Alonzo King LINES Ballet is thrilled to announce that acclaimed company dancer Adji Cissoko will assume the role of Associate Artistic Director beginning January 1, 2026.
Scroll down to read FAQ’s about Adji’s appointment to this position.
A member of LINES Ballet for more than a decade, Cissoko brings to her new position exceptional artistic insight, deep knowledge of Alonzo King’s repertoire and philosophy, and a longstanding commitment to community engagement and creative leadership. Her appointment reflects both her extraordinary contributions to the company and her natural evolution into a broader artistic and organizational role.
Cissoko will continue to dance with the company while spending several hours each week working closely with Artistic Director Alonzo King and the company’s administrative leaders, learning about the inner workings of the organization.
Over the next two to three years, she will gradually expand her artistic and administrative responsibilities, shadowing King in rehearsals, participating in artistic planning, and collaborating with artistic staff and company leadership. In this role, she will help maintain the highest artistic standards in the studio, support dancer development, and contribute to the long-term creative vision that will guide LINES Ballet into its 45th anniversary season in 2027, and toward its 50th anniversary celebration in 2032.
As Associate Artistic Director, Cissoko will also serve as a key public representative for the organization, participating in post-performance conversations, panel discussions, and media interviews while amplifying LINES Ballet’s artistic mission to the company’s legions of audiences around the world.
“Adji embodies a rare combination of vision, integrity, and deep artistic curiosity, and I’m thrilled to welcome her into this expanded role,” says LINES Ballet Artistic Director and Co-Founder Alonzo King. “Her skill, commitment, insight, and imagination give me tremendous optimism for the future of our work together and for the evolution of LINES Ballet.”
Reflecting on her new position, Cissoko shares, “Over the years, I’ve become obsessed with the idea of expansion. I look for it in my dancing, and I seek it in my life. Stepping into the role of Associate Artistic Director feels like yet another way to grow and expand. I’m truly thrilled for the opportunity to represent, nurture, and help guide the company.”
LINES Ballet looks forward to this exciting new chapter and to the continued artistic partnership between Alonzo King and Adji Cissoko, a collaboration that promises to support the company’s evolution and strengthen its creative future.
FAQ: Adji Cissoko Appointed LINES Ballet Associate Artistic Director
- Will Adji continue to dance with LINES Ballet? Yes, Adji will continue to be a key member of the LINES Ballet performing company.
- Will Adji choreograph for LINES Ballet? Alonzo King will continue to be the sole choreographer of LINES Ballet’s repertoire.
- Does this appointment change Alonzo King’s role with LINES Ballet? No, Alonzo has no plans to retire anytime soon. He will continue to serve as Artistic Director at LINES Ballet, shifting some artistic and administrative responsibilities to Adji over time. This will allow him more time to focus on the creation of new works.
- How will Adji engage with Alonzo King in her new role? Adji will spend increased time shadowing Alonzo and participating in the creative process, artistic projects and programming. She will also work closely with the company’s administrative leaders, learning about the inner workings of the organization.
Photography: Adji Cissoko | © RJ Muna; Adji Cissoko | © Madeline DeVries
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