Adjunct Faculty
Willia Noel Montague began her dance training at her family's Baltimore studio, founded by her grandmother, Willia Bland, in 1968. Her early foundation in dance was enriched by her studies at the Baltimore School for the Arts and further refined through training at The Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Alvin Ailey Dance Center.
Willia joined The Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco!), where she performed original works by renowned choreographers including Ron Brown (Evidence), Dwight Rhoden & Desmond Richardson (Complexions Contemporary Ballet), Alonzo King (LINES Ballet), and George Faison. During her time with Philadanco, she toured around the world.
Willia later joined the first national tour of Movin' Out, the Tony Award-winning production by Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel, before embarking on her Broadway career with The Lion King as a Dance Captain and Swing. For Bakkhai, by Euripides, a groundbreaking production at Center Stage in Baltimore, Willia served as choreographer and featured dancer for the limited run.
She is the founder of Monty Creative, a company that trains dancers of all abilities and offers performing arts education to underserved communities. This program provides accessible dance classes and workshops in genres such as Creative Movement, Hip Hop, Body Conditioning and Afro-Fusion Dance. Willia’s work is rooted in her commitment to honoring her family’s legacy while building opportunities for the next generation of artists. She draws on her extensive professional experience to inspire her students, blending artistry, discipline, and a deep passion for dance.