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“Dance is so universal—it helps us enjoy being alive.”

Charlene Gentles has been dancing with Dragonfly Dance Experiment since April 2009.  Charlene achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Dance from UMBC and has performed with many dance companies in the area.  She has danced with Eleanor Roosevelt Dance Company, Ek Dil One Soul Indian Fusion Dance Company, Clancyworks Dance Company, Jessica Marchant Moves, Baltimore Dance Project and Deviated Theatre.  Charlene has danced almost every style of dance including, Hip-Hop, Classical Indian, Bhangra, Merengue, Salsa, African, Modern, Ballet, Liturgical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Interpretive Dance with American Sign Language.  Charlene doesn’t limit herself to just performing.  She also has taught dance workshops with Baltimore Dance Project for Project REACH and taught Hip-Hop Dance through the D.A.R.E Dance program.

When asked if there was a specific performance that really impacted Charlene, she described a performance by Clancyworks Dance Company, Back to the Wall, in 2001.  “I was very new to the modern dance world and seeing the physical, athletic, yet fluid movements of the dancers really helped understand more of what modern dance could encompass. I also enjoyed the metaphoric nature of her work. I love that dance can be a medium to express ideas and social interactions with one another as people.”

Charlene is a true blue Maryland girl.  She grew up in Hyattsville, attended high school at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt and is currently a kindergarten teacher in Prince George’s County.  She is currently pursuing a Master Degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University.

When Charlene isn’t dancing with Dragonfly or teaching Maryland youth she is reading and writing down her thoughts. She loves to imagine and reflect and keep learning new things.   And since she does work with 5 year olds everyday, she is constantly coloring, drawing or cleaning up something.  Charlene currently lives with her family and her beautiful German Sheppard, Roxie, who helps her laugh and play everyday.  Although she loves what she does both with work and dance, she would like to design and build her own house one day, equipped with an awesome playground in the backyard.

Charlene would like to thank:

“God for giving me the gift of dance in the first place. Without Him I would have been lost and rhythmless for sure.  My Mom and Sister for supporting me for the past 15 years, they STILL come to all my shows.  Megan for being an awesome Director who respects and values all of her dancers.  Thank you to everyone who is passionate about what they do. Passion is key to embracing this world and living the life you’ve always wanted.”
 


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