top of page
Cory Barnette & Troy Herring
Artistic Directors

Growing up in Phoenix, Cory began dancing at the young age of three. He received his formal training from the Tempe Dance Academy in Tempe, AZ. Here, he had the opportunity to compete and perform around the US, as well as tour both Europe and China. While in high school, Cory received the National Outstanding Dancer scholarship from NYCDA in 2010, and he toured with them regionally as an assistant for the following year. Additionally, Cory was accepted to The Juilliard School, where he received his BFA in 2014. Upon graduation, Cory joined the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet for a season and then Les Grands Ballets des Montreal for another two seasons. Throughout his time in school and in dance companies, Cory has performed in NYC, Jacob's Pillow, Paris, Germany, Colombia, Holland, Scotland, and over 25 other cities in the US. He has performed works by Ohad Naharin, William Forsythe, Jose Limon, Martha Graham, Jiri Kylian, Jean Christophe Maillot, Stephan Thoss, Alexander Ekman, Crystal Pite, Norbert De La Cruz III, Nicolo Fonte, and Shen Wei. He even performed as an extra in the movie "Match" starring Patrick Stewart. In 2018, he joined Cirque du Soliel’s Volta, as the main character Waz, and performed over 200 shows with the company. He currently teaches and choreographs around the world with his husband, Troy Herring. Cory is thrilled to be co-directing Westside Dance Project. He is constantly inspired by the next generation of artists.

Troy Herring was born and raised in the small town of Owasso, Oklahoma. Always interested in performing arts, Troy became captivated with dance at the age of twelve. His first professional gig was in the original cast of the Broadway tour of Oliver!. He attended many summer intensives to receive his technical abilities, including American Ballet Theatre, Quartz Mountain, and The Juilliard School. Troy was accepted into the BFA program at Juilliard and graduated in 2014. While at Juilliard, his most formative works were choreographed by Twyla Tharp, Pina Bausch, Jose Limon, Loni Landon, and Alex Ketley. While in school he was offered a dancing role in the movie “Match” starring Carla Gugino and Patrick Stewart. After graduation, Troy joined Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. He spent three years with this company and enjoyed working with choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Didy Veldman, Jiří Kylián, Mats Ek, and even performed the leading role of “Romeo” in Jean Christophe’s Romeo and Juliette. After moving back to the United States, Troy began a program geared towards giving young dancers in Tulsa, Oklahoma the tools they need to have a successful dance career. He found this as a way to utilize his two newfound loves, teaching and choreographing. Since then he has students that have been admitted into colleges such as The Juilliard School, USC, Boston Conservatory, and others. Now, he enjoys teaching and choreographing with his life partner. Troy is ready to begin this new chapter as co-director of Westside Dance Project.

IMG_4994.JPG
Jessie Riley
Artistic Director Emeritus &
founder of westside dance project

Training Director

Jessie Riley has trained with Alicia Head, Paula Morgan, Reid Olson, Stanley Holden as well as teachers across the U.S. and Europe. Jessie has performed works by Peter Chu, Sonya Tayeh, Mike Esperanza, Lauren Adams, Billy Bell, Helen Blackburn, Mia Michaels and more. Jessie was a member of Sonya Tayeh’s “Tayeh Dance”, and Mike Esperanza’s "BARE Dance Company". Jessie started her choreography and production career at 18 when she produced and directed the choreography showcase Terpsicoreal in Hollywood, CA. Jessie formed WESTSIDE Dance Project in 2009, geared towards young dancers training for a career in contemporary concert dance. WESTSIDE Dance Project, under Jessie's direction, has produced 12 successful concerts and special events. Jessie has taught for various conventions, intensives, and workshops. She has also hosted her own intensives in the U.S., England, and Italy. Her choreography has been honored at Youth American Grand Prix. Her choreography has also been showcased at The Spotlight Awards in 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. She has been accepted into the Dancing Under the Stars Festival, and at The Capezio Ace Awards.

bottom of page