2016 Jadin Wong Dance Award Fellow Announced

Jesse Obremski, a Juilliard graduate, has been selected the 2016 Jadin Wong Dance Fellow in Dance. This is the third year the Asian American Arts Alliance has administered this award on behalf of the New York Community Trust. The fellowship goes to an Asian American dancer/choreographer who is age 30 or under and is based in New York City. Mr. Obremski was selected in an open application process by a high-level review panel.

The Jadin Wong awardee will receive a $4,500 cash stipend to be used specifically for professional development opportunities in dance.

The awardee is selected on artistic merit, community impact, and potential for great achievement in the dance community.

The Jadin Wong Award is a tribute to the life and work of renowned Chinese American actress, dancer, and comedienne Jadin Wong (1913-2010). Since her teenage years, Ms. Wong had been a pioneer and innovator of Asian American performing arts. Ms. Wong made her way in show business and blazed a trail for other Asian American performers to follow; she also founded her own arts management company and specialized in placing Asian American talent.

She established the Jadin Wong Educational Fund at the New York Community Trust to support aspiring artists, musicians and dancers of Asian descent.

"The Alliance is honored to administer this prestigious fellowship in memory of Jadin Wong," said Andrea Louie, executive director of the Asian American Arts Alliance. "Jadin Wong's courage, perseverance, and dedication to empowering Asian Americans in the performing arts deeply embodies the values of the Alliance, and we hope that those who have benefited from her generosity can be inspired and encouraged by Jadin's own story and career."

Jesse Obremski, a native New Yorker, has been described by DanceTabs as one who dances "with fluent simplicity" and "quiet understanding". He started training at The Ailey School and later at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. While there, he performed in productions of A Chorus Line, Hairspray, and Guys and Dolls. In 2016, Jesse graduated from The Juilliard School, under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes, where he earned his B.F.A in dance. Jesse, a Father Fame Awardee (2012) and Eagle Scout Rank (2010) recipient, has also attended Springboard Danse Montreal, Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts, and Jacob's Pillow.

He has performed works by other renowned choreographers such as Kyle Abraham, Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Madboots, Brian Brooks, Nacho Duato, Sharon Eyal, Martha Graham (principle role), Jose? Limo?n (soloist role), Ohad Naharin, Crystal Pite, and Paul Taylor (principle role).

Jesse has been a guest faculty member across Hawaii at Queen Emma Ballet, Mid-Pacific High School, The University of Hawaii at Manoa and in New York City at LaGuardia High School. In 2015, Jesse toured across Canada as a faculty member with FRESH Dance Intensive and is a faculty member and arts administrator at Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts.

Jesse has performed with the Kate Weare Company, Zest Collective, Diversity of Dance inc. and is currently a company member with DaretoCreate Dance Theatre (2013-present), the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company (2015-present) and Buglisi Dance Theatre (2016-present). Jesse will also be joining the Limo?n Dance Company in August, 2016.www.jesseobremski.com

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