Guest Performers

Desiree Roots

Desiree Roots is a celebrated musical and theatre icon in Central Virginia and beyond. With over 35 years of experience, she has showcased her triple-threat talent in the Gospel, Jazz, and Theatre scenes both regionally and internationally.

Born and raised in Richmond, Va., Desiree began singing in church at the age of four and launched her professional theatrical career at 13, following the path of her musically inclined family. Throughout the East Coast, Desiree has performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and her own groups. She has also opened for and/or shared the stage with a plethora of Jazz and R&B stars including Boney James, Brian McKnight, Sheila E, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King!

As a Grammy-nominated recording artist, she has also produced shows like “Ella at 100,” celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary. In 2014 she received the Theresa Pollak Award for Vocal Excellence. Desiree currently services at Program Director for ATLAS Partnership however her MOST favorite role is that of mom and wife!

Ebony Nixon

Ebony is a 2022 graduate from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, with an associate’s degree in Musical Theatre. Ebony is a Richmond, Va. Native. They studied West African dance and drumming professionally since the age of 6yrs old before branching out into the musical theatre world. Some of their credits include Taylor (Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares), Althea (Ella The Ungovernable), and Focus 1 (Here I am: Off Broadway). Ebony would like to thank their family and friends for the continued love and support.

Yaroslav Kravets and Daria Sydrahunska

National Ballroom Dance champions