About Hope
Two-time “Bessie Award” winner, Hope Boykin was an original member of Complexions, danced with Philadanco, and retired after 20 years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Hope has choreographed for numerous universities and has made works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, ABT Studio Company, Ballet Black of London, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Philadanco, The Philadelphia Ballet, and HopeBoykinDance. In October 2023, Hope was featured in the NYTimes and on the cover of Dance Magazine in recognition of her achievements as a creator, mover, maker, and motivator. She directed and choreographed “The Other Side” bringing children’s book by Jacqueline Woodson to life on stage. Hope premiered “An Evening of Hope” at 92NY in New York City, and created “Beauty Size & Color,” a short film now featured on PBS.org, was nominated for a 2023 NY Emmy Award. Hope has directed and choreographed for musical theater productions as well as created work and performed with musical artists, Bokanté, Abiah, and Leslie Odom Jr. In 2024, Hope was honored as one of Crain’s Notable Black Leaders and was awarded the 2025 Inspiration Through The Arts Award from 92NY’s Extraordinary Women Award celebration. Hope founded not-for-profit HBArts Collective Inc., a collaborative space where creators refine their craft, build community, and shape the future. She uses her platform to mentor and bridge the gap for emerging artists with goals for a professional dance career. She believes there are no limits.
CBA Project
Troubled No More is a long-envisioned project by Hope Boykin celebrating the musical legacy of Pastor Shirley Caesar, the First Lady of Gospel. Both natives of Durham, North Carolina, Boykin was raised on Caesar’s sound, its rhythms embedded in her system from earliest childhood. As director and choreographer, Boykin will present this new work for HopeBoykinDance in collaboration with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, uniting three companies on one stage in a celebration of collaboration, community, and joy.