Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Choreography And Teaching
Training Education And Workshops
Skills And Specializations
Personal Information
Timeline
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Michael A. Cotton Jr.

Michael A. Cotton Jr.

Youngstown,OH

Summary

Professional dancer with 23+ years of experience in musical theater, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and more. Bringing artistic talent, technical expertise, and adaptability to any performance setting. Seeking partnership with a reputable agency for growth and success in the entertainment industry. Committed to expanding 'The MAC Experience' brand through cultural background, dance knowledge, and love for the arts to inspire audiences and elevate artistic expression.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand Ambassador & Founder

The MAC Experience LLC
05.2020 - Current
  • Developed and promoted dance-related initiatives, fostering community engagement and artistic growth.
  • Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
  • Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
  • Implemented strategies for promoting campaigns on social media.
  • Developed style guides to promote consistent branding across projects.
  • Analyzed data and metrics to measure success of campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
  • Determined business plan, mission statement, and vision.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Dance Director

Youngstown City School District
09.2021 - Current
  • Encouraged diverse and unique dance students at every skill level through positive reinforcement and good sportsmanship.
  • Created variety of original dance routines for different classes according to skill level and performance plans.
  • Generated lesson plans each week that covered stretching, conditioning, warm-ups and routines.
  • Implemented creative and challenging choreography to push students to next level.
  • Instructed with scholars who identified as gifted and created lesson plans for 40 scholars every week .

Musical Theatre, Hip Hop (All Levels) Instructor

Ballet Western Reserve
08.2019 - 01.2024
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
  • Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Assessed student learning to evaluate student learning and progress through tests, performances and portfolios.
  • Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
  • Produced 3 theatrical performances each year streamlining technical elements.

Choreographer

New Bethel Baptist Church
01.2008 - 12.2024
  • Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
  • Choreographed for a group of individuals who performed every 2nd Sunday of the month and for special occasions and events.
  • Led team by answering complex customer questions and mentoring personnel one-on-one.
  • Practiced and rehearsed choreographed dance routines to deliver flawless venue performances.

Education

High School Diploma -

Chaney High School
Youngstown, OH
06-2011

Skills

  • Choreography
  • Artistic Direction
  • Performance
  • Artistic collaboration
  • Video editing
  • Team management
  • Teaching techniques
  • Choreography expertise
  • Ticket sales
  • Social media promotion
  • Costume design
  • Music selection
  • Creative vision
  • Physical fitness

Accomplishments

    2024 Certificate of Boards Association Capital Conference Northeast Region Performance Group

    HYER President Award Unique Artistry & Storytelling

    2021 Juneteeth Honorees

    Certificate of Recognition for supports and efforts for the community during COVID-19.

Additional Information

Deeply committed to artistic excellence and cultural diversity., Passionate about inspiring others through dance and community involvement., Eager to collaborate with creative professionals and contribute to innovative projects.

Choreography And Teaching

  • Artistic Dance Director, Youngstown City School District - Chaney High School
  • Musical Theatre, Hip Hop (All Levels) Instructor, Ballet Western Reserve
  • Assistant Director & Choreographer, Wazi
  • Choreographer, Hairspray, Akron Civic Theater
  • Assistant Choreographer, Dreamgirls, Akron Civic Theatre
  • Assistant Choreographer, Gucci Mane Opening Act
  • Choreographer, New Bethel Baptist Church Mime & Praise Dance Ministries
  • Choreographer, The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign International Missionary Convention
  • Instructor, Forest Studioz Performing Arts Studio & Solesque Studios LLC
  • Various Churches, Northeastern Ohio Region & Aboard

Training Education And Workshops

  • Ballet Western Reserve
  • El Olam Dance Intensive, 2016–2024
  • Yahweh In Motion Dance Company
  • Bride Of Christ Conference, 2015–2019
  • Be Made Whole Kingdom Arts Conference
  • Dominion Kingdom Arts Gathering
  • Solesque Studios LLC

Skills And Specializations

  • Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Jazz
  • Hip-Hop
  • Musical Theater
  • Choreography & Artistic Direction
  • Performance & Stage Presence
  • Audience Engagement & Brand Development
  • Versatile Acting & Speaking Roles

Personal Information

  • Hair: Black
  • Eyes: Brown
  • Height: 5'10"

Timeline

Dance Director

Youngstown City School District
09.2021 - Current

Brand Ambassador & Founder

The MAC Experience LLC
05.2020 - Current

Musical Theatre, Hip Hop (All Levels) Instructor

Ballet Western Reserve
08.2019 - 01.2024

Choreographer

New Bethel Baptist Church
01.2008 - 12.2024

High School Diploma -

Chaney High School

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