About the Company

The mission of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham is to create a body of dance-based work that is galvanized by Black culture and history and features the rich tapestry of Black and Queer stories. The work, informed by and made in conjunction with artists across a range of disciplines, entwines a sensual and provocative vocabulary with a strong emphasis on music, text, video, and visual art. While grounded in choreographer Kyle Abraham’s artistic vision, A.I.M draws inspiration from a multitude of sources and movement styles.

“As an artist born in the late 1970s, I’ve experienced a change in society that brings me hope. My choreography is a reflection of that hope, but also lives in the reality of my experiences and the cultural work that still needs to be done.”—Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director

Core Values

A.I.M believes in:

the power of dance as an art form and A.I.M’s distinctive, ardent voice within contemporary dance

an artistic process informed by robust conversations with people from diverse perspectives

the pursuit of excellence through ethical leadership and through

accountability to each other, the field at large, and the audiences we serve

supporting and nurturing dancers with living wages, health insurance and career development

operating with integrity throughout all aspects of the organization

People

William Okajima (he/him)
Dancer

Originally from Irvine, California, William Okajima’s love for music and dance originated from a young age, growing up in a household full of artists. Okajima’s extensive training began at Orange County School of the Arts, and supplemented his dance training at both Westside Dance Project and Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy. At just age 13, Okajima obtained his first professional dance role in Sia’s The Greatest music video, and fell in love with the commercial world. Since, he continues to be a part of Los Angeles' vibrant commercial dance scene, featuring in nationwide advertisements (Honda, Apple, Pull & Bear), as well as international campaigns. Most recently, Okajima traveled to Dubai to feature in the country’s latest tourism film. A recent graduate from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Okajima received a BFA in Dance under the guidance of individuals including Kyle Abraham, Bret Easterling, Jermaine Spivey, Jodie Gates and William Forsythe. At Kaufman, Will has performed featured roles in works by Jiří Kylián, Micaela Taylor, Tyce Diorio, Desmond Richardson, Dwight Rhoden and Hope Boykin. Will also received a minor in entrepreneurship through the USC Marshall School of Business. In doing so, Okajima hopes that his studies of the intersections between dance performance and personal branding will allow him to tackle the demands of the commercial and concert dance world with a uniquely informed academic perspective. Okajima joined A.I.M by Kyle Abraham in 2024.

Staff

Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director
Sydnie Liggett-Dennis, Executive Director
Jessica Tong, Rehearsal Director
Vernon Scott, Producing Director
Anne Dechêne, General Manager
Bridget Caston, Interim Company Manager
Amber Lee Parker, Company Manager
Meredith Belis, Production Stage Manager
Matthew Baker, Artistic Engagement Manager
Dan Stearns, Lighting Supervisor
Alexander Diaz, Marketing Manager
Chris Constable, Press Agent
Izzi Wayner, Interim Director of Development
Danielle LeBron, Development Associate
Lucy Mallett, Financial Services

A.I.M Board

Kyle Abraham
Stephen Simcock (chair)
Cheryl Bergenfeld
Chris Calkins
Adrienne Edwards
Suzanne Hall
Mark A. Leavitt
Glenn Ligon
Jennifer Mandelson
Bebe Neuwirth
Carrie Schneider
Gilda Squire
Julia Strickland
Mickalene Thomas

Contact

For domestic and international booking information, contact:
Sophie Myrtil-McCourty, President
Lotus Arts Management
72-11 Austin Street, #371
Forest Hills, NY 11375
+1 347 721 8724
sophie@lotusartsmgmt.com

For general inquiries, please email info@aimbykyleabraham.org or call 914 996 7444.

For audition inquiries, please send a resume, a photo and a short video of yourself to matthew@aimbykyleabraham.org.

For questions about volunteer opportunities or creative partnerships, please contact info@aimbykyleabraham.org or 212 691 6500 ext. 311.


Website design: Neil Donnelly & Cat Wentworth
Website development: Henry Van Dusen