One such professor is Cicely A. Kelley, MFA, professionally known as CiCi Kelley, director of Spelman Dance Theater and head coach of the Spelman College Jaguarettes Dance Team. Kelley is redefining what it means to teach, lead, and create. Balancing a dynamic career in commercial dance and film/television while serving as an educator, this industry working professor exemplifies operating at the intersection of practice and teaching.

“I’m uniquely positioned to continuously evolve my teaching strategies, syllabi, and mentorship in response to what’s happening in the field. It's invigorating to leave my office in the CI&A building, catch a flight to join a production the next day, and return to Atlanta to engage with my students, preparing them for the realities of their emerging careers,” Kelley said. “Excellence in both environments demands exceptional time management and planning, not only to meet the expectations placed on me, but also to uphold the high standards I set for myself, my students, and the professionals I direct on set.”

Her schedule is rigorous, demanding the kind of time management and foresight that few can sustain, but this duality energizes her work in the classroom. Kelley stands at the pinnacle of achievement, boasting an impressive array of accomplishments that have captivated audiences globally, according to her biography.

Kelley's choreography and performances have graced the stage during halftime entertainment for the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders. Her work has also been featured in commercials for The Georgia Lottery, Apple Beats headphones, and General Car Insurance commercials featuring Shaquille O’Neal. Her creative genius also has musical credits, including choreography for Toni Braxton’s European tour, award-winning actor Morgan Freeman for the film Last Vegas, Netflix’s “The Outlaws,” featured dance performance, Beyoncé's "Get Me Bodied" music video, television appearances and many more.

Choreographing Bright Futures

What sets Kelley apart is her industry success and how she uses it as a pipeline for student opportunity. Whether inviting students to professional sets, connecting them with her network, or nominating them for casting opportunities, her mission is clear: open doors and keep them open.

“My courses are intentionally designed to prepare students for leadership in the creative industry, empowering them to take on multifaceted roles as creative directors, choreographers, researchers, and producers," Kelley said. “I envision these dynamic, emerging women creative scholars becoming the producers of major tours, live stage productions, and award-winning films. Serving as a conduit for their growth and visibility is an extension of my passion as a working artist and educator.”

Through her work, Kelley continues to transform talent into influence, proving that mentorship and opportunity are key to shaping the future of the arts.