Ray Dones graduated from Houston's High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, while studying extensively at the Houston Ballet Academy. He then went on to attend Southern Methodist University on a full dance scholarship. Ray continued his studies and career in New York City, where he performed with "A Few Good Men...Dancing!" under the direction of Jeff Amsden and was guest artist for Poz Dance Theatre in Seoul, Korea. In 2002, Ray was the recipient of the Leo's Silver Award for choreography at the Jazz Dance World Chicago. Since then, Ray has performed with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Uptown Dance Company, and Celia Marta Dance Company. In addition, Ray has taught and choreographed around the country and abroad in Italy, Mexico, Austria, and Korea. He is also a master teacher for the Youth American Grand Prix in Cordoba, Mexico and served on faculty for many years at Ben Stevenson's Houston Ballet Academy. His most recent professional dance experience in 2010, was with Luna Negra Dance Theatre.