Raised in Virginia Beach Va, Mikal Gilbert’s love for dance began at the age of 19 while studying music performance at the University of the Arts. It was there his passion grew upon encouragement from several dance faculty members. He then went on to formally train at Norfolk Academy under the tutelage of Elbert Watson, where he trained in ballet and modern. In 2017, Gilbert was an inaugural member of Complexions Contemporary Ballets, Pre Professional Program. In 2018, he continued his studies at The Ailey School as a full scholarship recipient. Mikal has attended intensives and workshops at Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions, and BalletX. Mikal is a “Dancer of Philadelphia” and has been a member of Koresh Dance Company 2019 to 2022, Dance Iquail 2022, and Philadanco 2022 to 2024 where he has performed works by Bernard Gaddis, Milton Myers, Christopher Rudd, and Tommie Wheed. Mikal is thrilled to be joining LINES Ballet.