Christopher
Charles
McDaniel

Christopher Charles McDaniel is an artist, educator, and arts leader dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities through dance. A native of East Harlem, New York, Christopher began his ballet training at the Dance Theatre of Harlem School at the age of ten and has spent more than two decades building a career that spans performance, teaching, choreography, community engagement, and arts leadership.
 

As a professional dancer, Christopher performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Los Angeles Ballet, and Ballet San Antonio, dancing leading roles in works by George Balanchine, Robert Garland, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Ulysses Dove, Darrell Grand Moultrie, and many others. Throughout his performing career, he was equally passionate about education and outreach, believing that dance has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.
 

Following his retirement from the stage, Christopher joined the faculty of the School of American Ballet and later became an Adjunct Professor of Ballet at Marymount Manhattan College. He has also taught and coached dancers across the country, served as a company teacher for Dance Theatre of Harlem and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and worked extensively as a répétiteur, rehearsal director, choreographer, and producer.
 

Christopher's relationship with Dances Patrelle began as a teenager at Ballet Academy East, where he first met the company's founder, Francis Patrelle. Inspired by Francis's generosity, humor, and commitment to storytelling through dance, Christopher became a longtime performer in The Yorkville Nutcracker and remained closely connected to the organization throughout his career.
 

As Artistic Director, Christopher is committed to honoring Francis Patrelle's extraordinary legacy while guiding Dances Patrelle into its next chapter. His vision centers on artistic excellence, meaningful storytelling, community engagement, and creating opportunities for dancers and audiences to experience the joy, wonder, and humanity that dance can inspire.
 

Christopher continues to teach, choreograph, and collaborate on community engagement initiatives through Trouble Maker: Public Works. He is honored to lead Dances Patrelle as the organization celebrates the 30th Anniversary of The Yorkville Nutcracker and looks toward an exciting future.