Venza Dance
Founded in 2018 by Quaba V. Ernest, Venza Dance is an innovative interdisciplinary arts collective dedicated to pushing the boundaries of live and digital art. Our mission is to create provocative works that inspire viewers to engage deeply with complex questions and perspectives. Emphasizing collaboration, we integrate dance, theater, music, film, and installation to explore the limitless potential of movement in all its forms. Through this dynamic fusion of mediums, Venza Dance crafts abstract interpretations that shed light on the often overlooked or internalized emotions of daily life. The work invites audiences to reflect on their roles within society and the ever-evolving cultural landscape. By delving into the nuances of human experience, we aim to transform ordinary moments into profound artistic expressions. A journey of discovery, where every creation is an invitation to see the world anew.
Quaba V. Ernest
Quaba V. Ernest
Quaba Venza Ernest is a St. Lucian-American choreographer, performer, and educator based in Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, he is also an alumnus of Dance Theatre of Harlem and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. He was awarded the Thayer Fellowship in the Arts and an Adopt-A-Dancer Scholarship in recognition of his choreographic promise and performance excellence.
Quaba began his professional career with Ballet BC and has since worked with Doug Varone and Dancers, Dual Rivet, Sidra Bell, Loni Landon, Peiju Chienpott, Sleep No More, and The Metropolitan Opera. His choreographic work has been presented at Arts On Site, Triskelion Arts, Chelsea Factory, Jamaica Dance Festival, Cinedanza Film Festival, Making Moves Dance Festival, New Century Dance Project, and the Quinzena de Dança de Almada in Portugal.
He has danced in works by Kimberly Bartosik, George Balanchine, Ronald K. Brown, Sidra Bell, Norbert De La Cruz lll, Maxine Doyle, Sharon Eyal, Kayla Farish, Marjani Forte, Johan Inger, Loni Landon, Sidi Larbi, Ana Maria Lucaciu, Ohad Naharin, Staycee Pearl, Crystal Pite, Jerome Robbins, Ted Shawn, Cayetano Soto, Didy Veldman and Medhi Walerski.
As an educator, Quaba has taught for The Juilliard School and its Summer Intensive, NYU, Peridance, Brenau University, Adelphi University, Steps on Broadway, and MOVE|NYC|. He is currently an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance.
He is a 2021 Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellow at Jacob’s Pillow, a 2022 Early Career Artist with the Making Moves Dance Festival, and a 2025 resident artist through Pepatián’s Dancing Futures program with BAAD!.
He has been a movement director & choreographer for several galleries, films & music videos including projects for GoalKeepers, Luca Fogale, and Ralph Pucci.
Quaba began his professional career with Ballet BC and has since worked with Doug Varone and Dancers, Dual Rivet, Sidra Bell, Loni Landon, Peiju Chienpott, Sleep No More, and The Metropolitan Opera. His choreographic work has been presented at Arts On Site, Triskelion Arts, Chelsea Factory, Jamaica Dance Festival, Cinedanza Film Festival, Making Moves Dance Festival, New Century Dance Project, and the Quinzena de Dança de Almada in Portugal.
He has danced in works by Kimberly Bartosik, George Balanchine, Ronald K. Brown, Sidra Bell, Norbert De La Cruz lll, Maxine Doyle, Sharon Eyal, Kayla Farish, Marjani Forte, Johan Inger, Loni Landon, Sidi Larbi, Ana Maria Lucaciu, Ohad Naharin, Staycee Pearl, Crystal Pite, Jerome Robbins, Ted Shawn, Cayetano Soto, Didy Veldman and Medhi Walerski.
As an educator, Quaba has taught for The Juilliard School and its Summer Intensive, NYU, Peridance, Brenau University, Adelphi University, Steps on Broadway, and MOVE|NYC|. He is currently an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance.
He is a 2021 Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellow at Jacob’s Pillow, a 2022 Early Career Artist with the Making Moves Dance Festival, and a 2025 resident artist through Pepatián’s Dancing Futures program with BAAD!.
He has been a movement director & choreographer for several galleries, films & music videos including projects for GoalKeepers, Luca Fogale, and Ralph Pucci.
Photo by Mark MannDesigned by Quaba Venza Ernest