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From Memphis to Washington D.C.: Roman Neal takes center stage
New Ballet graduate Roman Neal II has taken center stage at Howard University after being awarded the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious award was established by the late actor’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, in collaboration with Netflix, to provide four-year scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition for incoming fine arts students.
Roman began his journey in dance with hip-hop, and his passion for the arts began to increasingly grow as he attended dance competitions and conventions. As his newfound passion progressed, so did his desire to learn other styles. After taking a summer class with New Ballet at the age of 10, he was offered free tuition and has been performing and perfecting his technique ever since. Through the variety of dance styles taught at New Ballet, Roman has honed his techniques in hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, West African and Memphis Jookin.
From elementary school to high school graduation, Roman has literally and figuratively grown with New Ballet. In his NutRemix™ debut performance, he danced alongside other inspiring New Ballet graduates and mentors, including the globally acclaimed dancer Lil Buck. In his last performance as a student in the 2022 NutRemix production, Roman took center stage in the leading role.
In addition to dancing with New Ballet, Roman trained at other great institutions, including LYE Academy, Subroy Studios and the Tennessee Governor’s School of the Arts.
Roman hopes to attain a Bachelor of Fine Arts and work toward a professional stage career. We are excited to see what he conquers next!
To learn more about Roman, his journey with dance and what receiving the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship means to him, check out these stories by Commercial Appeal and ABC24.
Posted by New Ballet at September 7, 2023