Elyssia Primus

Elyssia Primus has been an active and multidisciplinary freelance artist in Rochester since 2011. She is a choreographer, contemporary dancer, poet, costume designer, and producer focused on collaboration and community care. Dance video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB149ZZB4g0

She is currently exploring our relationships with the environment through the medium of dance on film. She is also researching the concept of overwhelm through an evolving solo, Dew Point, which premiered at the Rochester Fringe Festival (2024) and grew with performances at Dances at MuCCC (2025) and Fringe (2025).

A consistent presence in the Rochester dance landscape, Elyssia has participated in all but one Rochester Fringe Festival since its conception. She’s had the privilege to work with local choreographers, including Rose Beauchamp, Sarah Jacobs, Natalia Lisina, Anne Wilcox, Zachary Frazee, Johanna Rodrigues, and Erika Ruegermer.

Elyssia created, curates, and administrates the dance training initiative, Movement and Community. This free program provides a consistent opportunity for training and community building among Rochester’s freelance dance artists. Dance video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB149ZZB4g0