Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Gilbert T Small II’s formal training started at the Baltimore School for the Arts. He received his BFA from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in 2009. While at Purchase, he studied abroad at Codarts in Rotterdam, an opportunity that shifted his perspective, pushing him to investigate and explore the multifaceted nature of the art form.

Small was a leading artist with the internationally acclaimed Ballet British Columbia under the leadership of Emily Molnar. During his ten years with the company, he worked with choreographers such as William Forsythe, Crystal Pite, Medhi Walerski, Emily Molnar, and Cayetano Soto to name a few. As a senior artist with Ballet BC, he was asked to take on the role of Rehearsal Director for the company’s fall 2017 season. Small is a mentor to many emerging artists here and abroad and serves as guest faculty for institutions internationally, cultivating relationships and connections across many demographics and communities.