Tracey Franklin is a native of Chicago. She began her training at the age of 16 at Joseph Holmes Dance Theater. In 1999, Ms. Franklin graduated from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Certificate Program. In 2000, Ms. Franklin was a company member of Dallas Black Dance Theater for four years. In 2004, she returned to Chicago as a company member with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater for 12 years. Ms. Franklin was a teaching artist in the Dance Conservatory at the Chicago High School for the Arts for nine years, assistant to the department head for five years, Assistant Dean of Students, and is currently the Dance Department Head.