From Meredith Rainey’s humble beginnings in Fort Lauderdale, a remarkable journey unfolded for this talented dancer and choreographer. Starting with a simple suggestion during his teenage years, he ventured into ballet and choreography, eventually making history as the first African American dancer in the Milwaukee Ballet. Alongside his performing career, while dancing for Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet X, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Complexions he delved into choreography, earning prestigious grants and fellowships from organizations like the PA Council on the Arts and winning accolades such as The Joyce Theater Foundation's The A.W.A.R.D. Show! Philadelphia. His commissioned works have graced stages worldwide, showcased by renowned companies including Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet (formally known as Pennsylvania Ballet), American Repertory Ballet, Ballet X, Brandywine Ballet, Delaware Ballet, Hubbard Street 2, Incolnballet, and Phrenic New Ballet.
Beyond Meredith’s choreographic achievements, he shares his expertise with aspiring dancers as an adjunct professor at University of the Arts, Swarthmore College, Bryn Mawr College, and Drexel University. His journey, marked by resilience and dedication, serves as a testament to the transformative power of dance, leaving an enduring impact on the art form and inspiring future generations of performers and creators.
Judine Somerville is currently the recipient of the Steven Goldberg Award as well as the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship. She has performed in five original Broadway musicals including the eight-time, Tony Award winning, smash-hit Best Musical HAIRSPRAY, where she was part of the singing trio sensation ‘The Dynamites’. Judine is the recipient of the historic Legacy Robe, which is awarded to the cast member who has performed in the most Broadway musicals. Judine also reprised her roll for NBC-TV’s live presentation “HAIRSPRAYLIVE.” Directed by Kenny Leon and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The NBC sensation featured Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short, Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Andrea Martin, Sean Hayes and Rosie O’Donnell.
Her other Broadway credits include ON THE TOWN, THE LIFE, CRAZY FOR YOU and LATE NITE COMIC.
Judine's many television appearances include "The Rose Bowl Parade, “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The Early Show CBS,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “The Caroline Rhea Show,” “The VH-1 Vogue Awards,” “The Ricki Lake Show” and PBS-TV’s “Spirit.” Judine has also performed on The Tony Awards, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Grammy Awards and at The New York Stock Exchange.
Judine has sung the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center and is a former member of The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Previously a Guest Artist at Lincoln Center’s Meet The Artist Series, Judine is currently on the faculty of The Ailey School Broadway Classroom, and a Guest Artist at Rosie’s Theater Kids.
She is an inspiring and respected national motivational guest speaker. Through her burgeoning Motivational Movement, Judine is determined to bring euphoric inspiration to underserved students through Broadway Master Classes, Dance Workshops and one-week Residencies. Judine's objective is to EDUCATE, INSPIRE and EMPOWER for LIFE.