Yasir Jones, also known as Yas, is a Newark, New Jersey native whose passion for dance began at the age of 7 at the Newark School of the Arts. He continued his training at Arts High School, where he earned the AileyCamp Scholarship and joined The Ailey School’s Junior Division.

Following his high school graduation in 2020, Yas pursued a BFA in Dance at Johns Hopkins University, studying under Karen McDonald and working with artists such as Kevin Iega Jeff, Kristen Stevenson, and Deirdre Dawkins. In 2022, he returned to The Ailey School, entering the Certificate Program, where he performed works by choreographers including Branndi Lewis, Darrell Moultrie, Avree Walker, and pieces from the Alvin Ailey repertory.

While being at Ailey, Yas had the opportunity to perform as a guest artist with both Dance Theatre of Harlem in Dougla and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Memoria. After graduating in 2025, he began his first season with Philadanco!