Leslie Andrea Williams started dancing at age 3, studied ballet at Juilliard and has trained under acclaimed dancers. She joined Martha Graham Dance Company after being inspired by the choreographer's work, and Thursday she will perform at "The EVE Project" in Memorial Hall.
When considering her possible career options, it was her participation in a performance of Martha Graham’s “Dark Meadow Suite” that opened her eyes to where she could go with her work, both theatrically and physically, and influenced her decision to join the Martha Graham Dance Company.
The Martha Graham Dance Company will be performing "The EVE Project," an all-female choreographed dance performance put on by Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
Williams is one of the dancers performing in "The EVE Project," a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which takes place in August of this year. It is a celebration of the work of legendary choreographer Martha Graham. "The EVE Project" includes classic work from Graham’s repertory, as well as newer work from contemporary female choreographers.
The objective of "The EVE Project" is to honor the progress that women have made in the century since the 19th Amendment was ratified, and to initiate conversation about all of these accomplishments through the achievements of female innovators such as Martha Graham, said Christina Rodriguez, associate director of marketing and communications for CPA.


