Art transcends mere aesthetics; it is an expression articulated through subtle nuances that engage with familiarity and exposition. As an Afro-Puerto Rican, storytelling is crucial for fostering unity and understanding within the community. Our communication skills carry valuable lessons. I aim to contribute to this tradition by broadening narratives through my unique perspective on the world, embracing interpretations that harmonize with diverse beliefs.
- Kar'mel Antonyo Wade Small
Raised in the South Bronx, Kar’mel Antonyo Wade Small initiated his dance journey with American and International Ballroom styles, introduced by Pierre Dulaine, Yvonne Rainer, & Otto Cappel's American Ballroom Theater (presently known as Dancing Classrooms) and Tatiana Keegan's tutelage respectively. He further honed his craft at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where he received formal training in ballet, modern, and jazz. Continuing his pursuit of dance, Kar’mel graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance and Composition from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase. Kar’mel has performed in numerous renowned spaces such as Jacob’s Pillow, The Joyce Theater, Kampnagel, Symphony Space, Schauspiel Köln (Tanz Köln), The Newman Center, Kaatsbaan, BAM, Carpenter Center, Festival Arts Saint-Sauveur, New York Live Arts, Lincoln Center, among other prestigious venues. Notable choreographers he has performed works by include Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Damani Pompey, Ohad Naharin, Kevin Wynn, Martha Graham, Eleo Pomare, Merce Cunningham, Jerome Robbins, Roderick George, Nathan Trice, Enrique Cruz DeJesus, Kayla Farrish, Sarah Elgart, Kimberly Bartosik, Fukiko Takase, Beatrice Capote, Michelle Thompson Ulerich, Ryan Yamauchi, Symara Sarai Johnson, Joy Marie Thompson, Dava Huesca, and more. As a freelancer, he has taught contemporary and floorwork at Gibney and Modega, and assisted at Princeton University and Slippery Rock University. In addition to concert stage work, Kar’mel has been featured in film and TV productions, including appearances on UNIVISION’s Despierta América, HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness, TELFAR TV, International Club Diner card commercial, KAYE's music video Neon God, and more. His choreographic contributions extend to director Dean Irby’s rendition of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “The Brothers Size" - featuring Colby Hollman, Diata Coleman, and Thomas Walter Booker. Kar’mel's artistic endeavors are multifaceted, spanning from film & photography to music. His photography has graced The Metropolitan Museum of Art walls and has showcased collaborative video projects such as Interrupting The Divine, an exploration of the complexities of one's relationship with God, with Kyra Akia Naomi Ferguson and Claudius Richard Terry James. As a Chez Bushwick AiR recipient through the Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation, he worked on his latest choreographic project and artistic journal, project:MEMORABILIA, and later joined A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham in October 2022.