Cemiyon Barber, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, initiated his formal dance training at The Academic and Performing Arts Complex (APAC), an after-school program affiliated with Jackson's Public Schools. He received a scholarship to attend the Idyllwild Arts Academy summer program in California, subsequently securing a scholarship for year-round study at the same institution. In 2013, he also participated in Ballet Austin's summer program.
In 2014, Cemiyon achieved the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Outstanding Dancer Award for Modern Technique. His educational journey included graduating with a High School Diploma and Arts Degree and earning a full academic scholarship to SUNY Purchase's Conservatory of Dance, where he later obtained his BFA. During his tenure at SUNY Purchase, he was a recipient of the Adopt-A-Dancer Scholarship, engaging in performances featuring works by notable choreographers, including Azure Barton, Jonathan Ridel, Brian Enos, Norbert De La Cruz, Nejla Yatkin, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, as well as George Balanchine's 4 Temperaments and Concerto Barocco.
Transitioning into freelancing in New York City, Cemiyon professionally collaborated with distinguished choreographers such as Bill T. Jones, Kyle Abraham, Christopher Williams, Austin McCormick, Liz Gerring, Megan Williams, Staycee Pearl, and Vladimir Varnava, featuring Prima Ballerina Natalia Osipova. He also participated in Merce Cunningham's Night of 100 Solos in California in 2019 and completed numerous workshops with the Merce Cunningham Trust.
Beyond the dance realm, Cemiyon's work was featured in fashion editorials for Vogue Russia and Numero Berlin. He made guest appearances on television networks like PBS Social, Telfar TV, HBO, and MTV. His notable mentions include being featured in The New York Times in 2021 and 2022, as well as in The New Yorker in 2017, 2021, and 2022.
Also, in 2022, Cemiyon co-founded Beyond The Black Box, an arts and cultural organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Black dance community. Within its first year, Cemiyon orchestrated and directed five major performances and events for artists, including a memorable Juneteenth celebration at the House of Yes.