Frias Teaches Dance Technique and Choreography as Artist-in-Residence This Fall
The Shenandoah Conservatory Dance Division welcomes Adjunct Associate Professor of Dance Ruddy A. Frias, B.F.A., as its guest artist-in-residence this fall. Dance students will have the opportunity to learn the Horton technique, elements of vogue, and Latin rhythms with Frias. In addition to teaching technique classes, his choreography will be featured in the upcoming fall dance concert, “Moving Forces,” from Friday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Oct. 27, in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre.
About Ruddy A Frias
Ruddy A. Frias, a native of Bronx, New York, embarked on his dance journey at Bronx Dance Academy Middle School 308 under the guidance of his first dance teacher and lifelong mentor, Sarah Sandford. At the age of 15, Ruddy crossed paths with his mentor, Fredrick Earl Mosley, who introduced him to the world of professional dance and choreography.
Following his high school years, Ruddy pursued pre-professional training at New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. He later continued his studies and training at Montclair State University (MSU) in Montclair, New Jersey, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance in May 2018. At MSU, Ruddy had the privilege of performing in works by renowned choreographers such as Camille A. Brown, Larry Keigwin, Maxine Steinman, and even participated in the musical “West Side Story.”
Upon graduating from MSU, Frias furthered his training at The Ailey School, where he was awarded the Emily and Leonard Blavatnik Scholarship in 2018. During his time at The Ailey School, Ruddy showcased his talents in performances, including Ronald K. Brown’s “Four Corners” and excerpts from Alvin Ailey’s iconic pieces “Revelations,” “Night Creature,” and a solo, titled “Reflection in D.”
Notable performance highlights in Ruddy’s career include his appearances with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, where he had the honor of interpreting works such as “Gula Matari” by Kevin Iega Jeff and “Episodes” by Ulysses Dove. Frias graced the stage at the Park Armory in Rashaad Newsome’s “Assembly,” where he brilliantly showcased his extensive training in voguing. In recognition of his remarkable voguing skills, Ruddy was recently bestowed with “legendary status,” having dedicated over 15 years to ballroom and voguing for the House of Miyake-Mugler for the past six years. He recently completed a year performing with Ballet Hispánico Dos, where he was able to perform works by Norbert de la Cruz, Pedro Ruiz, Annabelle Ochoa Lopez, and Eduardo Vilaro.
Frias continues to share his passion for dance through his educational experiences. In 2020, Ruddy earned his certification in the Lester Horton technique and currently remains actively involved in teaching at Ballet Hispánico’s Community Arts Partnership and School of Dance. Frias has also taught for the Alabama School for the Arts, Dance International Program in Japan, and Union College in New York. He is proud to continue assisting Fredrick Earl Mosley in many of his teaching opportunities, including but not limited to Santa Fe College in Florida, Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, and the School at Steps in New York. Frias worked as rehearsal director for Rennie Harris, assisting on work performed at Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts in 2016.
His choreographic talents have been sought after, with commissions to set his creations at Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, Manhattan Youth Ballet, Fine Line Theatre Arts, and the Brooklyn High School of the Arts. He has showcased works at venues including Jamaica Dance Festival, National Dance Institute, and Ares Unidos, all located in New York. He was recently awarded the Lotus Foundation Grant to explore the ballroom and vogue culture in Brazil as part of a choreographic professional development.
