CSD TEACHER ARCHIVE

This collection of talented and passionate teachers serves as an opportunity to highlight those who have become a part of the Collective Sweat Detroit community, as well as a resource for anyone looking to be connected to teaching artists.

Scroll through and hover on images for teacher biographies.

LOCAL TEACHING ARTISTS

PENNY GODBOLDOPenny Godboldo trained at the Alvin Ailey School in NYC. She incorporates her pedagogy as teacher and her larger philosophical view that dance is life—a methodology developed through research in dance history and. Her work is informed … — PENNY GODBOLDO
Penny Godboldo trained at the Alvin Ailey School in NYC. She incorporates her pedagogy as teacher and her larger philosophical view that dance is life—a methodology developed through research in dance history and. Her work is informed by travel to Haiti, Cuba, Benin W. Africa, Brazil, Japan, China, Italy and most recently Israel and her role as chair, Marygrove College Dance Department for two decades. She began her studies in Dunham technique in Detroit at age 14 with Clifford Fears, mentored by Madame Lavinia Williams in NYC and Haiti, continued mentorship with Katherine Dunham 21 years, served as her Demonstrator in St. Louis, Denver, Detroit, and Port au Prince, Haiti and performed in Dunham repertory: "Shango", "Adagio", "Americana". Godboldo trained with Dunham Masters: Talley Beatty, Lucille Ellis, Vanoye Aikens, Pearl Reynolds, Tommy Gomez and certified teachers Theo Jamison, Keith Williams and Ruby Streate. Godboldo was a disciple of Katherine Dunham for over 20 years and former Director of the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification (2013-2018).
http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/portfolio-posts/penny-godboldo

BRITNEY BIRRBritney Birr graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Honors in 2018. She has had the opportunity to have outside training with B12 Dance Festival, Dance Italia, Movement Invention Project, The Cambrian… — BRITNEY BIRR
Britney Birr graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Honors in 2018. She has had the opportunity to have outside training with B12 Dance Festival, Dance Italia, Movement Invention Project, The Cambrians, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Gallim. Britney worked with Artlab J from 2015-2017 and has since done project work in Detroit that has included Biba Bell, Alex Quetell, and BALLSHOUSE + projects. She is currently a company member of BAIRA and Take Root.
PC: Minty Photograhpy

AMY COVAAmy Cova, (MFA in Dance, U of M) is Artistic Director of Amy Cova Dance (ACD), contemporary dance ensemble splitting time between NYC and Michigan, often working in collaboration with musicians, composers and visual artists. Cova is the Perf… — AMY COVA
Amy Cova, (MFA in Dance, U of M) is Artistic Director of Amy Cova Dance (ACD), contemporary dance ensemble splitting time between NYC and Michigan, often working in collaboration with musicians, composers and visual artists. Cova is the Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Faculty at The Roeper School (MI) and a Facilitator for The Field (NYC). Cova is interested in embodied text, oral histories, subjugated knowledge and personal reflections as they dialogue through evocative movement languages. Amy Cova has been presented at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Inside/Out, and throughout NYC at Dance New Amsterdam, the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, Triskelion Arts, The Flea Theatre, The Irondale Center and The Room Project (Detroit). Her work has been showcased at the Alvin Ailey Studio Theater, The Alchemical Theater Laboratory, the John Ryan Theater, Studio AIR, Dixon Place, Spoke the Hub, the Green Space, Grand Rapids Ballet, Wealthy Street Theater, and the Detroit Institute of Art. Her choreography has been presented internationally in Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica and Italy.
https://www.facebook.com/AmyCovaDance/

BREEANN BIRR DE OLIVEIRABreeann Birr de Oliveira is a Detroit-based mover and creator who prioritizes body-positive experiences and chance explorations. She graduated from Wayne State University with a B.S. in Dance, and is currently continuing her … — BREEANN BIRR DE OLIVEIRA
Breeann Birr de Oliveira is a Detroit-based mover and creator who prioritizes body-positive experiences and chance explorations. She graduated from Wayne State University with a B.S. in Dance, and is currently continuing her education at WSU for her Masters in Teaching Artistry with a focus in dance. Breeann currently works as a freelance under BMBO Creations with a specialization in photography, graphic design, and videography for performing artists. She is also a first year company member with Among Women under the direction of Monica Brady-Barnard; a group of women focused on communal choreographic exploration and creation.
www.bmbocreations.com
info@bmbocreations.com
PC: BMBO Creations

MONICA BRADY-BARNARDMonica Brady-Barnard is a movement artist based in Detroit. She has been choreographing work since 2010 after the birth of her first child. Four kids later, she continues to find insperation in her personal experience of motherho… — MONICA BRADY-BARNARD
Monica Brady-Barnard is a movement artist based in Detroit. She has been choreographing work since 2010 after the birth of her first child. Four kids later, she continues to find insperation in her personal experience of motherhood and the exploration of what it means to be female. Her company, Among Women, gives space for people to move and create together, creating a common movement vocabulary, in order to better understand each others unique life experiences.
https://mmonica2b.wixsite.com/amongwomen?fbclid=IwAR2ZVPVBf4B_Lwvr4Oxm80BomzgNRHkQ4nfmYtwGXrqfl8mnIB5-jrm5cj0
PC: Erika Ruch

AJARA ALGHALIAjara believes strongly that music and dance are important modes of communication -- allowing us to be part of a collective rhythm of life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women, are all invited to contribute. Fusing tradi… — AJARA ALGHALI
Ajara believes strongly that music and dance are important modes of communication -- allowing us to be part of a collective rhythm of life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women, are all invited to contribute. Fusing traditional and contemporary music and dance in her style she flourishes in creative environments that allow her to express these concepts and ideas.

She has studied with the likes of Marie Basse-Wiles, Assane Konte, Mouminatou Camara and Tatiana Campelo, all renowned African dance aficionados. While Ajara continues to travel to faraway places such as Brazil, Japan and Senegal to further her skill, she believes there’s no place like Detroit.

Currently the Managing Director of TeMaTe Dance Arts (@tematdance), it is her personal mission to preserve traditional music, dance, and history through her dance programs. She is a member of the Collegium of African Diaspora Dance at Duke University, consults at Detroit School of the Arts, and holds community classes in the hopes of promoting STEAM instruction into school programming.
https://www.facebook.com/tematedance/
PC: Asia Asiatic Hamilton

TRACY HALLORANArtistic director, Tracy Halloran, earned her BFA in dance at Marygrove College and her MFA in Choreography at the University of Michigan. In 2014, she was named the Kresge Fellow in Music and Dance. She has worked as a performer, teac… — TRACY HALLORAN
Artistic director, Tracy Halloran, earned her BFA in dance at Marygrove College and her MFA in Choreography at the University of Michigan. In 2014, she was named the Kresge Fellow in Music and Dance. She has worked as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and rehearsal director in the dance world. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Dance at Madonna University. She is also the co-founder of Detroit Dance Exchange, a program established to help local choreographers exhibit and explore their own professional works. Halloran’s choreography blurs the lines between dance genres and styles by combining the movement techniques of modern, hip hop, jazz and contemporary. She uses the dynamics of motion and choreographic levels to create explosive and exciting movement phrases, which juxtapose the delicacy of human emotion. This year, Halloran was a finalist in the Michigan Dance Council’s prestigious Maggie Allesee Choreography competition.
https://contexturedancedetroit.com/
PC: The Field Gallery

LIZZ PISKORLizz Piskor is a local dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Wayne State University, having completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Dance and a K-12 Teaching Certificate in Dance Education. She specializes in modern and postmodern dance t… — LIZZ PISKOR
Lizz Piskor is a local dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Wayne State University, having completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Dance and a K-12 Teaching Certificate in Dance Education. She specializes in modern and postmodern dance techniques, including improvisational methods and experimental choreography; and teaches dance from a critical feminist perspective. Lizz has always been passionate about the arts, and is constantly exploring new mediums with which to express her creativity and satisfy her artistry.
PC: BMBO Creations

SARA OPHOFFSara Ophoff is a dancer and emerging choreographer from Detroit, Michigan. After attending Hope College for a year, Sara attended Marygrove College where she graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. She has train… — SARA OPHOFF
Sara Ophoff is a dancer and emerging choreographer from Detroit, Michigan. After attending Hope College for a year, Sara attended Marygrove College where she graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. She has trained extensively in ballet, modern, and hip hop from many accomplished artists. Her professional experience includes performing in the Michigan Dance Festival in Grand Rapids, the Alluvion "Emergence" Choreography Showcase in Chicago, Urbanite XX in Chicago, and Going Dutch Dance Festival in Chicago. As a choreographer, she loves to blend the lines of various dance styles, focusing intently on the story of her dancers. She has had the opportunity to present work at the "Emergence" Choreography Showcase hosted by Alluvion Dance Chicago, as well as at the American College Dance Festival Association as a member of the Marygrove College Dance Company. Sara looks forward to exploring and cultivating the dance community in the city of Detroit.
PC: Katy O'Dell Photography

BIBA BELL
Biba Bell is a dancer, choreographer, and writer based in Detroit. Her choreographic work, often set in unconventional venues, focuses on domesticity, labor, and architecture. Her current project investigates dance and arts activism as it intersects forest protection and conservation, through the lens of what she theorizes as epiphytic choreographies. Bell’s work has been presented at the Kitchen, Danspace Project, Movement Research, Roulette Intermedium, Jack NY, Centre Pompidou, Garage for Contemporary Culture, Jack Hanley Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit Institute of Arts, Insel Hombroich, amongst others. She has performed with Maria Hassabi and Walter Dundervill and was a founding member of the performance collective Modern Garage Movement (2005-2011, 2021). She earned her PhD in Performance Studies from New York University and is an Associate Professor of Dance at Wayne State University. Of her dancing the New York Times writes "It’s invigorating to watch someone who borders on wild."

HANNAH ANDERSENHannah Andersen (MFA, Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor) is currently a Full-Time Lecturer in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University. She grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and … — HANNAH ANDERSEN
Hannah Andersen (MFA, Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor) is currently a Full-Time Lecturer in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University. She grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and served as Lead Dance Faculty and PE Faculty at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA for nearly a decade where she designed and implemented the first dance curriculum. She has served on teaching faculty at University of Oregon, Western Washington University, The North Star Ballet, and Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. Hannah received the 2017 “Doug Risner Prize for an Emerging Scholar,” in the Journal of Dance Education for her article “Somatics, Transfer Theory, and Learning: six case studies.” Her research, teaching, and choreography are recognized by the Women in Dance Leadership Conference, National Dance Education Organization, Dance Science and Somatics Educators, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, and American College Dance Association. Hannah spent three seasons as performer, choreographer, and faculty with Bellingham Repertory Dance 501c(3), and directs Hannah Andersen Dance, an organization that promotes accessible dance and Pilates education through workshops, classes, performances, and outreach. www.hannahandersendance.com

NAHIMANA APONINahimana Aponi is an artist, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and native Detroiter. Nahimana has 23 years ago of dance training and performance experience, locally and internationally. Her credits include Urban Bush Women, nathantrice/R… — NAHIMANA APONI
Nahimana Aponi is an artist, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and native Detroiter. Nahimana has 23 years ago of dance training and performance experience, locally and internationally. Her credits include Urban Bush Women, nathantrice/RITUALS, Harge Dance Stories, Aretha Franklin and more. She received her BFA in Dance from Wayne State University. Nahimana's teaching/choreographing practice focuses on contemporary, funk, and feminine movement. She specializes in teaching sacred movement practices, foundational movement practices for everyone informing how motion activates our healing processes. Her choreography has been performed by the dancers/companies of Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University. Her choreography has been featured on DPTV and UniverSoul Circus.
https://www.facebook.com/flowmovementstudio/
PC: Bree Gant

ELIZABETH SCHMUHLElizabeth Schmuhl studied dance under one of the original members of the Paul Taylor Dance Company who also trained with Martha Graham and taught Graham technique to her: Eileen Cropley. Schmuhl continued her dance studies at the Un… — ELIZABETH SCHMUHL
Elizabeth Schmuhl studied dance under one of the original members of the Paul Taylor Dance Company who also trained with Martha Graham and taught Graham technique to her: Eileen Cropley. Schmuhl continued her dance studies at the University of Michigan, and has been fortunate to learn from artists such as Bobbi Jene Smith, Lauri Stallings, Yin Yue, Ohad Naharin, Saar Harari, Peter Sparling, and many others. Schmuhl has danced professionally in gloATL’s the room for tender choreographies, Celia Rowlson-Hall & Mia Lidofsky‘s powerful #PantSuitPosse!, and recently performed in Theotokos: Reimagining the Mother of God with world-renowned poet, Jamaal May, and interdisciplinary artist, Ari Mokdad, which was generously supported by the Lynch and Sons Fund for the Arts. Elizabeth is committed to working for non-profits and has worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Gallim Dance, and currently serves as Artistic Managerfor Shamel Pitts.
https://www.elizabethschmuhl.com/

BAILEY ALLSHOUSEBailey Allshouse is a native of the Detroit Metropolitan area, where he began his movement training at the age of 16, as a member of the Harrison High School Dance program. In 2013, Allshouse elected to pursue dance more professional… — BAILEY ALLSHOUSE
Bailey Allshouse is a native of the Detroit Metropolitan area, where he began his movement training at the age of 16, as a member of the Harrison High School Dance program. In 2013, Allshouse elected to pursue dance more professionally, and thus attended the American Dance Festival 6 week summer program, in search of more extensive training. In the fall of the same year, Bailey attended Wayne State University, undeclared. Despite having been denied acceptance into the dance program for that school year, he persistently attended dance classes/rehearsals - eventually being accepted as a BFA dance major and talent scholar. During his studies, Bailey developed a strong interest in expressing himself choreographically, and had his work selected for presentation at 4 different departmental concerts. He finished his degree in the spring of 2017, summa cum laude. With support from WSU, and the Detroit dance community, Bailey has notably performed work by Doug Varone, Stefanie Batten Bland, Trey McIntyre, Robert Moses, Ronald K. Brown, Helder Seabra, and Martha Graham among many. Yet, Allshouse looks forward to opportunities where he will present his work, and finding spaces where he can develop his craft as a movement artist and choreographer. In his short time out of school, Bailey continues to be well-received as a choreographer by various dance artists and professionals in and around the Detroit area, as well as the east-central region of the United States, NYC, and more.
https://www.ballshouseprojects.org/
PC: Erika Ruch

CHLOE PATRICIA GRAYFun Girl Dance Company strives to provide the Ypsilanti community with dance education and exposure through programs offered to children and adults, along with professionally created works. It is our goal to provide an affirming e… — CHLOE PATRICIA GRAY
Fun Girl Dance Company strives to provide the Ypsilanti community with dance education and exposure through programs offered to children and adults, along with professionally created works. It is our goal to provide an affirming environment for children to experience movement, while ensuring such an environment can exist on a professional level through the official company. By providing gender affirming and racially celebratory representation, we believe that dance can become widely accessible.
https://www.fungirldance.com/
PC: Erika Ruch

CELIA BENVENUTTICelia Benvenutti is an Afro-Latina dance artist, native Detroiter and Howard University alum. She has been studying dance for the past 25 years under the tutelage of Madame Penny Godboldo, former Professor of Dance at Marygrove Colle… — CELIA BENVENUTTI
Celia Benvenutti is an Afro-Latina dance artist, native Detroiter and Howard University alum. She has been studying dance for the past 25 years under the tutelage of Madame Penny Godboldo, former Professor of Dance at Marygrove College and Certified Dunham Technique Dance instructor. Celia’s background includes extensive training in the Dunham Technique, Classical Ballet, Modern (Horton), Jazz, Traditional African and Afro-Caribbean dances. As a current candidate for certification in the Katherine Dunham Technique, she has attended the International Katherine Dunham Seminar and Certification Workshop/Lab for the past 20 years. She has studied with the legendary Katherine Dunham, Venoy Aikens, Walter Nicks, Ruby Streate, Theo Jamison, Rachel Tavernier, Keith Williams, and Haitian Master Louinis Louines. She has taught dance in Detroit, Washington, D.C. and New York. Celia was principal dancer in Taurus Broadhurst Dance: A Contemporary African Company located in Washington D.C. from 2012-2016.
PC: Bree Gant

SQUEEZE AND RELEASE ( Rachel Ann Harbert & Marianne Brass)The performance entity SQUEEZE AND RELEASE spreads joy and bewilderment to audiences and beyond.https://www.facebook.com/pg/squeeze.n.release/about/?ref=page_internal — SQUEEZE AND RELEASE ( Rachel Ann Harbert & Marianne Brass)
The performance entity SQUEEZE AND RELEASE spreads joy and bewilderment to audiences and beyond.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/squeeze.n.release/about/?ref=page_internal

SHANICE ROLLINSShanice Rollins is a versatile, trained, dancer - performing and creating work that deals with social justice issues and explores the impact of societal perceptions.She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Wayne State Universi… — SHANICE ROLLINS
Shanice Rollins is a versatile, trained, dancer - performing and creating work that deals with social justice issues and explores the impact of societal perceptions.She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance from Wayne State University and recently received her Masters in Public Administration. Shanice approaches dance with an open heart and loves to perform and is growing into loving to create and teach as well.
Class for Collective Sweat Detroit will include improv and self exploration, modern technique combinations, across the floor, and phrase work. Shanice hopes that dancers will be able to move freely and find new ways to approach movements while gaining different styles and textures from a unique movement vocabulary.
PC: Erika Ruch

MARTHA BRYANOriginally from Detroit, Martha Bryan earned her degree from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. She has had the honor of working professionally with Francine E. Ott/The Walk, nathantrice/nRituals, Golden Hour Dance, and Ronald K. Brown and A… — MARTHA BRYAN
Originally from Detroit, Martha Bryan earned her degree from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. She has had the honor of working professionally with Francine E. Ott/The Walk, nathantrice/nRituals, Golden Hour Dance, and Ronald K. Brown and Arcell Cabuag. Martha has performed in both commercial and concert dance platforms, some of which include The Recognizing Women Project, Revelations Cast of 50 at New York City Center, and the Ripples of Hope Gala, honoring former president, Mr. Barack Obama. She has trained at American Ballet Theatre, The Gelsey Kirkland Academy, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, Complexions, and Broadway Dance Center, and has trained under Ana Marie Forsythe, Carolyn Adams, Matthew Rushing, Graciela Kozak, Renee Robinson, Ray Mercer, and Christopher Huggins. In addition to performing, Martha had the privilege of teaching at The Ailey School and recently received her teaching certification for the Lester Horton Technique. An advocate for proper body alignment and technique, she also promotes individual and artistic expression, freedom, exploration, and choice. Martha continues to freelance in both NYC and the Detroit area. She is currently a company member of Intertwine MVMT Collective and teaches locally in Detroit.

BRYAN & SHAINA BAIRABAIRA is a Detroit based dance-theatre company under the artistic direction of Shaina and Bryan Baira. BAIRA creates and presents a harmony of gripping performance work, social consciousness, and artistic innovation; cultivat… — BRYAN & SHAINA BAIRA
BAIRA is a Detroit based dance-theatre company under the artistic direction of Shaina and Bryan Baira. BAIRA creates and presents a harmony of gripping performance work, social consciousness, and artistic innovation; cultivating dialogue around the intricacy and intimacy of the human experience. Our unique approach to movement is rooted in exhilarating athleticism, refined sensitivity, and a deeply evocative theatricality. We share BAIRA Movement Philosophy through performances at home and abroad, in community outreach and development programs and by providing movement education and dance training for students of all levels, ages, and abilities.
https://www.baira.co/
PC: Effy Grey

KRISTI FAULKNERKristi Faulkner is a choreographer, performer, filmmaker, educator and activist. Based in Detroit, she operates under the philosophy "dare to be different" - creating thought-provoking, visceral experiences that generate meaningful co… — KRISTI FAULKNER
Kristi Faulkner is a choreographer, performer, filmmaker, educator and activist. Based in Detroit, she operates under the philosophy "dare to be different" - creating thought-provoking, visceral experiences that generate meaningful conversation and social exchange. Her work embraces a queer sensibility, challenging and excavating ideas about sensuality, strength, authority, disgust, attraction, and objectification while centering on authenticity and shedding the artifice of technically-focused performance to show what makes us human in ways that are relatable, yet sometimes uncomfortable. Community engagement is integral to her artistic practice. She has led local community workshops at Lafayette Community Gardens, Affirmations LGBT Center, Light Box, Detroit Contemporary, Ponyride, the Ruth Ellis Center and the Allied Media Conference in addition to master classes and residencies at numerous universities, studios, and festivals across the country.
http://www.kristifaulknerdance.com/KRISTI_FAULKNER_DANCE.html
PC: Trilogy Beats

ZANDRIA LUCASJoin Zandria Nicole L for a jazz style dance class that takes a modern approach by merging classical jazz ideas and movement styles with present-day music.https://www.facebook.com/intertwinemvmt/ — ZANDRIA LUCAS
Join Zandria Nicole L for a jazz style dance class that takes a modern approach by merging classical jazz ideas and movement styles with present-day music.
https://www.facebook.com/intertwinemvmt/

JENNIFER HARGEJennifer Harge is an educator, choreographer, and performer in Detroit, MI. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa as a Dean's Graduate Fellow. She curren… — JENNIFER HARGE
Jennifer Harge is an educator, choreographer, and performer in Detroit, MI. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa as a Dean's Graduate Fellow. She currently serves on the dance faculty at Oakland University and was previously on the dance faculty at Illinois State University and Saint Mary's Hall School as the Contemporary Dance Program Coordinator. While at Saint Mary's Hall, she was a two-time recipient of the Peggy Pitman Mays Grant for Teaching Excellence. Harge has choreographed works for The University of Michigan, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Trinity University, Springfield Ballet Company, and Pro Danza Italia in Castiglioncello, Italy. As a performer, Harge has had the opportunity to work with Rennie Harris, Robin Wilson, Amy Chavasse, Jennifer Kayle, Nora Chipaumire, Eryn Rosenthal, Rodney A. Brown, and Thomas F. DeFrantz.

Her creative research pulls from contemporary modern dance, choreographies of protest, and hip hop scholarship. She uses her own body and experiences as a black person, a woman, and a millennial as a site of research. Through her work with Harge Dance Stories, she approaches these subjects with a sense of urgency and responsibility because of her belief in using the stage for education, nudging, and stimulation.
http://www.hargedancestories.com/
PC: Millhouse Studio

MADDY RAGERMaddy Rager is a Detroit based dance artist and stage manager who received her BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan in 2014. She is ½ of the performance duo Thank You So Much For Coming alongside Scott Crandall, and performs with … — MADDY RAGER
Maddy Rager is a Detroit based dance artist and stage manager who received her BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan in 2014. She is ½ of the performance duo Thank You So Much For Coming alongside Scott Crandall, and performs with Kristi Faulkner Dance. Choose-your-own-adventure in this contemporary/post-modern class, and self select how you train your body and engage with movement.
http://thankyousomuchforcoming.com/maddy
PC: Bree Gant

AUDREY JOHNSONAudrey Johnson is a movement artist based out of Detroit, MI. Audrey’s current dance practice is motivated by an interest in understanding how movement can be a system of transformation: of both ourselves and our social spaces. In both… — AUDREY JOHNSON
Audrey Johnson is a movement artist based out of Detroit, MI. Audrey’s current dance practice is motivated by an interest in understanding how movement can be a system of transformation: of both ourselves and our social spaces. In both her teaching and creative practice, Audrey is researching diverse approaches of floorwork technique, improvisation, stream of consciousness speaking, breaking movement habits, using movement to heal and grow, and finding ways to soften more.
PC: BMBO Creations

MIRYAM JOHNSONMiryam Johnson, originally from Ohio, is a Detroit based dance artist with degrees in Dance Performance/ Choreography and African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University. Johnson is a dance collaborator with Harge Dance Stori… — MIRYAM JOHNSON
Miryam Johnson, originally from Ohio, is a Detroit based dance artist with degrees in Dance Performance/ Choreography and African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University. Johnson is a dance collaborator with Harge Dance Stories and regional teaching artist working with organizations such as Living Arts and the University Musical Society. Through her work as a creator and instructor, she explores authentic movement, improvisation, floor work as well as personal and communal connection.
PC: Trilogy Beats

TERESA MULLERTeresa Muller is a freelance dance artist working all across Metro Detroit. With an MFA in Dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Teresa currently performs with Kristi Faulkner Dance, is a co-founder of Collective Sw… — TERESA MULLER
Teresa Muller is a freelance dance artist working all across Metro Detroit. With an MFA in Dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Teresa currently performs with Kristi Faulkner Dance, is a co-founder of Collective Sweat Detroit, a co-founder of Detroit Dance Exchange, and is an Adjunct Lecturer of Dance at Oakland University.
PC: BMBO Creations

VISITING TEACHING ARTISTS

NOELLE PRICENoelle Price is contemporary creator originally from Detroit MI. Price received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo MI where she established the Art for Change Scholarship through the Black A… — NOELLE PRICE
Noelle Price is contemporary creator originally from Detroit MI. Price received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo MI where she established the Art for Change Scholarship through the Black Arts and Cultural Center, and developed thePLATFORM, an annual show presenting community art works. Since relocating to Seattle WA in 2015, Noelle has performed with Karin Stevens Dance Company 2016-17, set work in festivals Full Tilt (Evoke Productions), Men in Dance Adjudicating Showcase, Tint Dance Festival and performed for the 2018 premier of Beautiful Carcass, a Maya Soto and Nico Tower collaborative project among other things. Price self-produced an evening length work titled An Ode to Marlin and wrote/performed her first one women play Death and Other Rude things both in 2016. 2019 her evening length work Remember Me Young received a Seattle Dance Crush Award for its commitment to advocacy. Noelle currently finds fulfillment as the founder and Artist Director of PRICEarts (www.pricearts.co) a multidisciplinary arts organization, in addition to teaching at eXitSPACE School of Dance (Seattle WA) and Washington School of Dance (Bothell WA)
https://www.pricearts.co/

DANI TIRRELLDani Tirrell is a Black, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming movement-based artist. Dani uses his/her name as his/her pronouns. The focus of Dani’s work is centered on Black women/womxn/womyn that includes trans and GNC women/womxn/womyn. Dani … — DANI TIRRELL
Dani Tirrell is a Black, Queer, Gender Non-Conforming movement-based artist. Dani uses his/her name as his/her pronouns. The focus of Dani’s work is centered on Black women/womxn/womyn that includes trans and GNC women/womxn/womyn. Dani focuses a lot on expressing Dani’s identity as a femme being living on this planet. Dani has background in modern dance but does not limit work to that medium. Dani also incorporates House, Vouge and Whacking.

Dani creates work that is structured as well as improvised. Race is also at the center of Dani’s work. Dani often thinks about how Dani’s body is viewed in this country (United States) and how Dani’s body is viewed in Black non-queer and white spaces. Dani uses the concepts of what it means to be beautiful and ugly to create conversations about being in Dani’s body.
https://www.danitirrell.com/
PC: Naomi Ishisaka

NICOLE BINDLERNicole Bindler's performance work and teaching have been presented at festivals and intensives throughout the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Europe, and in Tokyo, Beirut, Bethlehem, Mexico City, and Quito. Her dances have been supported by t… — NICOLE BINDLER
Nicole Bindler's performance work and teaching have been presented at festivals and intensives throughout the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Europe, and in Tokyo, Beirut, Bethlehem, Mexico City, and Quito. Her dances have been supported by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Leeway Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Ellen Forman Memorial Award. Bindler holds a BA in Dance and Poetry from Hampshire College, a degree in Muscular Therapy from the Muscular Therapy Institute, and certificates in Embodied Anatomy Yoga, Embodied Developmental Movement and Yoga, and Practitioner of Body-Mind Centering® from the School for Body-Mind Centering®. She has been on faculty at Temple University, University of the Arts, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has guest lectured at Drexel University, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Hameline University, Arizona State University, Tempe, University of Texas, Austin, Goldsmith’s University, St Mary’s College of Maryland, Moore College of Art and Design, and Ursinus College. Her writing on dance and somatics has been published in Critical Correspondence, Contact Quarterly, Emergency Index by Ugly Duckling Presse, Jewish Currents, BMC® Currents, Curate This, Journal of Dance & Somatic Practices, Somatics Toolkit, and thINKingDANCE. She currently serves on the Earthdance Diversity, Equity, and, Inclusion Committee.
https://www.nicolebindler.com/

Sarah .J. EWINGSarah J. Ewing has received extensive support from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and The Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Her company, S. J. EWING & DANCERS, has presented throughout DC at The Kennedy Center, Du… — Sarah .J. EWING
Sarah J. Ewing has received extensive support from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and The Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Her company, S. J. EWING & DANCERS, has presented throughout DC at The Kennedy Center, Dupont Underground, Dance Place, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Bread for the City, 2M, Flash and The Warehouse. The Company has also toured across the U.S. to Green Space (NYC), Boston Contemporary Dance Festival (M.A.), White Wave Dance Festival (NYC), Ailey Citigroup Theater (N.Y.C), Your Move JC (N.J.), Dance Gallery Festival (TX), CityDance Studio Theater at Strathmore (M.D) and twice to the Detroit City Dance Festival (MI). In the 2018-2019 season, the company will have residencies in Michigan at Cranbrook School and Lightbox Theater. Internationally, they have presented at the Mona Bismarck American Center for Art & Culture (Paris, France) and in 2019 will present Analog: Onsite in New Zealand at the Performance Arcade Festival.
https://www.sjewing.com/?fbclid=IwAR3sLadPPGjFwOD94doh263UMPQEs4fQahGSxYQY4Wj-f89QiaBmME_YLDk

HANIA SZYMCZAKHania Szymczak is a Polish & American dancer and choreographer. Her main dance styles include Contemporary, Modern, Improvisation, and Contact Improv. Functional fitness, Acting, Music, and Martial arts play a part in shaping her a… — HANIA SZYMCZAK
Hania Szymczak is a Polish & American dancer and choreographer. Her main dance styles include Contemporary, Modern, Improvisation, and Contact Improv. Functional fitness, Acting, Music, and Martial arts play a part in shaping her artistic practice as well. She comes from Wrocław, Poland, but earned her bachelors in Leadership & Performing Arts at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Directly following, Hania was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship which relocated her to Neumuenster, Germany. She's been mostly Europe-based since, performing & teaching in Istanbul, Greece, Germany, and Poland. Hania also guest-performed with ArtLab J I in metro Detroit in 2018. She recently earned an MA in Performing Public Space (PPS) at Fontys University in the Netherlands and is excited to be facilitating PPS-themed master classes at CSD and Madonna University during her November visit to the US!

BREANNA O’MARABreanna O'Mara is an international performer, and current member of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. A native of Detroit, she graduated from The Juilliard School, where she was recipient of the Joseph W. Polisi Award in 2011. She has… — BREANNA O’MARA
Breanna O'Mara is an international performer, and current member of Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. A native of Detroit, she graduated from The Juilliard School, where she was recipient of the Joseph W. Polisi Award in 2011. She has worked with artists Dimitris Papaioannou, Cecilia Bengolea & François Chaignaud, Chris Haring, Johannes Wieland, Stijn Celis, Alexander Ekman, Jack Ferver, Larry Keigwin, Colleen Thomas and Ryan McNamara as well as performed work by Pina Bausch, Ohad Naharin, Marie Chouinard, Mark Morris and more. She has created performance pieces which have been presented in New York, Germany and Detroit. Breanna founded and directed for many years the annual outreach program, Detroit Arts Immersion, sharing art with a community she loves.
PC: Oliver Look

KAT SAUMAKat Sauma is a movement artist, who’s multifaceted research is embedded with poetic imagery, musical landscapes, energetic space, light, projection, and textural sensation. Her work is influenced by club music, poetry, cartoons, mind-body-s… — KAT SAUMA
Kat Sauma is a movement artist, who’s multifaceted research is embedded with poetic imagery, musical landscapes, energetic space, light, projection, and textural sensation. Her work is influenced by club music, poetry, cartoons, mind-body-spirit connection, and cultural history. Kat has performed and presented work in Berlin, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; throughout Denmark; New York City; Philadelphia; Chicago and Columbus, OH. Embracing the constant evolution of human existence, the creative work and physical training remains in flux throughout class by introducing an interactive approach to learning and embodying movement. Phrasework is meant to cultivate detail and precision, as it encourages freedom of play and innovation as an artist. Improvisation is utilized in class both as a personal investigation and an ensemble compositional practice. In Sauma’s movement, powerful expansion meets fragile expression through rhythmic footwork, fluid pathways of the arms and spine, and a dynamic use of weight. She views each class as an opportunity to connect and facilitate a room of passionate artists and people who are welcome to share their diverse experience with movement.
https://ksmvmtblog.wordpress.com/

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