K Estes-Brown

Kristopher Estes-Brown is a multidisciplinary American artist whose work spans choreography, composition, and theater direction.

Celebrated for his athletic, emotionally resonant movement and bold musicality, Estes-Brown has created more than 90 original contemporary dance works and 8 full-length story ballets. His choreography—known for its striking theatricality—has been performed across the U.S. and Europe to critical acclaim. In 2015, he founded Concept Zero, a contemporary music and dance company dedicated to multimedia innovation. There, he has produced six evening-length productions that blend original music, dance, film, and immersive stagecraft.

Estes-Brown currently serves as Resident Choreographer for both Mareck Dance and Milwaukee Ballet 2. He was awarded a prestigious National Choreographer’s Initiative commission in 2023 and has received multiple accolades through Regional Dance America, including the Emerging Choreographer Award. His work also appears in the Sundance short film Crude Oil.

As a composer, Estes-Brown’s music melds a big cinematic sound with dance theater aesthetics. His commissions include original scores for notable choreographers and theater producers worldwide. He has composed over 50 original works for companies and collaborators such as Circus Scorpius, Pegasus Ballet, Ballet 314, Milwaukee Ballet, Moving Arts, and Renverse Ballet. His music also appears in film and digital media.

A Kansas City native, Estes-Brown studied both classical music and ballet from a young age. He went on to perform dance professionally with companies including Milwaukee Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Oakland Ballet, and Eugene Ballet. He later spent 15 years directing the American Youth Ballet, creating repertory focused on the development of young dancers, and led the Upper Level Academy at the American Dance Center. In 2023, he was honored to serve as the MidStates Regional Adjudicator for Regional Dance America and now holds the position of RDA Programs Director.