EDUCATION:
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 1997 - 2000
MFA in Choreography
Thesis: The Butterfly Lovers (28 minute group piece with 12 dancers). The piece was my first major investigation of integrating traditional Chinese elements of music and folklore with contemporary forms of movement.
Laban Center for Movement and Dance, London, England 1993 - 1995
Advanced Diploma in Dance Choreography and Dance Theory
Guangdong Dance Academy, Guangzhou, China 1987 - 1991
Advanced Diploma in Modern Dance Choreography and Performance
Shenyang Dance Academy, Shengyang, China 1980 - 1986
Professional Diploma in Chinese Classical Dance and Folk Dance
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:
Associate Professor, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 2005 - Present
Dance Director and Assistant Professor, Elon University, Elon, NC 2002 - 2004
Adjunct Professor, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2000 - 2001
Teaching Assistant, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 1998 - 2000
Adjunct Professor, Guangdong Dance Academy, Guangzhou, China 1996
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS:
Artistic Director, National Summer Modern Dance Workshop, Guangzhou, China 2006 - 2008
Instructor, Ballet Arts of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2001
Resident Choreographer, Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou China 1995 - 1997
Instructor, Liaoning Song and Dance Company, Shenyang, China 1986 - 1987
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY:
Choreography: Researching innovative aesthetics through the integration of contemporary dance, traditional Chinese movement practices, and visual design elements.
Contemporary Dance Performance: Researching Chinese Taoism and Qi Gong to integrate mind, body, and spirit so that they are completely present on stage.
CHOREOGRAPHY:
International
Metamorphosis 2008
Trio, 12 minutes, music by Michael Stearns and Jami Sieber
Reconstruction for Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company (July), Beijing, China
Invited to 5th International Modern Dance Festival (July), Guangzhou, China
New Peach Blossoms Garden (Transcending Reality) 2007
Quintet, 26 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt, Max Bruch, and Jami Sieber
Invited by Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
Essence 2006
12 dancers, 12 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt
Created for participants of National Summer Modern Dance Workshop, Guangzhou, China
Taichi Fan 2005
Solo, 4 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt
Reconstructed from The Secret of the Fan for Wang Zhilong from Liaoning Dance Theatre
Performed at the 10th Taoli Cup National Dance Competition in Beijing, China
Awarded "Excellent Performer" in the Ballet category
The Secret of the Fan 2003
Solo, 4 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt
Reconstructed for Zheng Yu from Shenyang Dance Academy
Performed at the Liaoning Dance Competition in Shenyang, China
Won the Junior Ballet category
Sensation 2002
Solo, 4 minutes, music by Liu Xing
Created for Wang Yan from Liaoning Arts Academy
Performed at the 7th Taoli Cup National Dance Competition in Beijing , China
Dance with Wind 2002
Solo, 5 minutes, music by Synthesis
Reconstructed for Li Xiao from Shengyang Arts Academy
Performed at 3rd International Ballet and Modern Dance Competition in Osaka, Japan
Reached the Finals in the Junior Ballet category
Blue 1999
9 dancers, 16 minutes, music by Edgar Crokett, visual design by Alan Murdock
Invited by Beijing Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
Tide 1999
16 dancers, 8 minutes, music by Kitaro
Commissioned by Shengyang Arts Academy, Shenyang, China
Fifty Steps, A Hundred Steps 1997
10 dancers, 16 minutes, music by Steven Reich
Created for Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou China
The Stars 1996
16 dancers, 12 minutes, music by Qu Xiaoshong
Commissioned by Jiangxi Song and Dance Company
Won first place at Jiangxi Music and Dance Festival in Nanchang, China
Breaking Into Genius Star 1995
24 performers, a full-length evening drama
Commissioned for the Guangdong Children Theater, Guangzhou, China
Won the Chinese National Children’s Drama Competition
Xiao Yao Yu 1995
Sextet, 8 minutes, Chinese folk song
Created for Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
No Respect 1995
Duet, 12 minutes, music by Cui Jian
Created for Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
Beyond People 1994
Quartet, 11 minutes, music by Liu Xing
Performed at the Laban Center for Movement and Dance, London, England
Tables 1994
Solo, 6 minutes, music by Benjamin Britten
Performed at the Laban Center for Movement and Dance, London, England
Sword Dance 1993
Solo, 8 minutes, Chinese folk song
Created for Chinese Association Dance Company, London, England
Warriors 1992
12 dancers, 12 minutes, music by Steve Reich
Created for Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
Basket and Bamboo 1991
14 dancers, 24 minutes, Chinese folk song and music by Qu Xiaoshong
Produced collaboratively with Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
Performed at arts festivals in India, Hong Kong, China, and the United States
National
The Secret of the Fan 2008
Solo, 12 minutes, music by Gabriel Faure and Arvo Pärt
Reconstructed for Florida State University's Department of Dance, Tallahassee, FL
Forcefulness 2007
Trio, 8 minutes, music by Steve Reich
Commissioned by Paradise Valley Community College Dance Program, Phoenix, AZ
Migration of Dance 2007
Solo, 5 minutes, music by Steve Reich
Selected for the 40th Congress on Research in Dance conference, New York, NY
Connection 2005
Solo, 8 minutes, music by Avro Pärt
Commissioned by University of Alabama's Department of Dance, Tuscaloosa, AL
Pathways of Oneself with Others 2004
Quartet, 12 minutes, music by Airto Moreira
Produced collaboratively with the Dance Departments of University of North Carolina in Greensboro and Elon University in Elon, NC
The View of Tibet 2002
9 dancers, 12 minutes, music by Philip Glass
Performed at University of Minnesota's Dancing Diasporas: Performing Cultural Identities panel discussion, Minneapolis, MN
The Secret of the Fan 2002
Solo, 12 minutes, music by Gabriel Faure and Arvo Pärt
Selected for In the Company of Men showcase at Dance Space Center, New York, NY
Performed at University of Minnesota's Dancing Diasporas: Performing Cultural Identities panel discussion, Minneapolis, MN
The Vertical Ray of the Sun 2002
Trio, 24 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt and Gregorio Allegri
Performed at University of Minnesota's Dancing Diasporas: Performing Cultural Identities panel discussion, Minneapolis, MN
Performed at the Walker Arts Center and Southern Theatre in Minneapolis, MN
Song of Peace 1998
Quartet, 10 minutes, music by Tan Dun
Commissioned by Jackson Hole Dance Theatre, Jackson Hole, WY
Choreography for Students
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Metamorphosis 2007
Trio, 12 minutes, music by Michael Stearns and Jami Sieber
Red Handkerchief 2006
Solo, 8 minutes, music by Michael Newman
Created for thesis project of Dance MFA candidate Ying Yang
Transcending Reality 2006
Quintet, 24 minutes, music by Arvo Pärt and Max Bruch
Being 2005
Septet, 12 minutes, music by Gregorio Allegri and Arvo Pärt
Selected for the American College Dance Festival, San Francisco, CA
Elon University, Elon, NC
A Song of Integration… A Song of Celebration 2004
12 dancers, 16 minutes, music by Michael Nyman
There Is a Call… 2003
Quintet, 10 minutes, music by Philip Glass, lyrics by Paul Simon
The Voices of the Himalayas 2002
9 dancers, 12 minutes, music by Philip Glass
Selected for the American College Dance Festival, Atlanta, GA
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
The Butterfly Lovers 1999
10 dancers, 28 minutes, music by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao
Created for MFA project
Dance with Wind 1998
Solo, 6 minutes, music by Quibism
Won the "Excellence in Performance and Choreography" award from the American College Dance Festival, Normal, IL
Blue 1999
Octet, 16 minutes, music by Edgar Crokett, visual design by Alan Murdock
Anthropomorphic 1998
9 dancers, 8 minutes, music by Quibism
Beyond the Balletic Edge 1997
Solo, 6 minutes, music by the Beijing Opera
CONTEMPORARY DANCE PERFORMANCE:
Dance Company Affiliations
Founder and Artistic Director, Visionary Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN 2001 - Present
Performer, A Ludwig Dance Theatre, Tempe, AZ 2007
Performer, Zenon Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN 2001 - 2002
Principal Dancer, James Sewell Ballet, Minneapolis, MN 2000 - 2001
Guest Performer, Highly Trained Pedestrian Dance Company, Iowa City, IA 1997
Guest Performer, Bima Dance Company, London, England 1995
Guest Performer, The Chinese Association Dance Company, London, England 1994
Principal Dancer, Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangdong, China 1987 - 1993
International
Dance with Wind 1999
Performed at 8th Paris International Dance Competition, Paris, France
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1996
Performed at Korea International Dance Festival in Seoul, South Korea
Performed at International Contemporary Arts Exhibition in Guangzhou, China
Repertory by Bima Dance Company 1995
Performed at London Dance Umbrella Festival, London, England
Repertory by The Chinese Association Dance Company 1994
Performed for Chinese New Year Celebration, London, England
Sword Dance 1994
Performed for Chinese New Year Celebration, London, England
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1993
Performed at Asian Arts Festival, Hong Kong
Performed at Hong Kong International College Dance Festival, Hong Kong
Performed at Macao International Arts Festival, Macao
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1992
Performed at Beijing National Dance Competition, Beijing, China
Performed at Shanghai Arts Festival, Shanghai, China
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1991
Performed at American Dance Festival, Durham, NC
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1991
Performed at India International Dance Festival, India
Repertory by Guangdong Modern Dance Company 1988
Performed at the National Dance Competition in Beijing, China
National
Metamorphosis 2007
Performed at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
The Secret of the Fan 2006
Performed at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Sentinel by David Berkey 2006
• Performed opening night of American College Dance Festival, Iowa City, IA
Sentinel by David Berkey 2005
Performed at University of Iowa's 25th Dance Gala, Iowa City, IA
Connection 2005
Performed at University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
The Secret of the Fan 2005
Performed at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
The Secret of the Fan 2003
Selected for American Dance Festival, Durham, NC
The Secret of the Fan 2002
Selected for University of North Carolina's Passport Dance Gathering, Greensboro, NC
The Secret of the Fan 2002
Selected for In the Company of Men showcase at Dance Space Center, New York, NY
Dance with Wind 1998
Won the "Excellence in Performance and Choreography" award from the American College Dance Festival, Normal, IL
HONORS AND AWARDS:
Adjudicator, 1st Artists of Promise Showcase, Arizona Community Colleges, AZ 2008
Cowles Guest Artist, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2002
Selected Choreographer, Momentum: New Dance Works Series, Minneapolis, MN 2001
Honorary Professor, Shenyang Arts Academy, Shenyang, China 1999
Appointed Co-Advisor, National Dance Competition, Guangzhou, China 1997
Research Grant ($1,800), Center of Asian Research, Arizona State University 2008
Research Grant ($5,000), Herberger College of Arts, Arizona State University 2006
Research and Development Grant ($3,000), Elon University 2004
National College Choreography Initiative Grant ($20,000) 2002
Supported by Dance USA, National Endowment for the Arts, Target Foundation, University of Minnesota McKnight Arts & Humanities Endowment, and Cowles Land Grant Endowed Chair
Award for Excellence in Performance and Choreography 1999
Presented by American College Dance Festival, Normal, IL
TEACHING:
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Spring 2008 Modern Technique and Theory (DAN 434/634)
Fall 2007 Solo and Group Chorography (DAN 564)
Modern Technique and Theory (DAN 334/534/634)
Spring 2007 Solo and Group Chorography (DAN 564)
Modern Technique and Theory (DAN 334/534/634)
Fall 2006 Modern Technique and Theory (DAN 334)
Approaches to Choreography (DAN 265)
Concert Dance (DAN 472/598)
Spring 2006 Solo and Group Choreography (DAN 565)
Concert Dance (DAN 472)
Fall 2005 Modern Technique and Theory (DAN 434/634)
Choreography and Accompaniment (DAN 364)
Elon University, Elon, NC
Spring 2005 Advanced Ballet (Dan 307-A)
Senior Seminar (Dan 495-A)
Repertory (Dan 320-A)
Advanced Modern Dance (Dan 304-A)
Winter 2004 Intensive Dance Workshop
Nontraditional Partnering and Contact Improvisation
Fall 2004 Choreography (Dan 430-A)
Advanced Modern Dance (Dan 304-A)
Intermediate Ballet (Dan 204-A)
Beginning Modern Dance (Dan 104-A)
Spring 2004 Repertory (Dan 320-A)
Intermediate Ballet (Dan 204-A)
Advanced Modern Dance (Dan 304-A)
Pilates (Dan 320-B)
Winter 2003 World Dance Forms (Dan 320-C)
Fall 2003 Choreography (Dan 430-A)
Repertory (Dan 320-A)
Advanced Modern Dance (Dan 304-A)
Intermediate Ballet (Dan 204-A)
Beginning Modern Dance (Dan 104-A)
Spring 2003 Repertory (Dan 320-A)
Intermediate Modern Dance (Dan 204-A)
Advanced Modern Dance (Dan 304-A)
Pilates (Dan 320-B)
Winter 2002 World Dance Forms (Dan 320-C)
Fall 2002 Choreography (Dan 430-A)
Beginning Ballet (Dan 106-A)
Intermediate Ballet (Dan 206-A)
Beginning Modern Dance (Dan 104-A)
Ballet Arts of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Summer 2001 Summer Intensive Dance Workshop
Fall 2001 Level 8 Modern Dance
Level 7 Modern Dance
Level 3 Modern Dance
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Spring 2002 Repertory
Advanced Modern Dance (DNCE 5010)
Intermediate Modern Dance (DNCE 3010)
Fall 2001 High Intermediate Modern Dance (DNCE 3020)
Advanced Modern Dance (DNCE 5010)
Spring 2001 Advanced Modern Dance (DNCE 5010)
High Intermediate Modern Dance (DNCE 3020)
Fall 2000 High Intermediate Modern Dance (DNCE 3020)
Advanced Modern Dance (DNCE 5010)
Advanced Modern Dance at Chinese Dance Theater
Summer 2000 Guest for Minnesota Dance Theater Summer Dance Workshop
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Spring 2000 Intermediate Modern Dance (137:134:000)
World Dance Form (137:016:000)
Beginning Modern Dance (137:004:000)
Continuing Modern Dance 2/3 (137:189:000)
Fall 1999 Continuing Modern Dance 3/4 (137:014:000)
Continuing Modern Dance 3/4 (137:014:002)
Spring 1999 Advanced Modern Dance (Dance Forum)
Continuing Ballet (Dance Forum)
Fall 1998 Advanced Modern Dance (Dance Forum)
Continuing Ballet (Dance Forum)
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
1995 - 1997 Company Modern Dance
Guangdong Dance Academy, Guangzhou, China
Fall 1996 Advanced Modern Dance
Improvisation
Advanced Choreography
Spring 1996 Advanced Modern Dance
Choreography
Liaoning Chinese Dance Company, Shenyang, China
1986 - 1987 Company Chinese Classical and Folk Dance
Guest Teaching
2008 Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
National Modern Dance Summer Workshop, Guangzhou, China
5th International Modern Dance Festival, Guangzhou, China
Jackson Hole Dance Workshop, Jackson Hole, WY
2007 American College Dance Festival, San Francisco, CA
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
National Modern Dance Summer Workshop, Guangzhou, China
2006 Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
National Modern Dance Summer Workshop, Guangzhou, China
3rd International Modern Dance Festival, Guangzhou, China
2005 University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
Beijing Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
2004 University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC
Dance Space Center, New York, NY
American College Dance Festival, Atlanta, GA
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China
2003 University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC
Dance Space Center, New York, NY
American Dance Festival, Durham, NC
Beijing Dance Academy, Beijing, China
Beijing Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China
Liaoning Dance Theater, Shenyang, China
2002 University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud University, Minneapolis, MN
Dance Space Center, New York, NY
2001 St. Olaf College, Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Education Center for the Arts, Minneapolis, MN
2000 Minnesota Dance Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Dance Theatre Summer Workshop, Minneapolis, MN
American College Dance Festival, Normal, IL
CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre St. Paul, St. Paul, MN
Beijing Modern Dance Ensemble, Beijing, China
City Contemporary Dance Company, Hong Kong, China
Shenyang Arts Academy Liaoning, Shenyang, China
1998 Jackson Hole Dance Academy, Jackson Hole, WY
1997 Guangdong Dance Academy, Guangzhou, China
1996 Guangdong Ballet Company, Guangzhou, China
Beijing Dance Academy, Guangzhou, China
1995 The Central University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
Commissioned Residencies
Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China 2008
Taught one week of contemporary dance technique to 16 company members
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China 2007
Taught one week of contemporary dance technique to 18 company members
National Summer Modern Dance Workshop, Guangzhou, China 2007
Taught three weeks of contemporary dance technique, choreography, and history to 60 dance professionals and students from across China
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China 2006
Taught one week of contemporary dance technique to 18 company members
National Summer Modern Dance Workshop, Guangzhou, China 2006
Taught four weeks of contemporary dance technique, history, and pedagogy to 75 dance professionals and students, and staged choreography
Beijing LDTX Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China 2006
Taught three weeks of contemporary technique, and staged choreography for 16 company members
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China 2005
Taught one week of contemporary dance technique to 18 company members
Beijing Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China 2005
Taught three weeks of contemporary dance technique to 14 company members
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China 2005
Taught three weeks of contemporary technique, history, and choreography to 45 students
Guangdong Modern Dance Company, Guangzhou, China 2004
Taught one week of contemporary dance technique to 18 company members
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China 2004
Taught four weeks of contemporary technique, history and choreography to 45 students
Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China 2004
Taught two weeks of contemporary technique and choreography to 35 students
Liaoning Song and Dance Theatre, Shenyang, China 2004
Taught one week of contemporary technique to 28 professional dancers
Beijing Modern Dance Company, Beijing, China 2003
Taught three weeks of contemporary dance technique to 14 company members
Student Accomplishments:
Awards
Harper Piver, MFA, Outstanding Graduate Award recipient, Herberger College of Arts 2008
Aaron McGloin, BFA, Arizona Choreography Competition Student Division winner 2007
Cerrin Lathrop, BFA, Arizona Choreography Competition Student Division winner 2007
Elizabeth Young, MFA, Graduate Research Award recipient, Herberger College of Arts 2006
Megan Bingle, BFA, Arizona Choreography Competition Student Division winner 2006
Keira Hart, MFA, Best Dance for the Camera Project award at American Dance Festival 2005
Careers in Dance
Emily Wright, MFA, Adjunct Professor for Dance at Belhaven College, Jackson, MS
Martha Howe, MFA, performer with CONDER/Dance, Phoenix, AZ
Natalie King, MFA, Dance Director at Camelback High School, Phoenix, AZ
Erica Nielsen, MFA, published dance ethnologist and freelance dance instructor, Boston, MA
Laura Atwood, MFA, Co-Director of FLUX Dance Project, Phoenix, AZ
Yang Ying, MFA, Director of Dance, Chinese Art Academy, Chandler, AZ
Megan Bingle, BFA, Founder and Artistic Director of 32 Flavors Dance Company, Phoenix, AZ
Aaron McGloin, BFA, Artistic Director of Aaron McGloin Dance, Tempe, AZ
Cerrin Lathrop, BFA, Co-Artistic Director of Temenos Dance Collective, Tempe, AZ
Jillian Scott, BFA, Co-Artistic Director of Temenos Dance Collective, Tempe, AZ
Steven Reker, BFA, performer with Yoshiko Chuma and School of Hard Knocks, NY, NY
Marilyn Maywald, BFA, performer with Pablo Cornejo, Seattle, WA
Jean Kelly, BFA, performer with CONDER/Dance, Phoenix, AZ
Tara Tonding, BFA, performed with Rayn Dance Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
Adam Cooley, BFA, performed in Broadway's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Alex Ellis, BFA, performed in Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie and Beauty and the Beast
Andrew Frace, BFA, performed in Broadway's The Lion King
Buddy Hammonds, BFA, performed in Broadway's All Shook Up and on the Disney Cruise Line
Daniel Watts, BFA, performed in Broadway's The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple
Kiira Schmidt, BFA, performed in a variety of shows including Chicago across the United States
Lindsey Northen, BFA, performed in Broadway's Wicked and at New York's Fringe Festival HYPERLINK "http://www.lindsaynorthen.com"
SERVICE:
Program Development
Collaborator, Dance Exchange, Sichuan University and ASU, Tempe, AZ 2008 - Present
Helped develop student and faculty exchanges and cross-cultural research opportunities
Organized a performance by the Sichuan University's Arts Group at Arizona State University
Planned Sichuan University's ASU Week to promote the academic partnership
Director, ASU Summer Study Abroad Dance Program in China, Tempe, AZ 2007 - Present
Developed the first summer dance program in China hosted by a U.S. institution
Identified prominent instructors to teach traditional and contemporary Chinese dance forms, as well as Tai Chi, Tibetan Dance, Mongolian Dance, and Korean Dance
Provided cultural advice to program attendees, and led excursions to historical landmarks
Artistic Director, National Summer Modern Dance Workshop, Guangzhou, China 2006 - Present
Designed curriculum to serve the needs of the modern dance community in China
Provided career guidance and advice for program attendees
Remained involved from the U.S. to discuss teaching strategies, offer career recommendations, and encourage artistic growth
Committee Member, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Graduate Thesis Committee 2005 - Present
Studio Committee 2005 - Present
Performance Committee 2005 - Present
Production Committee 2005 - Present
Herberger College of Fine Arts Incoming Students Scholarship Committee 2006
Undergraduate Curriculum Committee 2005 - 2006
Professional Memberships
Congress on Research in Dance 2007 - Present
China National Dance Association, China 1993 - Present
Liaoning Dance Association, Shenyang, China 1996 - Present
National Association of School of Dance 2002 - 2005