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Marcellus sang in gospel choirs, and when he was nine one of the groups put out a record. The family attended Tabernacle Baptist Church and Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Originally a music director with Atlanta Public Schools, he has been director of the Joyful Noise Gospel Choir at Agnes Scott College for more than 25 years. His stepfather, Nathan Grigsby, was a huge influence. Marcellus grew up in Atlanta in a family where he and his older brother would find musical instruments, not toys, under the Christmas tree. He eventually had to make a choice – continue with Stomp or tour with Dorrance Dance. Marcellus got the job, but he also sang, contributed music and occasionally danced with Dorrance Dance.

Marcellus’ tap technique improved and in 2015, Dorrance coached him before he auditioned for Stomp, the hugely successful show that creates noise, rhythm and humor with feet, hands and everyday objects. It was the beginning of a rich friendship and artistic collaboration. “I hadn’t checked the schedule and didn’t realize it was an advanced class.” What he lacked in technique he made up for with tenacity and musicality. “I was in the back of the class, getting my tail kicked and not knowing why,” he says.

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I was addicted to her class.” He was eager to learn how to dance, but struggled to keep up. “She is so energetic and kind and giving. “The day I met Michelle I fell in love with the way she taught,” he says. Dorrance, center, with her dancers in “45th and 8th” (Photo by Steven Pisano) Marcellus, 38, composed the music for 45th and 8th, the second of two dances on the program.

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That will be on full display in Atlanta on April 1, when Dorrance Dance performs at Rialto Center for the Arts. The second is the location of the Broadway Dance Center, where the vocalist, musician, actor, band leader and composer first met tap dancer, choreographer and McArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance.Ī third intersection has shaped Marcellus’ rich career – the intersection between music and movement.

The first is where Marcellus studied music and musical theater at the Avondale High School magnet program, now the DeKalb School of the Arts. Clarendon and Berkeley in Avondale Estates, and 45th and 8th in New York City. Two intersections changed the trajectory of Aaron Marcellus’ life.

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