Thalía Norwood is a creative force with a passion for dance, film, and visual storytelling. Currently the Creative Director of Take 6 Productions, she is set to debut her short film Who’s Next? in 2024. Thalía’s artistic journey began at age 3, dancing at Chez Dance Studio in Sewell, NJ, and later refining her skills at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology’s prestigious dance program. Academically driven, she consistently earned a place on the honor roll, known for her organizational skills, motivation, and responsibility. Thalía is currently pursuing a Dance major and TV/Film minor at Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. As an aspiring filmmaker, she aims to bring a unique perspective to cinema, with a special focus on inspiring young Black artists. With Who’s Next? on the horizon, Thalía is poised to make a lasting impact in both the dance and film industries.

Born in Washington, DC, Jaida Nutall trained at Jones-Haywood Dance School under the direction of Sandra Fortune-Green. Nutall purposefully chose Howard University's Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance program because she is passionate about demonstrating the achievement of black dancers from non-white environments. Since starting at Howard University, Jaida has performed works by notable artists such as Ronald K. Brown (EVIDENCE, A Dance Company), Nycole Ray (Dallas Black Dance Theater), and Dwight Rhoden (Complexions Contemporary Ballet). Jaida has choreographed in several university-wide endeavors, and earned the “Hard Work and Choreography Award” from the Howard University Chapter of the NAACP (2024).

The primary reason Nutall is dedicated to Take 6 Productions is her enthusiasm for showcasing the diversity of dancers, and practices this by pursuing two minor degrees in strategic communications and psychology to satisfy her curiosity for human connections. In Take 6 Productions first short film, “Who’s Next?,” she served as the Assistant/Rehearsal Director and is grateful that her team members have encouraged lessons of tenacity, patience, accountability, and—above all—resilience. Nutall is excited about the significant influence Take 6 Productions will have on the world.

Heads all logistical planning across film within Take 6 Productions and is the Executive Producer for the company's first short film, "Who's Next?" a part of the Disney Storytellers Fund at Howard University. Before Take 6, Janelle was the Creative Director of "Come to Life," a choreographed piece in the Senior dance production Eclipse. In her role as Creative Director, Janelle developed her passion for innovation and acquired her skills in production through choreographing, budgeting, lighting, and planning. A month after its creation, Come To Life went on to win the New Jersey Teen Arts Award.

Continuing her craft, Janelle acted as an Event Assistant and Front Desk Associate for a modern dance company, Nimbus Dance Works, catering to events such as the Jersey City Nutcracker, Fundraiser Galas, and school productions. Her current expertise also includes acceptance into the Entertainment Industry's Outreach Program: HBCU In LA, a program where black artists in the entertainment industry gain professional development skills and exposure to companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, and many more.

Her artistic background consists of being a BFA Dance Major at Howard University, with extensive dance training performing in venues such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and most recently debuting at the Joyce Theatre. After many years performing and producing in live theatre, Janelle is excited to expand her artistry into film by reaching wider audiences and creating further impact.

PAIGE PIPER, from Atlanta, GA, serves as the Director of Culture & Impact and Head Graphic Designer for Take 6 Productions. She proudly designed the costumes for *Who’s Next?* and is honored to be a Disney Storytellers Fund Scholar at Howard University. Paige has a natural passion for content creation and video editing, making her role at Take 6 Productions a fun and eye-opening experience.

Paige has always been immersed in the arts. She began her training in dance, focusing on Classical Ballet and Pointe. In addition to Ballet, she has studied various other styles, including Tap, Jazz, Modern, Liturgical, Hip-Hop, and Latin. During the summers, she trains with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, American Ballet Theatre, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, among others. Paige's versatility extends beyond dance; she also has extensive experience in Musical Theatre and Acting. She attended the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School, where she majored in Dance and minored in Acting. In her junior year, she was a dance finalist for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program.

Currently, Paige is enrolled at Howard University, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She aims to perform professionally on both stage and screen. An advocate for representation in the arts, she plans to establish philanthropic initiatives for Take 6 Productions and throughout her career. Paige is excited to share *Who’s Next?* with the audience and hopes to inspire as many people as possible.

Alexus Sears, a third-year BFA Dance major with a minor in Maternal and Child Health at Howard University, has over 10 years of dance experience. She has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, and contemporary, working with choreographers like Michaela DePrince, Desmond Richardson and Kevin Iega Jeff. Alexus further honed her training studying at other establishments during summer intensives at Debbie Allen Dance Academy in LA and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago. She plans to pursue opportunities in both commercial and concert dance post-graduation.

Driven by a passion for dance and Black representation, Alexus continues her journey at Howard University, inspired by fellow Black artists. Her commitment to the arts is evident in her work with the Take 6 Production team, where she serves as casting director and scheduling manager for the “Who’s Next?”short film. Alexus is grateful to contribute to this impactful project, aiming to inspire and uplift Black artists worldwide through her work and dedication.

SHE/HER

Director of Creative Development

Kaylee Faison serves as the Director of Creative Development at Take 6 Productions, where she also choreographed their inaugural project, “Who's Next?”. A native of Hillsborough, NC, Kaylee began studying dance at age two and trained at Xtreme Dance Academy in Mebane, NC. During high school, she attended Governor’s School East with a focus on dance, studying under Amanda Oakley Hort. At Governor’s school she solidified her passion for choreography and performance. Kaylee is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Biology at Howard University, where she has collaborated with renowned choreographers such as Ronald K. Brown, Christopher Huggins, Andile Ndlovu, Dwight Rhoden, and Desmond Richards. She has also studied under influential figures like Dianne McIntyre, Hope Boykin, Cleo Parker Robinson, and more. Kaylee is passionate about choreography and aspires to make it a central part of her artistic career. She looks forward to how Take 6 Productions will continue to shape her future!