Levizadik Buckins

Levizadik (Deek) Buckins began his formal dance training at the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven, Connecticut, where he developed a strong technical foundation and a deep curiosity for performance and artistry. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under the direction of Ethan Stiefel. During his time at UNCSA, Buckins had the opportunity to work with a wide range of choreographers, including Brenda Daniels, Trish Casey, and Diego Schoch, experiences that helped shape his versatility and choreographic sensibility. In addition to his collegiate training, Buckins has collaborated with renowned choreographers such as Maurya Kerr, Larry Keigwin, Scott Rink, and Trish Lent, further expanding his artistic range and professional voice. His performance career includes dancing with the Winston-Salem Festival Ballet under the direction of Gary Taylor, as well as River North Dance Chicago, led by Frank Chaves. While with River North, he worked closely with choreographers Adam Barruch, Kevin Iega Jeff, Ashley Roland, and Ivan Perez, contributing to the company’s dynamic repertory and performance style. Buckins is currently an instructor at the Chicago High School for the Arts in Chicago, Illinois, where he is deeply committed to arts education, mentorship, and cultivating the next generation of artists through rigorous training, creative exploration, and professional development.