Janine N. Beckles, a native of New York City, embarked on her dance journey at the age of six at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Over the course of eight years, she honed her skills under a fellowship scholarship. She continued her training at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, where she performed iconic pieces such as “Memoria,” “Hymn,” and “Revelations,” all while on full scholarship. Janine pursued higher education, earning a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Sociology from Southern Methodist University on full scholarship in Dallas, TX. Her dedication to modern dance was recognized as a National Foundation of the Arts awardee.

During her tenure as a member of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Janine displayed her talent and her passion for community outreach. She initiated and led a program in the Oak Cliff section of South Dallas, introducing ballet training, performance opportunities, valuable life lessons, and mentorship to at-risk teenage girls. Janine’s commitment extends beyond the stage; she is a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member. Furthermore, her expertise in dance education led her to be selected as one of the 2018–2019 Visiting Teaching Fellows for the School of American Ballet. She has taught internationally, exposing inner-city youths to the art of dance.

In her remarkable 14th season with Philadanco, Janine serves as a lead principal dancer and the company’s Graham teacher. She also contributes to the community as a board member of the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers Association (PVLA), National Urban League Emerging Leader, and a recent graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

Recognized for her exceptional talent and leadership, Janine was recently promoted to Associate Artistic Director of Philadanco while continuing to excel as one of its lead dancers. Her accomplishments have also earned her a feature in Dance Magazine’s February issue, highlighting her role as a new black leader in dance companies.