Kat Files is a Birmingham, Alabama native and a distinguished New York City-based dancer, model, actress, and educator with a comprehensive background in the performing arts and digital marketing. She began her dance training at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) before graduating from the prestigious Ailey/Fordham University BFA Program in Dance as a four-year Glorya Kaufman Foundation Dance Scholar. Kat also holds a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned Hootsuite certifications in Platform and Social Marketing Courses.
Kat is the Director of Education at EMERGE125, where she has played a key role in expanding the company’s educational initiatives under the artistic direction of Tiffany Rea-Fisher. She manages current education partnerships with Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts and The Stars of Tomorrow Project, while expanding collaborations with residencies at Trinity School and PS 481 (The STEAM Bridge School). Kat’s impact includes redesigning the E125 Summer Series, launching a new Masterclass series, and coordinating the participation of education partners in the 2025 E125 Company Season. She was a founding company dancer at EMERGE125 and continued as a company dancer from 2019-2024. Kat also performs as a freelance artist on independent projects.
In addition to her work at EMERGE125, Kat is the Founder and Executive Director of The F.I.L.E.S. Arts Project (TFAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering arts education and providing dance, music, and performance opportunities to underserved communities in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Her commitment to community outreach began early in her career, as she volunteered with organizations like Woodlawn Ballet, Scrollworks/Metropolitan Youth Orchestras of Central Alabama, and Birmingham City Schools. In 2017, TFAP expanded its outreach by teaching a Horton dance masterclass to BOLD Performing Arts Academy students in Fairfield, Alabama. Kat continues to support Birmingham City School teachers by choreographing dance works and sharing videos for special projects.
Kat’s extensive teaching experience includes serving as a Teaching Artist for the Ailey Arts In Education Program, the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Initiative, and at various institutions such as Lake Placid School of Dance, Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts, Samford University, the University of Connecticut at Stamford, University of Connecticut at Stamford, Girls Inc., Atlanta Dance Connection, and Samford University, and many others. She is especially proud of her role in providing dance instruction at institutions like The Stars of Tomorrow Project, Samford University, and Rowlett Dance Academy, to name a few.
As a versatile artist, Kat has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned companies and choreographers including Germaul Barnes/Viewsic Dance, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Ebony Williams, Sidra Bell, and EMERGE125. She has performed in productions such as Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Memnon, The Bacchae, Twelfth Night, and A Christmas Carol, and has appeared as a featured performer on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Gotham, Deception, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. In addition, she recently joined the Classical Theatre of Harlem team as a Database Administrator.
Kat’s passion for the performing arts extends beyond dance, as she has also pursued acting and modeling. She has appeared in fashion shows benefiting charitable organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Alzheimer's Association, and has walked for events such as Brooklyn Fashion Week and NYFW. Kat was also featured in national advertisements for BEDGEAR Performance and the designer IngaSez Fashion. She has appeared in commercials, including one for a major cosmetic brand, and worked on background roles in television series like Gotham and Bull. Kat is a member of SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association, and is represented by MMG and Parts Models.
Kat’s performing career includes dancing with companies such as Felice Lesser Dance Theater, Matheta Dance, Sidra Bell Dance, and Elisa Monte Dance (EMD), where she performed in the partnership with Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of The Bacchae. In 2022, she performed with EMERGE125 in their production of Twelfth Night at Marcus Garvey Park, which was remounted at NYU Skirball in 2023. Kat’s artistry has also been showcased at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) at New York City Center and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference (IABD) in Toronto.
Kat’s commitment to arts education and community outreach is deeply rooted in her family's legacy, particularly through her grandfather, Curtis Files Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Kat continues to honor this legacy through her work as a mentor, educator, and artist.
Kat is the Director of Education at EMERGE125, where she has played a key role in expanding the company’s educational initiatives under the artistic direction of Tiffany Rea-Fisher. She manages current education partnerships with Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts and The Stars of Tomorrow Project, while expanding collaborations with residencies at Trinity School and PS 481 (The STEAM Bridge School). Kat’s impact includes redesigning the E125 Summer Series, launching a new Masterclass series, and coordinating the participation of education partners in the 2025 E125 Company Season. She was a founding company dancer at EMERGE125 and continued as a company dancer from 2019-2024. Kat also performs as a freelance artist on independent projects.
In addition to her work at EMERGE125, Kat is the Founder and Executive Director of The F.I.L.E.S. Arts Project (TFAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering arts education and providing dance, music, and performance opportunities to underserved communities in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Her commitment to community outreach began early in her career, as she volunteered with organizations like Woodlawn Ballet, Scrollworks/Metropolitan Youth Orchestras of Central Alabama, and Birmingham City Schools. In 2017, TFAP expanded its outreach by teaching a Horton dance masterclass to BOLD Performing Arts Academy students in Fairfield, Alabama. Kat continues to support Birmingham City School teachers by choreographing dance works and sharing videos for special projects.
Kat’s extensive teaching experience includes serving as a Teaching Artist for the Ailey Arts In Education Program, the Misty Copeland Foundation BE BOLD Initiative, and at various institutions such as Lake Placid School of Dance, Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts, Samford University, the University of Connecticut at Stamford, University of Connecticut at Stamford, Girls Inc., Atlanta Dance Connection, and Samford University, and many others. She is especially proud of her role in providing dance instruction at institutions like The Stars of Tomorrow Project, Samford University, and Rowlett Dance Academy, to name a few.
As a versatile artist, Kat has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned companies and choreographers including Germaul Barnes/Viewsic Dance, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Ebony Williams, Sidra Bell, and EMERGE125. She has performed in productions such as Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Memnon, The Bacchae, Twelfth Night, and A Christmas Carol, and has appeared as a featured performer on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Gotham, Deception, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. In addition, she recently joined the Classical Theatre of Harlem team as a Database Administrator.
Kat’s passion for the performing arts extends beyond dance, as she has also pursued acting and modeling. She has appeared in fashion shows benefiting charitable organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Alzheimer's Association, and has walked for events such as Brooklyn Fashion Week and NYFW. Kat was also featured in national advertisements for BEDGEAR Performance and the designer IngaSez Fashion. She has appeared in commercials, including one for a major cosmetic brand, and worked on background roles in television series like Gotham and Bull. Kat is a member of SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity Association, and is represented by MMG and Parts Models.
Kat’s performing career includes dancing with companies such as Felice Lesser Dance Theater, Matheta Dance, Sidra Bell Dance, and Elisa Monte Dance (EMD), where she performed in the partnership with Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of The Bacchae. In 2022, she performed with EMERGE125 in their production of Twelfth Night at Marcus Garvey Park, which was remounted at NYU Skirball in 2023. Kat’s artistry has also been showcased at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) at New York City Center and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference (IABD) in Toronto.
Kat’s commitment to arts education and community outreach is deeply rooted in her family's legacy, particularly through her grandfather, Curtis Files Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Kat continues to honor this legacy through her work as a mentor, educator, and artist.
Royce Files is a saxophone teacher and performer based in Los Angeles, CA. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from the University of Southern California in 2024, and studied under Dr. Jessica Maxfield at the Thornton School of Music. Mr. Files obtained his Bachelor of Music (BM) degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Dayton in 2012. He was awarded his Master of Music (MM) degree and Artist Diploma (AD) at The University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music (CCM) in 2014 and 2016. Royce Files was the recipient of a 4-year renewable Presidential Scholarship and music scholarship at the University of Dayton. Additionally, Mr. Files was a recipient of a Jazz Graduate Assistantship and a Graduate Scholarship at the CCM. He has also studied with James Bunte, Nathan Nabb, Willie Morris III, Paul Cohen, Jim Flowers, Dwight Houston and Angel Negrin. He is currently working at USC in the IT field while performing with LA based chamber ensembles and teaching private lessons.
Mr. Files has performed in a multitude of music ensembles, including the Thornton Wind Ensemble, CCM Wind Orchestra, CCM Jazz Lab Band, and the University of Dayton First Flight Saxophone Quartet. In 2017 Mr. Files performed with Solange Knowles and StarChild on several tour dates, including FYF Fest, The Hollywood Bowl, and Camp Flog Gnaw.
In 2012, Mr. Files’ University of Dayton-based First Flight Saxophone Quartet was invited to perform at the International Society for Music Education World Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.
In addition to his collegiate activities, Mr. Files has served as the Vacation Bible School Music Director for his Church, has taught music at Birmingham City Schools and Homewood City School band camps, and has been a guest performer at many civic organizations and area churches. He is currently working with the Thornton Community Engagement Program (TCEP); an outreach program aimed at mentoring students in disadvantaged schools without music programs. He has also worked with the CCM Whiz Kids organization and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Central Alabama/Scrollworks as a saxophone instructor. When he was younger, he toured Paris, France and Genoa and Rome, Italy as a member of the Magic City Boys Choir. His passion for music was kindled by his Grandfather, the late Curtis Files Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Mr. Files is originally from Birmingham, Alabama where he attended Homewood High School.
Mr. Files has performed in a multitude of music ensembles, including the Thornton Wind Ensemble, CCM Wind Orchestra, CCM Jazz Lab Band, and the University of Dayton First Flight Saxophone Quartet. In 2017 Mr. Files performed with Solange Knowles and StarChild on several tour dates, including FYF Fest, The Hollywood Bowl, and Camp Flog Gnaw.
In 2012, Mr. Files’ University of Dayton-based First Flight Saxophone Quartet was invited to perform at the International Society for Music Education World Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.
In addition to his collegiate activities, Mr. Files has served as the Vacation Bible School Music Director for his Church, has taught music at Birmingham City Schools and Homewood City School band camps, and has been a guest performer at many civic organizations and area churches. He is currently working with the Thornton Community Engagement Program (TCEP); an outreach program aimed at mentoring students in disadvantaged schools without music programs. He has also worked with the CCM Whiz Kids organization and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Central Alabama/Scrollworks as a saxophone instructor. When he was younger, he toured Paris, France and Genoa and Rome, Italy as a member of the Magic City Boys Choir. His passion for music was kindled by his Grandfather, the late Curtis Files Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Mr. Files is originally from Birmingham, Alabama where he attended Homewood High School.
Christian Files is employed in corporate finance in Milwaukee, WI and holds an MBA from Marquette University with a concentration in marketing. Christian initially joined Rockwell Automation’s Finance Leadership Development Program, where he transitioned between four finance and accounting roles at the Milwaukee and Cleveland offices with a focus on financial planning and analysis. He also supported the Internal Audit team as a Finance Auditor, ensuring the company’s internal controls and compliance efforts were effective. After being promoted to Senior Finance Auditor and completing numerous international assignments, Christian spent time working in Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis at Clarios, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Zurn Elkay Water Solutions. Christian now works at ABB as the Sales Controller for the Motion - Drive Products division, supporting sales and business shared services teams with reporting on key performance metrics, accounting, and internal controls.
After graduating from Marquette University, Christian collaborated with his marketing professor Rev. Nicholas Santos, S.J., PhD, to write the academic paper “The Food Industry and Obesity in the United States: A Virtue Ethics Approach for the Common Good”, which Rev. Santos presented at the 24th International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference in 2017. Prior to being employed in Milwaukee, Christian completed two Finance internships in Tucson, Arizona.
In 2012, Christian earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in Finance. During his time at Dayton, he was a trombonist for several of the university’s music ensembles, serving as the principal trombonist for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and a member of the Dayton Jazz Ensemble. In addition to his academic and musical pursuits, Mr. Files was elected to the executive committee for the University of Dayton chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars as Vice-President. In this role he facilitated workshops for students focusing on professional development and organized community service events to benefit the Dayton Metropolitan Area.
Christian gained experience teaching trombone to high school students as a summer band instructor at Homewood High School, where he was the brass section leader and selected to the Alabama All-State Band. He also has vocal experience as a former member of the Magic City Boy's Choir. His time with the choir was what opened his eyes to the opportunities excellence in the arts can provide as he was able to perform with the group in Paris, France and Rome, Italy at a young age. The passion he has for music and the performing arts comes from his family, which can be traced to his grandfather, the late Curtis Files, Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Christian is originally from Birmingham, Alabama.
After graduating from Marquette University, Christian collaborated with his marketing professor Rev. Nicholas Santos, S.J., PhD, to write the academic paper “The Food Industry and Obesity in the United States: A Virtue Ethics Approach for the Common Good”, which Rev. Santos presented at the 24th International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference in 2017. Prior to being employed in Milwaukee, Christian completed two Finance internships in Tucson, Arizona.
In 2012, Christian earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in Finance. During his time at Dayton, he was a trombonist for several of the university’s music ensembles, serving as the principal trombonist for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and a member of the Dayton Jazz Ensemble. In addition to his academic and musical pursuits, Mr. Files was elected to the executive committee for the University of Dayton chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars as Vice-President. In this role he facilitated workshops for students focusing on professional development and organized community service events to benefit the Dayton Metropolitan Area.
Christian gained experience teaching trombone to high school students as a summer band instructor at Homewood High School, where he was the brass section leader and selected to the Alabama All-State Band. He also has vocal experience as a former member of the Magic City Boy's Choir. His time with the choir was what opened his eyes to the opportunities excellence in the arts can provide as he was able to perform with the group in Paris, France and Rome, Italy at a young age. The passion he has for music and the performing arts comes from his family, which can be traced to his grandfather, the late Curtis Files, Jr., who was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a Legendary Blues Artist. Christian is originally from Birmingham, Alabama.