Kenneth Franks (Kyne) received his early training in
dance in Cincinnati. His ballet training was at the Annaliese Von
Oettingen School of Ballet and his modern dance training at the Contemporary
Dance Theatre School. In 1975, he received an invitation from the
Dance Theatre of Harlem to be an apprentice to the company. After
three year of apprenticeship, he left to receive a more diverse dance
vocabulary in modern, jazz dances and theater.
His professional performance experience was at Garden
State Ballet in Newark, New Jersey as a principal soloist. Upon retiring
from performing, he became Assistant Faculty Chair for Garden State
Ballet School and later Director of Education for Princeton Ballet
School in New Jersey. He has trained many young dancers who have gone
on to national companies, e.g., New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey’s
Dance Company. He loves the art of dance and enjoys educating his
student who trains under him.
He is presently a teaching artist and develops education
programs for students and teachers in arts integration and interdisciplinary
learning. His focus is on African and African American history and
culture. He is a member of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati Board
of Trustees and the Cincinnati Arts Association Building Diverse Audiences
Committee.
