E L I S A M O N T E D
A N C E
Photo by Roy Volkmann
THE DANCERS
JOE CELEJ holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY at Buffalo and joined the Houston Metropolitan Dance Co upon graduation in 2001. While at the Met, he worked with such artists as Mario Zambrano, Robert Battle, Kevin Wynn, and Jane Weiner, as well as, creating works as a resident choreographer for the company. Joe is excited to now call New York home and to be a part of Elisa Monte Dance.
RACHEL HOLMES, originally from Kentucky, began her professional training at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. During that period she was a two-time finalist in the Overture Awards. After graduating early from high school she attended the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Joffrey Ballet School on scholarship. She started her professional career with Joan Miller’s Dance Players. She joined Elisa Monte Dance in July, 2006.
WERNER FIGAR started his dance training at the age of nine with competitive ballroom dancing, claiming the Austrian Champion title three times. He received his degree in Musical Theatre Arts at the United Stage Commission of Austria and performed in West Side Story, El Maestro and Tango Night. Upon moving to New York in 2005, Werner participated in the Alvin Ailey Independent Study Program and performed with their Certificate Performance Group. He has since worked with Max Luna, former Ailey principal dancer. Werner joined Elisa Monte Dance in 2007.
TIFFANY REA has been dancing ever since she can remember. In 2003, she graduated with her BFA from the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College SUNY where she continued her training in modern and ballet. During this time she also toured Spain in collaboration with Compania de Burgos for which she received national acclaim for her performances. She has since worked with The Kevin Wynn Collection, Brett Howard, and Dance Annonymous. In the winter of 2005 Tiffany added producer to her list of accomplishments when she accepted the position as Curator for Dance at the enterdisciplinary arts organization The TANK. Ms. Rea joined Elisa Monte Dance in 2004 and since has toured the United States, Europe and South America.
MAYA TAYLOR received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alvin Ailey/Fordham University program in May 2006. During this time she performed works by Robert Battle, Nathan Trice, Alexandre Proia, Elisa Monte, and Alvin Ailey among others. She has participated in the Grand Prix Italia in Cesena, Italy and attended Jacob’s Pillow in 2003 where she was introduced to repertory from Maguy Marin, Pina Bauch, and Angelin Preljocaj. Maya joined Elisa Monte Dance in July, 2006.