meet our people
Co-Founder |
Avery-Jai Andrews
Avery-Jai Andrews (she/her) is a classically-trained dance artist, now non-profit executive-slash-entrepreneur based in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and freelanced in Israel, Germany, and Italy. She returned to her hometown with a mission to create an “artists’ kibbutz,” a community that empowers, supports, and funds individuals to build their livelihood as arts workers.
She began her journey into non-profit leadership with Don’t Ask Why, a dance company creating original movement-centered live performances. This work led her to form Agora Artists in 2020 with her co-conspirator, Lauren Kravitz. As the Associate Artistic Director at Arts Mission Oak Cliff (AMOC), Avery-Jai manages the operations and programming of the community arts center and performance venue.
Additionally, as a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA), Avery-Jai is a consultant for the Advisory Board and leads the initiative to build the official alumni association.
Avery-Jai is a fierce advocate for the local arts and is eager to see and experience Dallas as a thriving arts community.
contact: avery-jai@agoraartists.com
Co-Founder |
Lauren Kravitz
Lauren Kravitz is a freelance dance artist based in Dallas, TX. She received her early training from Booker T. Washington HSPVA and graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dance. After graduating, Lauren spent many years working professionally in New York as a member of Seán Curran Company, Take Dance, and Indah Walsh Dance Company, among others. She performed professionally around the country at venues including the ODC Theater (CA), Brooklyn Academy of Music (NY), and the Watermill Center (NY), among others. She has taught at New York University, Sam Houston State University, The Wooden Floor, and more. Since returning to Texas, Lauren is dedicated to contributing to and supporting the local dance community. She currently works at Arts Mission Oak Cliff and guest teaches throughout North Texas. Kravitz is committed to creating opportunities for connection and growth for dancers in Dallas, and is humbled to be a founding contributor to Agora Artists.
contact: lauren@agoraartists.com
collaborators
Miranda Zapata | dancemaker, DFW Improv Jammers
Brittany Padilla | composer
Cami Holman | dancemaker, DFW Improv Jammers
Rachel Kitto | stage manager
Caitlyn Johansen | person who dances