BIOGRAPHY

Kenzie J. Illnest (KJI) is an award-winning director and filmmaker, as well as a professional dancer and choreographer. In 2018, he founded his independent film production company in NYC, KJI Film & TV Entertainment, where he has produced numerous films. His short horror film "Do Not Answer" has won 61 worldwide awards, 17 global selections, 3 finalist placements, 1 semi-finalist spot, 2 nominations, and 3 honorable mentions. The sequel, "Do Not Answer Part 2," is set to be released in Winter 2024. His production company is currently working on various projects, including feature films, short films, web series, and TV series.

Kenzie J. Illnest has been dancing his entire life and teaching dance for many years. He began his training at Phunk Phenomenon (Everett, MA) and at Broadway Dance Center (NYC). He is currently a member of Phunk Phenomenon Dance Company (as seen

on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew Season 6). He also attended the John Robert Powers School of Performing Arts, where he studied acting for TV & Film. He has previously been teaching, choreographing, and performing all over the country.

Kenzie moved to New York City for many years to continue his pursuit of his dreams in performing arts. He has worked in Baz Lurhman’s Netflix TV Series “The Get Down” where he has trained the lead and supporting cast “The Hustle Dance” such as: Jaden Smith, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Herizen Guardiola, Justice Smith, Shyrley Rodriguez, Stefanee Martin alongside well known choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega. Kenzie is experienced in Urban Street styles such as: Hip Hop, R&B, New Jack Swing, Popping, Locking, Break-Dancing, Krumping, Waacking, Vogueing, House and Hustle Dance. He has participated in several performances including: Opening for Jagged Edge, Chris Brown, Diggy Simmons, Kat DeLuna, Bobby Valentino, Nawlage, Donnie Klang, and the Jam'n 94.5 Monster Jam Concert (with artists such as: Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Akon, J. Holiday, Ciara ,Cherish, Jay-z, TI. and Kanye West). He also performed in Omarion's mini-tour.

Kenzie is the co-founder of the original Boston Locking group: The BeanTown Lockers, choreographing for and performing with the group at many events, including: the Elmundo Latino Family Festival 2013 at Fenway Park, Mayfair in Boston and also appearing on Channel 7 news and in Elmundo Newspaper. Kenzie has also choreographed for and performed with rising artist, Vylette. Some of his performances with her include: Boston's Urban Music Festival, Boston GreenFest, Northeastern University: Matthews Arena Stand Up to Bullying Performance, and the Latin Festival. Kenzie has choreographed for and performed in music videos including: Vylette: "Let It Go" and "Roller Coaster”, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch's: "Let's Party", Maverik ft. Renee Marcou: "All Night”, Alissia “Get Away”, Erkin Osmanli “Strong (Say No to Terror)”. Other events that Kenzie choreographed for and performed in include: the National Dance for Obama Flash Mob.

He has also participated in numerous dance competitions and performances with Phunk Phenomenon such as: Prelude Urban Dance Competition EC NY & NJ (1st place), Blaze The Stage NY, World of Dance NY & Boston, Monsters of Hip Hop NY, Step Ya Game Up NY, AIDS Walk Boston, Boston's Annual Hip-Hop Festival featuring De La Soul and Slick Rick, Kiss 108 Concert, NBA Boston Celtics halftime show, Jordan's Furniture, Camp Miracles and Magic, Special Olympics, Radio Disney, Tufts University, Boston University, Lincoln Center “Midsummer Night Swing” (NYC), UDL: Urban Dance League (NYC), Yale University CT, Harvard University, MIT, Boston College, and Wellesley College. Kenzie has appeared on national TV Shows and Films including: Dance Flick Movie Premiere, So You Think You Can Dance, America's Got Talent, Paula Abdul's Live to Dance, BET 106 & Park W.O.W All Stars Dance Competition (1st place), Debra Crosby's Talent Quest TV Show (1st Place), Fox 25 News, and 7 News. He also appeared in the Boston Globe after dancing in the Macy's and Filene's Parade and has auditioned for Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson's Immortal Tour.

Kenzie’s main goal is to inspire others and to create a future for generations to come.