Linda Celeste Sims

Linda Celeste Sims is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Modern Dance at the State University of New York, Purchase College, within the Conservatory of Dance in the School of the Arts. She is a celebrated dancer and educator with a prominent career in performance and dance instruction.

Her research and professional interests span:

• Modern Dance
• Ballet
• Dance Education
• Performance Techniques
• Floor-Barre Method (certified Zena Rommett instructor)
• Choreographic Rehearsal Direction

Sims has taught master classes globally for K–12 and university students and has held teaching positions at Marymount College, Ailey Extension, and Ballet Hispanico School of Dance. Her performance career highlights include being a Principal Dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and appearances on major television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and The Today Show.

She has served as Rehearsal Director for significant works including Twyla Tharp’s Golden Section, George Faison’s Suite Otis, and Ron Brown’s Grace and Open Door, and was Rehearsal Director for Ballet Hispánico Company during 2021–2022.

Her accolades include:

• Arts Recognition Award, 1994
• Outstanding Performance, 2014 New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie)
• 2016 Inspiración Award from Ballet Hispánico
• 2017 Dance Magazine Award
• Honored in 2019 at BAAD’s 20th Anniversary

Sims has been featured on the covers of Dance Magazine and New York Amsterdam News, and has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House Series, Youth America Grand Prix, Vail International Dance Festival, and with Evidence Dance Company. She continues to contribute to the academic and artistic dance community through teaching, mentorship, and performance leadership.