Ezra Myles

Ezra (Myles) Bristow is a Multimedia Storyteller based in Oakland, CA. Inspired by the cultural richness of his birthplace, Newark, NJ, Ezra weaves digital media and dance with public service, arts programs, and events to engage and empower BIPOC communities through the lens of Carnival as a multiethnic celebration of liberation, resilience, joy, and heritage.  In 2011, spurred by a scarcity of dance opportunities at his college alma mater, Trinity College, Ezra founded Elemental Movement Dance Crew, Trinity’s first, co-ed, all-styles hip-hop dance group. As co-captain, Ezra successfully fought to expand access to dance for students of all soci oeconomic, cultural backgrounds and abilities. In addition to his BA in Studio Arts, he studied Visual Arts, Communication Studies and Carnival as Cultural Performance at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago in 2013. This helped Ezra hone his wide ranging talents into a multimedia artistic vision of community empowerment modeled after the Jouvay Popular Theatre Process, first conceived by his late mentor, Trinidadian playwright, director, and cultural icon, Tony Hall.  In 2015, Ezra became a principal dancer and volunteer social media manager for SambaFunk! Carnaval Explosion, an Oakland-based nonprofit. While representing the organization, he placed as first runner up in the 2017 Carnaval San Francisco King and Queen Competition in the King category. Over the last five years, he has performed with such musical greats as Sheila E, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony, Toni, Toné, Kev Choice, and Howard Wiley. Ezra has supported live and virtual performances and events with companies and organizations like East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, Joe Goode Performance Group, and most recently Cal Performances. He is the founder and creative director for MylesBeyond Entertainment, an event and media production company that provides event, design, and entertainment services to arts organizations, and local businesses.