Mission Statement
As an interdisciplinary artist and activist, working as a choreographer, dance educator, and writer, I seek to answer the following: How does exploring the creative and emotional elements of seemingly unfixable problems create pathways to solutions and enlightenment? What questions are we not yet asking? How do the answers to these inquiries illuminate practical steps that we can put in place, as arts leaders, to address the systemic and ingrained imbalances in our art form and by extension, the society in which we live? And finally, how can we do so while creating beautiful, lasting, and emotionally resonant work? My mission as an arts educator is to reconcile that idealistic creator with a practical, budget-conscious, and collaborative approach to expansive arts education with the adoption of a reconciliatory pedagogy regarding under-recognized forces within dance combined with exciting, diverse programming, and passionate community involvement. I do so while maintaining a deep respect for all of the idealists and dreamers that I work with and for the public that I serve.
University Dance Educator and Administrator
Southern Utah University
Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance ( 2023-2024 academic year)
Commercial Dance Program Coordinator (2021-June 2023) and Acting Dance Dept. Chair (Feb 2023-June 2023)
AMDA College of the Performing Arts:
Adjunct Dance Faculty (2014-2021)
Resident Choreographer
Marina Del Rey Symphony Orchestra
(2018, 2019)
The world premiere of Craig Safan’s Sirens (original score).
Award-winning choreographer and director focused on collaborative creations in small theater and film (2007-present). Theatre of Note, InkFest, 2 Cents Theatre, and SkyPilot all focus on new experimental theatre. 42nd Street Moon and The Production Company present new takes on classic work.
Commercial Choreography Reel
Floating, Falling, Flying A Dance Film (Full Film)
Freelance Dance Educator
(2008-present) Focus on clean ballet technique, drawing from multiple schools to support strong, balanced dancers. The majority of studio classes are ballet, pointe, variations, and partnering. Students have gone on to Alvin Ailey, Codarts, SFB, Joffrey Chicago, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, ABT, and SAB and work as commercial dancers throughout the country. Popular teacher in the large commercial studios as well, with a following of professional dancers, adult dancers, and a loyal group of former college students.
Performed across the United States as a ballet dancer, contemporary and modern dancer, and musical theater performer. After moving to Los Angeles, maintained a stage career while adding appearances in film and television.
Highlights are below: Full performance resumé available upon request.
National Theatre and Opera:
The Phantom of the Opera (1995-2000) Ballet Corps, Meg Cover 1st National/Hal Prince
Nixon In China (Adams at 70) (2017) Ballet Dancer LA Phil/Elkhanah Pulitzer
Chrysalis (2006) Vocalist Berkeley Opera/ Mark Streshinsky
Regional Musical Theater:
Dance roles in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Veep, American Princess, Deadwood (2019), Music, and Ratched as well as numerous music videos, independent films, and commercials
Company Performer
(1990-1995, 2000-2008)
(2017-present)
Freelance writer for numerous publications, most notably LA Dance Chronicle, focused on dance and dance leaders. A series of articles from 2019 and 2020 on equity, gender, and abuse in ballet has been incorporated into numerous college curriculums (e.g.: Boston Conservatory). Articles include profiles of dance leaders like Celia Fushile and Judy Tyrus, profiles of numerous Los Angeles-based female-identified directors and choreographers, and features on Dance Data Project®.
Community Involvement
Corps De Ballet Planning Committee member and active participant in conference event
Dance Camera West Screening committee member
Anthology Of Consciousness Peer Reviewer
National Dance Education Organization. Member
Art of Elysium Long-time volunteer and current collaborator
School on Wheels One-on-one tutor for unhoused youth
Board President: AMDA Advocates (2021-2023)
Education
Master of Fine Arts: Goddard College: Interdisciplinary Arts with a Performance Creation Concentration
Fully funded by the Caroline Kelly Scholarship Foundation and SAG Transitions for Dancers
Bachelor of Arts: University of California, Irvine: Dance (Ballet Concentration)
Certificate in Arts Management: University of California, Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts/Merage Business School
Teaching Artist Training Certificate The Music Center, Los Angeles
Mental Health First Aid Certificate, 2023 (3-year certification): National Council of Mental Wellbeing
Training
Affiliations
SAG-AFTRA
Actors Equity Association
Choreographers Guild (founding member)
SDC (associate member)
Directors Lab West (2011)
Skills
Costuming and styling (full portfolio available upon request)
Computer skills: Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Excel, Canvas, Anthology
As an interdisciplinary artist and activist, working as a choreographer, dance educator, and writer, I seek to answer the following: How does exploring the creative and emotional elements of seemingly unfixable problems create pathways to solutions and enlightenment? What questions are we not yet asking? How do the answers to these inquiries illuminate practical steps that we can put in place, as arts leaders, to address the systemic and ingrained imbalances in our art form and by extension, the society in which we live? And finally, how can we do so while creating beautiful, lasting, and emotionally resonant work? My mission as an arts educator is to reconcile that idealistic creator with a practical, budget-conscious, and collaborative approach to expansive arts education with the adoption of a reconciliatory pedagogy regarding under-recognized forces within dance combined with exciting, diverse programming, and passionate community involvement. I do so while maintaining a deep respect for all of the idealists and dreamers that I work with and for the public that I serve.
University Dance Educator and Administrator
Southern Utah University
Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance ( 2023-2024 academic year)
- Teaching
- Ballet Technique; All levels
- Cross-Cultural Dance
- Culturally Relevant/De-Colonized Dance History
- Inside the Art of Dance
- Choreography and Directing
- Choreograph for the Faculty Dance Concert
- Director for Spring Student Choreographed Concert
- Choreograph the opera Carmen, in collaboration with the Music Department
- Mentor students
- Career mentorship
- Program mentorship
- Outreach and Recruitment
- Teach master classes
- Teach workshops
- Attend dance conferences
Commercial Dance Program Coordinator (2021-June 2023) and Acting Dance Dept. Chair (Feb 2023-June 2023)
- As Acting Dance Dept. Chair:
- Supervise and provide advice to the dance faculty
- Oversee and develop program curriculum
- Produce Senior Choreography Showcase
- Produce Industry Showcase
- Hire guest choreographers
- Hire master-class faculty
- Collaborate with the Production Coordinator on department and production budget
- Lead bi-annual PAC meetings with Industry Leaders
- Program Coordinator Responsibilities
- Evaluate prospective students’ applications, creating each entering class
- Increased representation of all underserved communities
- Create student schedules
- Track and ensure student success
- Support student well-being
- Closely collaborate with the chair on the overall well-being of the program
- Advise students on career paths and assist in the transition to becoming working dancers
- Act as a community liaison with Dance Agents and other industry professionals
- Mentor Student Led Productions (in both roles)
- Dance Faculty (in both roles)
- Create a holistic and dynamic ballet department curriculum
- Teach technique classes
- Teach assorted General Education and Health and Wellness classes
AMDA College of the Performing Arts:
Adjunct Dance Faculty (2014-2021)
- Taught Ballet, Dance and Movement for Actors, Musical Theatre Dance, Yoga Based Workout
- Choreographed and Directed numerous productions
- Conducted faculty evaluations
- Instituted weekend open classes for current students and alumni to increase engagement
Resident Choreographer
Marina Del Rey Symphony Orchestra
(2018, 2019)
- Created and stayed on a set budget.
- Cast all dancers with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Designed and created all costumes.
- Choreographed four new ballets:
The world premiere of Craig Safan’s Sirens (original score).
- Served as company manager, conducting all communication between dancers and management
- 2018 Review, 2019 Review
- American in Paris Sizzle Reel
Award-winning choreographer and director focused on collaborative creations in small theater and film (2007-present). Theatre of Note, InkFest, 2 Cents Theatre, and SkyPilot all focus on new experimental theatre. 42nd Street Moon and The Production Company present new takes on classic work.
- Director/Choreographer (Stage)
- Rewind, A New 80s Pop Musical 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival
- Inhale/Exhale 2019 InkFest Theatre Festival
- I Can Speak. The Does 2018 InkFest Theatre Festival
- Curve of the Earth 2017 InkFest Theatre Festival
- We Believe (a 10 min live trailer) 2016 Short and Sweet Theatre Fest
- Whatever Will Happen To Daisy 2016 InkFest Theatre Festival
- Skanky Me From Kankakee 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival
- War Bride 2012 SkyPilot Theatre
- Choreographer (Stage)
- Welcome To The White Room 2017 Theatre of Note
- Niblog, The Musical 2016 2 Cents Theatre Co.
- Where’s Charley? 2015 42nd St. Moon
- Enron 2015 The Production Company
- The Mikado 2013 Pacific Opera Project
- The Snow Queen 2012 Fremont Theatre
- Working 2012 The Production Company
- Have You Seen Alice? 2011 Theatre of Note
- Dolls! Not Your Usual Love Story 2011 Santa Monica Playhouse
- Skeleton Stories 2010 Theatre of Note
- Sweeney Todd 2009 The Production Company
- M Butterfly 2008 The Production Company
- I’d Rather Be Right 2007 The Hudson Theatre
- Assassins 2007 Sight Unseen Theatre
- Choreographer (Film/Video/Web)
- Ghostlight 2023 Ghostlight Film, Dan Spurgeon
- Fragmentary Evidence: Detritus 2022 Self-Produced and Directed
- Floating Falling Flying 2021 Self-Produced and Directed
- Blue Couch Ballet 2021 Self-produced and Directed
- No Dominion 2020 Producer: AutoDealer
- Hollywood Fringe (feature) 2018 Sleeper Cell Films
- Too Many Bodies 2018 Presented by NORA
- F*** Your Politics 2018 Elwakal Global
- Lullaby, A Zombie Musical 2015 BlackBox TV
- My Life on the F List 2014 Aiden Park-Producer
- The Dancer and The Boy 2014 Wildheart Entertainment
- Nevada Line 2014 Weyward Sisters
- Surrender to the Mystery 2012 Weyward Sisters
- Squad 85 2012 YOMYOMF Network
- “Yo Sé’” music video 2011 The Band Pie
Commercial Choreography Reel
Floating, Falling, Flying A Dance Film (Full Film)
Freelance Dance Educator
(2008-present) Focus on clean ballet technique, drawing from multiple schools to support strong, balanced dancers. The majority of studio classes are ballet, pointe, variations, and partnering. Students have gone on to Alvin Ailey, Codarts, SFB, Joffrey Chicago, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, ABT, and SAB and work as commercial dancers throughout the country. Popular teacher in the large commercial studios as well, with a following of professional dancers, adult dancers, and a loyal group of former college students.
- Private Studios (2008-present)
- The Performing Arts Center, Degas Dance Studio, Centre Stage Dance, Millennium, The Edge, Hamas, Anna Cheselka Dance Center.
- Duties have included curriculum development, technique classes, bi-annual recitals, private coaching, and a yearly production of The Nutcracker.
- Elementary Schools: Gabriella Charter School and Everybody Dance LA
- Dance Faculty Member: Taught Ballet, Modern, and Creative Movement daily to students K-8.
- Collaborated with their academic teachers to create a progressive school environment focused on integrating arts education into their daily lives.
- Led numerous master classes throughout the Los Angeles School districts.
- Rejoined the organization to teach upper-level ballet conservatory classes in 2023
- Chaminade College Preparatory:
- Worked closely with the Drama Department at Chaminade Preparatory High School and Middle School since 2010, as both a choreographer and dance teacher.
- Choreographed: Sweeney Todd, Pippin, Once on this Island, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Alice in Wonderland, Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and The Skin of Our Teeth.
Performed across the United States as a ballet dancer, contemporary and modern dancer, and musical theater performer. After moving to Los Angeles, maintained a stage career while adding appearances in film and television.
Highlights are below: Full performance resumé available upon request.
National Theatre and Opera:
The Phantom of the Opera (1995-2000) Ballet Corps, Meg Cover 1st National/Hal Prince
Nixon In China (Adams at 70) (2017) Ballet Dancer LA Phil/Elkhanah Pulitzer
Chrysalis (2006) Vocalist Berkeley Opera/ Mark Streshinsky
Regional Musical Theater:
- Favorite shows include Sweeney Todd (Lucy, ensemble), Silk Stockings, Can Can, The Wizard of Oz, Phantom (Yeston), and Boys From Syracuse.
- Served as dance captain in all shows.
- Active in the creation of new work; performed in numerous developmental projects with various theater companies in both San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Dance roles in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Veep, American Princess, Deadwood (2019), Music, and Ratched as well as numerous music videos, independent films, and commercials
Company Performer
(1990-1995, 2000-2008)
- After an apprenticeship with the Joffrey Ballet (under Robert Joffrey), danced in several regional companies: Nevada Dance Theatre, Ballet Theatre Pennsylvania, Dance Through Time, and Fascinating Rhythm.
- Signature roles include Mythra (Giselle), Kitri, Snow Queen, Spanish, Gypsy Doll, Mirliton (Nutcracker), and Peasant Dancer (Every single ballet).
- Original Works by Donlin Foreman, Mary Hepner, Richard Gibson, Carlos Carvajal, Vasili Sulich, others
(2017-present)
Freelance writer for numerous publications, most notably LA Dance Chronicle, focused on dance and dance leaders. A series of articles from 2019 and 2020 on equity, gender, and abuse in ballet has been incorporated into numerous college curriculums (e.g.: Boston Conservatory). Articles include profiles of dance leaders like Celia Fushile and Judy Tyrus, profiles of numerous Los Angeles-based female-identified directors and choreographers, and features on Dance Data Project®.
Community Involvement
Corps De Ballet Planning Committee member and active participant in conference event
Dance Camera West Screening committee member
Anthology Of Consciousness Peer Reviewer
National Dance Education Organization. Member
Art of Elysium Long-time volunteer and current collaborator
School on Wheels One-on-one tutor for unhoused youth
Board President: AMDA Advocates (2021-2023)
Education
Master of Fine Arts: Goddard College: Interdisciplinary Arts with a Performance Creation Concentration
Fully funded by the Caroline Kelly Scholarship Foundation and SAG Transitions for Dancers
Bachelor of Arts: University of California, Irvine: Dance (Ballet Concentration)
Certificate in Arts Management: University of California, Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts/Merage Business School
Teaching Artist Training Certificate The Music Center, Los Angeles
Mental Health First Aid Certificate, 2023 (3-year certification): National Council of Mental Wellbeing
Training
- Received the majority of ballet training on scholarship with the following schools: Joffrey Ballet, Lines Ballet, Academy of Ballet, and Dance Arts Center.
- Additional training at Dancer’s Stage, Steps on Broadway, and with Nancy Bielski and Tina Bernal.
- Heavily supplemented with jazz, modern, and tap throughout.
- Important influences: Claude Thompson, Michael Owens, Malaya, Lulu Washington, Berle Davis, Luigi, Horton, Graham
- Summer Programs: Marin Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Jacob’s Pillow
Affiliations
SAG-AFTRA
Actors Equity Association
Choreographers Guild (founding member)
SDC (associate member)
Directors Lab West (2011)
Skills
Costuming and styling (full portfolio available upon request)
Computer skills: Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Excel, Canvas, Anthology
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