BENNYROYCE FERNANDEZ ROYON

Bennyroyce is originally from the Philippines. He started professional dance training at age 16 with the Evergreen City Ballet Academy, under artistic director, Wade Walthall. He has attended summer intensive programs such as The Rock School, Boston Ballet, and The Professional Project in Montréal. In May 2006, he received his BFA degree at the prestigious Juilliard School.

As a member of the Juilliard Dance Ensemble, Bennyroyce danced notable works by Jose Limon, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris and world premieres by Jessica Lang, Jacqulyn Buglisi, Ron Brown, Eliot Feld, Alan Hineline, and Jill Johnson. While at Juilliard, Bennyroyce had the honor of being mentored by such distinguished dancers and mentors as Risa Steinberg, Alexandra Wells, Stephen Pier, and Lawrence Rhodes.

In summer of 2005, Bennyroyce worked with Aszure Barton in a residency at the Baryshnikov Arts Center under the supervision of its founder Mikhail Baryshnikov. The same summer, he attended Montréal's Professional Project where he choreographed a piece for the dancers and had the pleasure of working with Montréal-based choreographers Helene Blackburn, Roger Sinha, and Margie Gillis.

Bennyroyce has freelanced with numerous dance companies in New York City, including Nilas Martins Dance Group. He joined the Metropolitan Opera Ballet for its 2006/2007 season where he performed in the new production of Madama Butterfly, choreography by Carolyn Choa and directed by Anthony Mighella, the premiere of The First Emperor, with Placido Domingo as the Emperor, and in Turandot.

In summer of 2007, he joined Rasta Thomas’ new all male company “Bad Boys of Dance” with a debut performance at Jacob's Pillow as part of its 75th anniversary season. He has taught in Seattle, New York City, Montréal, and Jacob's Pillow. And, his choreographic works have been also presented in Montréal, Maryland, Seattle, New York City, and at Jacob's Pillow.

Bennyroyce current dances for Armitage Gone! Dance as a full company member.