JOSETTE WIGGAN

Josette Wiggan is a renowned teacher, choreographer and performer specializing in tap dance and African-American vernacular jazz. Originally from Los Angeles, she began her dance training at the age of 12. A graduate of UCLA, Josette quickly made a name for herself in the dance world, winning the Spotlight Award in 2001 in the “non-classical dance” category. Her career has led her to work with prestigious artists and companies, including Cirque du Soleil on the productions Banana Shpeel and Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour between 2009 and 2013. Josette choreographs and dances in contemporary creations such as Infatigable, a show conceived by Michelle Dorrance, and was co-creator of The Nutcracker Suite project in 2019.

Her work extends far beyond the stage, as Josette is also a passionate advocate of vernacular jazz and tap dance, which she considers essential elements of African-American cultural identity. She is the creator of several pieces, including Harlem Stomp (2020), which highlights the heritage and impact of jazz in dance, and more recently Praise: The Inevitable Fruit of Gratitude (2021), in collaboration with jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold.