Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance

 

Honors the Life and Dance of Antonio Sisk
 

 
 

1973 - 2009

 

Antonio Martez Sisk was born on October 7, 1973 to Virginia Sisk and Roger McGhee in Forrest City, Arkansas. He attended school in Arkansas and Texas, graduating from Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas. Antonio accepted Christ at a very early age in life and always maintained a high spiritual belief.

Antonio started dancing at Brookhaven College in Dallas where he would later return to instruct, choreograph and perform as a guest artist. After one year of instruction, he auditioned for the Dallas Black Dance Theater, He remained with the company for five seasons, touring the country and was part of the 1996 Olympics opening ceremony in Atlanta. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a scholarship, majoring in dance and communications.

After leaving college, Antonio became a soloist with PHILADANCO where he remained for four years while working under his mentor and close friend Ms. Joan Myers Brown. During his tenure with PHILADANCO, Antonio was a company member and performed professionally with dozens of companies across the country including the Lula Washington Dance Company, Jubilations / A Deeply Rooted production, Zoetic Dance, Axam Dance Theater, Phrenic New Ballet and many others. He has appeared in several national commercials and is featured in murals in Philadelphia and Dallas. After touring in over 10 countries, including Poland, Korea and Mexico, Antonio decided to settle in Atlanta to be with his family and to train new dancers.

While in Atlanta, he taught and choreographed for several dance studios including Norma's Academy of Dance, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, Georgia Conservatory of Dance, Price Performing Arts Center, Kennesaw State University, and Spelman College. He became the architect behind the modern dance program at Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance. He was the dance director for Grady High School and recently for North Atlanta High School and was a rehearsal coach for the McClendon School of Dance. He received many accolades for his contributions to the world of dance. Most recently he was recognized as "Best New Emerging Choreographer" in 2009 by the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association.

Antonio loved to dance, teach, choreograph, and he loved his family and friends dearly. He leaves behind his parents, Virginia Sisk and Roger McGhee; sisters Sonya, Thelma, Angela, Arlene, and Ruthy-Tiana McGhee; brother Roger McGhee Jr; nephews Jordan, Jamaal, Jamie, Jalil, Tiyson and niece Ja'Niece; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, and friends. He also leaves behind many students who will forever be inspired and encouraged by his professionalism, dedication, and heart for the art of dance.

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