LOUIS JAMES JACKSON, from Detroit, MI, began his dance training at the age of 10 under the direction and guidance of longtime mentor and friend Rita Mosley. He has studied at Grand Valley State University, Dance Theatre of Harlem School, and The Ailey School. Louis has worked with noted teachers and choreographers such as Denise Jefferson, Milton Myers, Pedro Ruiz, Birute Barodicaite, Julie Nakagawa and performed works by Alvin Ailey, José Limón, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Eduardo Vilaro. He has received awards from the NAACP ACT-SO Competition as well as the James Tatum Foundation of Detroit and was a 2008 Princess Grace Award Nominee.  Louis performed with Luna Negra Dance Theater for two seasons before joining DanceWorks Chicago in February 2010 and was invited to join Stiletto Entertainment as a performer on Holland America Cruise Line.