Higher Education

2007 Affiliate Faculty: “Introduction to Dance”
Department of Theatre Arts and Dance
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

This course was an introduction to significant dance forms throughout the world; their cultural origins, development and contemporary innovations; their connections with other dance forms ancient and contemporary; and their resonance and relevance in the 21st century. The course actively examined the ways in which diverse dance forms are traditionally understood, created and practiced—and influence each other over time—through readings, lectures, viewings of live and recorded performances, movement workshops, small-group discussions and critical writing. Dance practices studied included African, tap, hip-hop, krumping and capoeira; Kathak and Bharatanatyam of India; Native American; Spanish Flamenco; Kabuki and Butoh from Japan; social and folk dance; ballet from the French courts through the 21st century; modern, post-modern and experimental concert dance; and dance in film. Students learned to recognize a range of world dance traditions, and their social, artistic and political contexts. Students developed critical skills in looking at and writing about dance. Students also comprehended how dance, as a cultural practice, is an integral part of their everyday lives.

2006-2004 Guest Lecturer : “Dance and Survival”
Department of Theatre Arts and Dance
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Lecture and question-and-answer period on dance criticism and scholarship.

2003 Cowles Land Grant Chair Guest Critic Residency
Department of Theatre Arts and Dance
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Responsibilities included viewing and critiquing student performances, discussing the process of viewing, critiquing and writing dance criticism, providing written materials on dance criticism for discussion.