Marcus Richard Alford
Born in Tripoli, Libya, Marcus Alford found his way to several continents as an Air Force brat. He eventually landed at the University of Alabama where he earned a B.A. degree. Inspired by his dance teachers, he headed to Chicago where he choreographed, taught, danced and toured with the legendary Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago for a decade.
Mr. Alford has been on the faculty of every major dance organization including D.M.A., D.E.A., Internationale Tanz Werkstatt, Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and many others. Marcus’ high energy jazz classes have also inspired students at the Festival of the World in Hungary, The American College Dance Festival, The International Ballet Competition, Jackson, MS, Hubbard Street Dance Studio, Chicago and the North Carolina School of the Arts. He has served on the faculty of the Kennesaw State University Department of Dance.
In 1986, Marcus founded “JAZZ ON TAP” (the Metro Atlanta Jazz and Tap Dance Festival) which has grown to be one of the largest dance events of its kind in the U.S. featuring master classes and performances involving 2,500 dancers annually. In 1991, he authored Jazz Danceology, now a standard in the libraries of jazz dancers, teachers and universities everywhere. Alford’s company, Jazz Dance Theatre South, founded in 1986, toured the U.S. and Europe for 15 years presenting the highest caliber of concert jazz and tap. Serving the Ballet community with its own festival, Mr. Alford founded “BalletFest Atlanta” in 2003.
Marcus Alford has performed in and/or choreographed many award winning industrials and TV/video projects. With Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Marcus danced “The Rehearsal”, an Emmy Award winner. His “Customer is King” (Media Mix, London/Atlanta) won a Telly Award for outstanding television and video production and “Alcatel is Here” (Networld / Interop Communications Show) won the Best of Show award. Mr. Alford’s industrial work includes clients such as Kohler Corporation, Sprint, I.B.M., and N.F.L. Commissioners. His concert choreography can be seen on companies throughout the dance world.
Marcus loves to share the wonderful art and excitement of dance with all!