Tristian Griffin

Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Tristian Griffin trained at the Legacy School of the Arts (‘06-’08), Virginia School of the Arts (‘08-’09), and Kansas City Ballet (‘09-’10). In 2014, he graduated from Texas Christian University receiving his BFA in Ballet with an English minor. During his 4 years at TCU he was awarded in 2012  the Corps de Ballet International’s Basil Thompson Memorial Scholarship and the Nordan Fine Arts Scholarship each year. Following graduation, Tristian danced with Garth Fagan Dance Company for 2 years under the direction of Garth Fagan. While with GFD, he performed at monumental venues for the performing arts. To name a few, at the Ebony Repertory Theatre (L.A.), Joyce Theatre (N.Y.C.), and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (N.Y.C.). Shortly after his time with GFD, Tristian was featured in a solo in Company E’s(IN) Security production at the Kennedy Center, D.C.. More recently, Tristian has danced with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company at Jacob’s Pillow. Throughout Tristian’s career, he has danced works by William Forsythe, Ronald K. Brown, Christian Von Howard, Alex Ketley, Gerald Arpino, and Ohad Naharin. Aside from dancing professionally, he has also taught in various settings including classes through Em’s Spotlight and H.A.L.O. (Helping Art Liberate Orphans) Foundation for underprivileged children at several Kansas City’s community centers. While freelancing, Tristian discovered his passion for choreography and several of his works have been acknowledged by many. One of those works, “Seeking Momentum in the Flesh” was commissioned by City in Motion’s 2018 “Modern Night at the Folly” and Kansas City’s “OpenStage”. He was also selected as tenure for the Charlotte Street Foundation’s 2018-2019 Artist-in-Residency program.