Jillian Ayson (she/her) is a hip-hop and fusion-based dancer and choreographer from Pelham, New York. She is a Licensed Athletic Trainer and earned her degree in Sports Medicine from Hofstra University, where she choreographed and performed with Danceworks and the Imani Dance Ensemble. Since graduating in 2015, Jillian has performed and choreographed for more than 40 choreographers and dance companies throughout the greater New York City area, working across contemporary, hip-hop, fusion, and commercial dance. Her work has been featured in showcases, concept videos, competitions, and studio productions. In addition to her performance career, Jillian has collaborated with Grammy Award–winning recording artists, Broadway productions, professional dancers, and musicians worldwide, providing physical and vocal rehabilitation support during national and international tours, as well as New York City–based rehearsals, performances, and concerts. She currently works in Orthotics and Prosthetics and serves as the Athletic Trainer for the Entertainment Dance Teams of the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets throughout the NBA season. Jillian continues to create and produce original choreography for studios and dance companies in both stage and film settings. She is thrilled to work with the students and faculty at Applause!