Desmond Cotton

Education

BFA, Dance, UW-Milwaukee, 2015

Biography

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Desmond Cotton fell in love with the art of dance at the age of twelve. However, he did not have many opportunities to train in dance due to growing up in an underserved community. Determined, Cotton started his dance training at Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in contemporary dance and performance choreography at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was also lead dance instructor for Tessa’s Black Entertainment Youth (TBEY) Arts Center, where he was given the opportunity to teach dance in many underprivileged communities throughout the Milwaukee area. Cotton committed to his work and mission at TBEY Arts Center for sixteen years. In addition, Cotton has also had the privilege to teach contemporary modern and jazz at regional dance conventions such as Dance Masters of Wisconsin. Cotton has even danced with Ko-Thi Dance Company (KTDC) and had special guest performances with Danceworks Performance MKE (DPMKE) and Wild Space Dance Company (WSDC). Currently, he teaches ballet at B Inspired Dance Studio in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He is also the assistant ensemble director of KTDC. Cotton is blessed to have the opportunity to work with many dancers, especially those from Wisconsin; primarily, in disadvantaged and indigent communities. Furthermore, through the art of dance, Cotton advocates for representation and opportunity. Thus, a “diamond in the rough” cannot shine unless given time, care, and attention even in the most challenging disposition. Moreover, Cotton is a product of talent inside of a society that is subjected to low prosperity and high adversity. For he truly believes talent is pure, innocent, and undeniable. He has made it his objective to use his love for dance as a source to give back to his community; thereby, providing an experience he craved as a child.

Recent & Selected Works