Ken Ard is a multifaceted American artist, distinguished by his talents as a dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer.
Born in Oakland, California in 1960, Ard's upbringing was marked by exposure to jazz greats, with his father's friend Joe Williams, uncle Paul Chambers, and aunt's close friend Carmen McRae frequently visiting their home. Moreover, Ard would often assist Nina Simone with her performances when she appeared in Oakland.
Ard's mother introduced him to jazz through regular visits to musicals in San Francisco and Oakland, which had a profound impact on his development as an artist. Additionally, he showcased exceptional gymnastic skills, winning the California youth gymnastics championship at the age of 16.
At 17, Ard began dancing with the Oakland and San Francisco Ballet, before being approached by Jon Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross to star in his show, Evolution of the Blues, at the historic Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco.
Ard's choreography skills were soon in demand, with requests to create shows in Hawaii. When Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater came to Hawaii, Ard was invited to dance with the company. However, after a few months, he missed the dynamic combination of song and dance and auditioned for a Broadway show, securing roles in Cats, Starlight Express, Song and Dance, Jelly's Last Jam, and Smokey Joe's Cafe.
As an actor, Ard has appeared in films, including Chicago, and television series, as well as commercials. He has collaborated with notable European jazz artists, and in 2009, released his debut jazz CD, "Ballads, Blues & Cocktails." Ard has performed for dignitaries, including the American ambassador to Moldova, and has taught at the Alvin Ailey Ballet company in New York City since his return to the US in 2014.
