ANNELISE EASTES
BIOGRAPHY
Annelise Eastes, B.F.A. is a director, choreographer, performer, and teacher based out of Sacramento, CA who coalesces art and entertainment to explore themes of femininity, sensuality, and women’s empowerment. She is currently the Artistic and Executive Director of Artease Dance Collective.
Highlights of her choreographic career include creating acts for the Croatian Cabaret & Burlesque Festival, Cres Fringe Festival, Barcelona Burlesque Meeting & Festival, Vancouver International Burlesque Festival, Seattle Erotic Art Festival, Instrumental Bodies’ residency at the Foundation Room Las Vegas, Off Strip Fantasy Ball & Cabaret, and the 1Oak NYE Takeover of Aspen Kitchen.
Her iconoclastic approach to choreography has earned her titles such as “Industry Disruptor”, “Rising Star” and “Top New Creator” as well as a JCA Collaborative Grant. She is known for directing collaborative art projects that incorporate dance alongside other artistic mediums including shibari, photography, videography, clothing design, live music, poetry, and painting.
Annelise has extensive experience in the management side of the arts having managed dancers in several nightclubs and worked as a stage manager for the nightly show residency Extravaganza in Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas. She has also taught dance in a variety of styles at studios such as Millenium Dance Complex, Rae Studios, Step 1 Dance & Fitness, Amped Studios, and Prodigy Training Center.
Annelise earned her B.F.A. in Ballet Performance with a minor in Business Administration from Butler University. She has had a uniquely diverse performing career, most notably performing as a soloist and ensemble member for the show residency A Touch of Burlesque in Las Vegas.
In addition to dance, Annelise also performs and teaches shibari, or Japanese rope bondage. Her journey with shibari began in 2020 modeling for photoshoots in Las Vegas.
After relocating to California, Annelise shifted her focus from modeling to tying, integrating her background in dance to develop a unique fusion of shibari and movement.
Her rope work has since taken her to stages both nationally and internationally, where she is known for blending the intimacy and edge of rope with the elegant aesthetics of dance.
In addition to performing, Annelise is dedicated to community education. She regularly hosts rope classes and events in Sacramento through Artease, creating accessible and inclusive spaces for people to explore the art of shibari.
