joe celej

Choreographer

Joe holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance from SUNY at Buffalo, and has studied on scholarship at Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles, and The Edge. Joe's professional concert dance experience began in Buffalo dancing with Buffalo City Ballet and Neglia Ballet Artists. Upon graduation from SUNY Buffalo, he joined the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company where he became a principal dancer working with amazing artists including Robert Battle, Kevin Wynn, Mario Zambrano, Eddy Ocampo, Max Stone, Jana Hicks, Kate Skarpetowska, Jane Weiner, and Peter Chu. During this time, he also created six original works for the company as its resident choreographer including: Ah Satan Sees Natasha (2003), Gravity (2004), Again, It Starts (2004), and What More? (2005). Joe also created works for Pink! The Musical, a Pink Ribbons Project, the Big Range Festival, and has created two works as a guest alumni for SUNY Buffalo: Under Wraps (2004) and Dreamer (2007), which was presented at the American College Dance Festival. Upon relocating to New York City, Joe began working with Nina Buisson Contemporary Move, The Next Stage Project, and currently tours internationally with Elisa Monte Dance. Most recently, Joe presented Build Me Up!, a self-produced, shared program at The Tank, in downtown Manhattan. In addition to performance and choreography, Joe enjoys sharing his love of dance by teaching movement to students of all ages and experience. He has been teaching professionally for ten years and is constantly inspired by his students' passion and dedication. Joe is excited and honored to present his newest work on the Met, ForeverFleeting, and would like to thank his family and friends for their passionate support of his art.