Monica Bill Barnes (Artistic Director/Choreographer) is a New York City based choreographer and performer. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Barnes moved to New York in 1995 after receiving her B.A. in Philosophy and Theater from the University of California at San Diego. Before she decided to become a choreographer Barnes studied on scholarship at the Alvin Ailey School, was a member of the high school debate team, played volleyball and wrote bad plays. Since pursuing choreography as a livelihood, she has created thirteen evening-length dance works, numerous site-specific events and multiple cabaret numbers for her company, Monica Bill Barnes & Company. MBB & CO. has performed in various venues in New York City ranging from DanceNow at Joe’s Pub to Fall for Dance at New York City Center. Other favorite New York performance venues include The Joyce Theater, Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church, Symphony Space, NYU Skirball Center and Dixon Place. Lincoln Center Institute invited Barnes to tour two of her shows, “This ain’t no Rodeo!” (2003-2005) and “Suddenly Summer Somewhere” (2009-2010) throughout the tri-state school system as part of their Repertory Season. Barnes has been an invited Guest Artist at the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, North Carolina School of The Arts, Vassar College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Connecticut College, The College At Brockport, Florida State University, James Madison University, University of Michigan, Steps on Broadway, Peridance and Dance New Amsterdam. In addition to stage works, she has created several site-specific works and theater productions, including “From my Mother’s Tongue” (Dancing in the Streets), “Game Face” (SITELINES Festival), “Limelight” (Philadelphia Live Arts Festival) and several new works for The San Diego Dance Theater’s Trolley Dances. Recent projects include commissions for Parsons Dance ("Love, oh Love") and The Juilliard School ("The way it feels"). Upcoming projects include a commission by The American Dance Festival, residencies at The College At Brockport and Emory University, and a season at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Barnes is thrilled that her company will be a part of her favorite NPR radio show This American Life Live! on May 10th alongside radio show host Ira Glass and other fabulous guests.