Deanna Gerde (she/her) was born in Syracuse, New York, and received her formal dance training from SUNY Brockport and The Joffrey Ballet School in Manhattan. She started her professional career as a freelance artist in Manhattan, and then danced with Ballet Arkansas for two seasons. In 2019, she moved to Rhode Island to dance with Newport Contemporary Ballet. Along with performing the work of various visiting choreographers, as well as that of NCB’s artistic director Danielle Genest, Deanna enjoys exploring her choreographic voice whenever she can. She has set work on the NCB Jr. Company, and teaches in the RI area. In 2023, Deanna presented her work with Choreography Project Providence, and in 2024 that work was performed at the Newport Dance Festival.