Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Rotita Dupree Cunningham received her core dance training with City Dance Troupe in Richmond, Virginia under of direction of Annette Holt and Rodney Williams, and The Richmond Ballet. She was a graduate of the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School and went on to receive her Associate of Arts degree in Education. Ro has performed on national and internal stages and entertainment companies such as Walt Disney Company, the Girls Scout Association of America, and Seaworld Parks & Entertainment along with notable entertainers such as Peabo Bryson, Samuel E. Wright, and grammy-nominated artist Pierce Freelon. She performed, choreographed, and competed with dance crews at Hip Hop Dance competitions such as Hip Hop International and Prelude National Dance Competition.
Before venturing to Maryland, Ro and her husband opened “Cunningham Dance Collective” a performing arts studio for local dancers of Virginia Beach ,Virginia in 2019. Her last few years before relocating she choreographed for many local dance companies, adjudicated for national dance competitions, and invited as guest faculty for the Regional High School Dance Festivals in Norfolk, Virginia. Ro has continued work with the dance community and Washington D.C participating in residencies at the Kennedy, projects and grants with non-project organizations Urban Artistry and the Library of Congress for Culture preservation.
Professional Accomplishments
- Richmond Ballet Scholarship Recipient
- Dance Olympus/ Dance America Pre-Professional Certificate Recipient
- World Class Talent Choreography Award ( 2014, 2017)
- Costuming Award (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019)
- Miss Virginia Pageant Talent Coach Appointee and Guest Choreographer (2009,2010)
