assistant Choreographer).
Having performed in Bob Fosse’s Dancin’, Wicked, MJ, and at The Metropolitan Opera, Jōvan now focuses on developing both new works and reimagined productions that expand how movement shapes narrative and deepens audience connection.
Vision
My work is rooted in revitalizing the live theater experience through bold, movement-driven storytelling. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, I am committed to reaffirming the irreplaceable power of live performance—its immediacy, its humanity, and its shared sense of wonder.
By fusing dance, theatrical narrative, and innovative production design, I strive to transform performance into an EVENT: a visceral, communal experience that invites audiences to be fully present. My work aims to bridge generations and backgrounds, positioning theater and dance performance as a vibrant form of social entertainment, one that not only captivates, but also sparks dialogue, reflection, and a renewed passion for the magic of being in the room together.