Art Under Construction: Kamani Abu

"To be a WaterWorks Fellow is an honor I do not take lightly. Joining this legacy of choreographers inspires me to create with purpose, passion, and gratitude." - Kamani Abu

Kamani Abu is a passionate dancer and choreographer currently honing his craft in contemporary and ballet dance. He began his journey at Pieces of a Dream under Ashley SK. Davis at the age of sixteen. After attending a workshop offered by Ailey II, he decided to pursue dance full-time in 2019.

Kamani received a full scholarship to the Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance, directed by Benjamin Sterling Cannon and Christopher Davis. In high school, he performed his choreography entitled Father for AIDS Delaware and was named Delaware’s Teen Idol in 2021. He later attended the Fordham University/Alvin Ailey BFA dance program in New York City and graduated in 2025.

In 2023, Kamani performed Dougla at City Center with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and represented the AILEY school at the Assemblée Internationale festival. He participated in BalletX’s summer and winter intensives in Philadelphia. That fall, he performed Memoria with the AILEY company and With Gratitude, choreographed by Tracy Inman, honoring Denise Jefferson.

Kamani has performed works by notable choreographers and joined Ailey II as an apprentice for the 2024-2025 season, now a company member for 2025-2026, performing works by various acclaimed artists