Solana Rios-Shkodriani

Solana Rios-Shkodriani, from Frederick, Maryland, is a versatile and passionate dance artist currently living in Richmond, Virginia. She began dancing at Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center (MMPAC), where she received training in a large variety of dance techniques. During her senior year of high school she danced on scholarship at the Grier School. Solana then committed 4 years to receiving a BFA in Dance and Choreography at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2024. While at VCU, Solana performed in works created by Norbert De La Cruz, Trebien Pollard, Eric Rivera, and Autumn Proctor Waddell. She spent her summers participating in summer intensives at Bates Dance Festival, Evidence Dance Company, and Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts (EMIA). While at EMIA, Solana had the opportunity to perform works by Earl Mosley, Meredith Rainey, Natrea Blake, Ehizoje Ezeke, Ruddy Frias, Tiffanie Carson, and Maxine Lyle. She was also accepted into and participated in The Jacob’s Pillow Dunham Legacy Revisited Program in 2023. Post graduation, Solana Rios continued to build her artistry, while participating in the Allegro training program at The Dance Institute of Washington for their 2024-2025 season. While at DIW she performed in works by Daniel Moore and Anthony Burrell. Now, Solana continues pursuing her love for dance and community while dancing in Conflux Dance Theatre and Moore Contemporary Theatrics.