![Dance Education performance](/sites/default/files/styles/16x9_500_x_281/public/2019-08/music_dance_DSC_0340-%281%29.jpg?h=bd660f6b&itok=DLWhQmJU)
![David Cartahena Lee](/sites/default/files/styles/nyu_profile_image/public/2024-08/David%20Cartahena%20Lee%20Headshot.jpeg?h=3a98fa4d&itok=YnrfsHGd)
David earned his BFA in Dance Performance from the University of California, Irvine, where he was a member of Donald McKayle's company. He attained his MA in Dance Education: Dances of the African Diaspora from NYU, receiving the Outstanding Leadership in Social Justice in Dance Ed award. David has worked on commercial projects, collaborated with musical artists, and toured internationally. David has danced with companies such as JazzXchange, Family Business, CA Contemporary Ballet, Shift Contemporary, Gotham Dance Theater, and Moving Dance Company and was also the company director of Rogue Makers. In 2019, David competed at Hip Hop International in the adult small group and mega crew divisions, securing 3rd and 2nd place, respectively, while representing the United States.
David is the founder and director of DCL Dance Company, a training company aimed at creating community, making dance education accessible, and providing a safe space for intermediate commercial dancers to learn about street dance and culture.
As a choreographer, David has showcased work throughout LA and NYC at events such as Club Jete, Sybarite, and Club NYC. He held a residency with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company and a fellowship with NYU Production Lab’s Artist Development in Dance. His choreographic work explores the Asian American experience, including societal pressures and identity, through contemporary and street dance.
As a dance educator, David has been a teaching artist with Battery Dance and Mark Morris. In 2023, he presented his workshop "Leading with Inclusion: Waacking and Queerness" at the NDEO National Conference in Denver. David has written curriculum for the 92 NY on club and street dance for their Discover Dance program. He has been a guest teacher at F.I.T., Iona University, and Queens College.
David has also worked as an arts administrator with the Youth Arts Academy at the Billie Holiday Theater, EVIDENCE, and the hip hop organization Full Circle Souljahs.