Allyson Yates began her training in Honolulu, Hawaii where she earned an International Baccalaureate of Dance from Mid-Pacific School of Fine Arts. In May 2011 she graduated with Distinction from the University of Oklahoma, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While in attendance at the university, she performed works by Nathan Trice, Austin Hartel, Derrick Minter, Cheyla Clawson, Fritz Ludin, Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Darrell Moultrie, and Martha Graham. Allyson received the Ovation Award for outstanding performance quality in the 2009-2010 and 2001 season. She danced with Clawson Dances in collaboration with Ririe-Woodbury compnay members in the Jeremy Clawson Memorial Concert. This is Allyson's first season with Thodos Dance Chicago as a Dancer Apprentice.