Belen Pereyra, Dancer, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Belen Pereyra, born in Lawrence, MA, began her formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy, where she graduated as valedictorian.

She is of Dominican descent, as both her parents are from the Dominican Republic.

Both my parents were engineers who had their degrees but had to start from scratch when they immigrated here to create a better life for their kids. Dad had excellent rhythm but it was my mother who was passionate about the arts. Seeing something within me she pushed me hard to pursue my career. She’s my biggest fan. I get my strength from her.

Pereyra, was a member of Origination Cultural Arts Center in Boston. Upon moving to New York City, Ms. Pereyra was closely mentored by Earl Mosley and danced with Camille A. Brown & Dancers for three years, during which time she performed at The Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Dancers Responding to AIDS’ annual events, Dance from the Heart and The Fire Island Dance Festival.

She was an apprentice for Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company, and has performed with Lula Washington Dance Theater, Nathan Trice, and Roger C. Jeffrey.

She assisted Matthew Rushing with his ballet Uptown for the Ailey company in 2009.

Belen Pereyra joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company in 2011.

Sources for this article: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater