EDUCATION
1997 M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts in Dance, University of Colorado, Boulder.
1994 B.A.Bachelor of Arts in Dance, University of California, Irvine, Choreography and Teaching emphases, Cum Laude.
1997 Certified Massage Therapist, International Professional School of Bodywork, San Diego CA.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
2000-Present California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Program Director, Theatre and Dance Department, College of Liberal Arts (2012 - Present,) Full Professor (2017-Present,) Associate Professor (2012-2017,) Assistant Professor (2007-2012,) Lecturer (2000-2007).
1998-2004 Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Instructor of Dance and Movement for the Actor, Santa Maria, CA PCPA is an auxiliary program of Allan Hancock College.
2002-2011 World Rhythm and Motion Dance Studio, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Instructor.
1998-2004 Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA Part -time Lecturer in Dance.
2001 Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, Boulder, CO Guest Faculty, Choreographer, Dancer.
2001 Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA Part Time Lecturer in Dance.
1999 Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA Guest Instructor, Modern Dance.
1998-1999 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Guest Artist - Choreography.
1999-2002 Infinite Dynamics in San Luis Obispo, CA Instructor of Pilates Based Conditioning.
1995-1997 University of Colorado, Boulder Graduate Part Time Instructor, Dance.
1993-1994 Studio Du Corps, Costa Mesa, CA Instructor of Pilates technique.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE-CHOREOGRAPHY, DIRECTING, and PERFORMING
2000 - Present Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Director: 2009-2014 and 2021 to Present. Directed Orchesis Dance Company annual performances: "Retrograde" 2024, "Falling Forward" 2023, “Convergence” 2022, “Vitality” 2014, “Suspension” 2013, “Immersion” 2012, “Shift”2011, “Continuum” 2010, “Impact” 2009, Assistant Director: 2015-2021.
2024 “Soundings” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Director of Dance, Choreographer. Directed 13 student choreographers in creating original choreography, eleven dances, for the evening length work set to original music compositions. Interdisciplinary Multimedia collaboration. Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department under the direction of Dr. Julie Herndon
2023 Inga Swearingen "House Concert," July 2023. Performed a duet as a structured improvisation with singer Inga Swearingen and pianist Marshall Otwell.
2022 “To the Hands” Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, and LAES, Caroline Shaw’s “To the Hands,” a twenty two minute work with film and dance, choir conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2018 "Luminosity" Dance Director, Choreographer - a choreographic collaboration with Cal PolyChoirs, James Whitbourne's "Luminosity, conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2017 “Breaking Bread” A Dance for the Camera. Choreographer, Director, Editor and Performer. Selected for Screening at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival March 2018, ACDA NW Regional Conference ASU, Tempe AZ March 2018 and Seattle Transmedia and Independent Film Festival July 2018
2016 - 2017 "State of Grace" A Dance for the Camera. Choreographer, Director, Editor and Performer. Selected for Screening at the Front and Main Festival in Temecula CA March 2016, ACDA NW Regional Conference in Laramie WY March 2016, the Flying Frame Film Festival in Dixon Illinois in May 2016, Petaluma International Film Festival Oct.2016 and the Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival in OK in 2017.
2014-2017 RSVP California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Choreographer, Dance Director, 2020 Performer. Created original choreography for evening length work set to original music compositions. Interdisciplinary Multimedia collaboration. Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department under the direction of Dr. Antonio Barata. “Wine, a Whimsical Commentary” 2017, “Evangeline” 2016, “Kinship, Being Frank” 2015, “Vox Baleana” 2014.
2009-Present Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company, San Luis Obispo, CA Director: 2009-2014 Directed Orchesis’ annual performances: “Vitality,” “Suspension,” “Immersion,” “Shift,” “Continuum,” “Impact.” Assistant Director: 2015-Present.
2013, 2015 “A Time, A Place,” and “Daedal” Choreographer - These dances were collaborations with Cal Poly’s Music Department and resulted in performances with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2015 UpSide Dance Company, Healdsburg, CA Invited Guest Artist, Choreographer, Choreographic Residency Set “Rock, Paper, Scissors” on the company of 9 dancers for their “All Things Paper" Performance in March 2016.
2001-2013 Variable Velocity Performance Group Founder, Executive Director, Co-Artistic Director, Choreographer and Performer. Variable Velocity is a non-profit organization in San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented: “Voices” June 2013, “Inside Out” June 2012, “Extraordinary Mysteries” April 2011 (10th Anniversary Performance at the Performing Arts Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) “The Treasure of Presence” June 2010, “Alchemy” June 2009, “Elements, Forces and Other Mysteries” June 2008, Juxtaposed” June 2007, “From the Mundane to the Sublime” June 2006, “Heaven is in Your Mind” June 2005, “Moving to Place” (including the Community Project)June 2003, “Momentum Junkies” June 2002 and “Up on Your Feet” June 2001 Cal Poly Spanos Theatre. These performances were evening length works comprised of nine to twelve choreographed complete pieces plus theatrical interludes. Variable Velocity was invited to perform in: Bravo SLO, Sept 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, San Luis Obispo Art Center’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo, CA, April 2009 and in “Collaborations” January 2001 and 2002 in the Riverside Aids benefit, June 2001 performance. Variable Velocity provides Educational Outreach and Consulting services in addition to performance and classes.
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Pacific Dance Convergence, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Festival hosted by Cal Poly Arts. Invited Committee Member, festival Instructor, Choreographer and Performer. Selected for “Reverse Residency” to set my dance “We Come, We Go” with Joe Goode Dancers. Selected as a lead performer for Joe Goode’s “Excerpts from: When Things Fall Apart” as part of the residency. Both dances were featured in the festival finale performance.
2011 “Come Together,” Core Dance Studio, San Luis Obispo, CA Invited Choreographer to present my dance, “Falling Up.”
2010 “Choreography Under the Stars” McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert CA Dancer, Choreographer. This performance was the showcase of a National Choreography Competition in which I was a selected choreographer for my dance “Imminent Combustion.”
2009 “First Rain,” Inga Swearingen CD Release Performance, Dancer.
2000-2009 Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company 2000-2009 Guest Choreographer, Performer. Assistant Director 2008, 2001.
2008 “CQD/SOS Transmissions of Distress” A collaborative multi-media performance project, Performer, Choreographer (collaborative) Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2007 “Impulse,” with Inga Swearingen. Arts Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA Creator/Performer. An experimental, completely improvisational, interdisciplinary collective and performance.
2001 Interweave Dance Theatre, Boulder, CO, Dancer.
1999 Voice of Dance, San Luis Obispo, CA, Choreographer, Performer and Committee Member, a SLO county collective dance concert.
1998-2005 Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA Guest Choreographer, Faculty Member.
1998 Celebration of Life, A Benefit for Aids, San Luis Obispo, CA invited Choreographer and Performer.
1997 “Intangible Inclinations,” M.F.A. Thesis Concert, Boulder, CO Producer, Director, Choreographer and Performer.
1995-1996 David Capps Dances, Boulder, CO Dancer.
1996 CU Contemporary Dance Works, Boulder, CO Graduate Student Touring Company, Choreographer, Dancer, Teacher.
1993-1994 “Bare Bones Dance Concert” Co-Producer and Director. Undergraduate student directed dance concert independent of the Dance Department, UC Irvine.
1992-1997 CU Boulder and UC Irvine, Faculty and Student Dance Concerts Choreographer and Dancer in numerous department concerts, and participation in ACDF (American College Dance Festival).
1991 Los Angeles Open Arts Festival, CA Choreographer and Dancer.
1987-1989 March of Dimes Benefit, Orange County, CA, Choreographer, Dancer.
1996 Liberty Weekend Closing Ceremonies New York, NY, Dancer
1984 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies Los Angeles, CA, Dancer
COMPLETED ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKS
2024 “Koan” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Original choreography, 9 minutes, 24 dancers.
2023 “Rock, Paper, Scissors” (Reworked from 2008) Orchesis Dance Company, with live accompaniment with guest Dr. Terrence Spiller, Professor Emeritus, Music Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 7.5 minute dance with 9 dancers.
2022 “To the Hands” Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, and LAES, Caroline Shaw’s “To the Hands,” a twenty two minute work with film and dance, choir conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2022 “Please, No, Please” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2021 "Hi Me" and "Shall We," (Virtual dances) Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2020 “Transcend” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2019 “Enantiodromia” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company.
2018 “Kaleidoscope” Spring Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obsipo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2018 "Luminosity" Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, James Whitbourne's "Luminosity, conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2018 “Moving On” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2017 Dance Film: “Breaking Bread” (Supported by Cal Poly’s CLA Circle of Giving Grant) San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Editor, Creator. Original Music: Alexander Kato-Willis. Selected for Screening at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival March 2018, ACDA NW Regional Conference ASU, Tempe AZ March 2018 Seattle Transmedia and Independent Film Festival July 2018
2017 RSVP XXII “Wine, A Whimsical Commentary” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed 9 original dances for the evening length work: Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2017 “The Spell” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in Modesto CA March 2017. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company.
2016 RSVP XXI “Evangeline” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed original dance for the evening length work: Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department
2016 “Jigsaw” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in San Jose CA March 2019. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2015 Dance Film: “State of Grace” (Supported by Cal Poly’s Minker Grant) San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Editor, Creator. Original Music: Inga Swearingen. This film was selected to be screened at “Front and Main Dance Festival” in Temecula, CA March 2016, ACDA NW Conference, University of Wyoming, March 2016, Flying Frame Film Festival, Illinois, May 2016, Petaluma International Film Festival, October 2016 and Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival in OK, April 2017.
2015 RSVP XX “ Being Frank” 2015 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed original dances: “Big Bang,” “Molecule,” “Oh Humanity,”“Adam and Eve,” “Empty Promises,”Drink From the Bowl” “Free Willy,” “In a Sacred Manner I Come,” “Taku Skan Skan Speaks.” Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2015 “Daedal” (Excerpt) Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA This Dance was a collaboration with Cal Poly’s Music Department and resulted in a second performance with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2014 RSVP XIX “Vox Baleana” 2014 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Choreographer of 5 original dances: “School of Dance,” “Sirens,” Sola et Desolata,” Deep Channel,” “One For All.” Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2014 “We Belong” 2014 Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA A 15 minute dance with 2 casts of 14 dancers.
2013 “Voices,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Voices Inside Our Heads” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Free the Captives” a 17 minute dance in 6 sections with 16 dancers.
2013 “A Time, A Place” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA This Dance was a collaboration with Cal Poly's Music Department and resulted in a second performance with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2012 “Inside Out,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Inside Out” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Torque,” “We Come, We Go.”
2012 “Torque” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2011 “Extraordinary Mysteries” 2011 Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “This Moment” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Falling Up,” “The Guys and Me” (reset), “State of Grace” (reset), “Breaking Bread” and “Ode de do da Day” (reset).
2010 “The Treasure of Presence” 2010 Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Viscera,” “Be Present,” a structured improvisation and a collaboration LAES students, “Daedal” (a completed version), “State of Grace,” “Cell Phone Interlude.”
2010 “Daedal” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2009 “Alchemy,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Imminent Combustion,” “Dreamers” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Amalgamation,” “You Me = We,” “Treasure of Treasures” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2009 “Sculpture Garden” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2008 “Elements, Forces, and Other Mysteries” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Convergence” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “A Phase Change” a solo performance, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” “A Mysterious Collision of Atmospheric Agencies” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2008 “txt.me” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2007 “Juxtaposed” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Hanging Out” a vertical dance collaboration in rope and harness with Jude Clark Warnisher and Chris Nosti,“Dance is a Contact Sport” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher “Frame of Reference,” “Moving to Place” (rework), “How We All Started” community piece collaboration “Red.”
2007 “Sliding Scale,” and “Rat Race” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2006 “From the Mundane to the Sublime” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “A Day in the Life” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “We Come...We Go,” “Breaking Bread” community piece collaboration, “Ode de do da day” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2006 “Looking Out for Number One” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2005 “Heaven is in Your Mind” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Genesis” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Falling Up,” “Echoes and Accents” (Rework), “Ritual” community piece collaboration, “The Guys and Me.”
2005 “Echoes,” and “Belonging” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2004 “Under The Influence” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2003 “Moving to Place” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Places Please” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Moving to Place,” “Finding Our Way,” community piece collaboration, “Portrait of a Transparent Lady,” “Moving Between Moments” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2003 “Imbroglio” and “Hanging by Threads,” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2002 “Release” Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA.
2002 “Momentum Junkies” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Momentum Junkies” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Between Then and When,” “Two Eggs” collaboration with Bryan Meeks, “Hanging by Threads,” “ Wound.”
2002 “Going Under” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
2002 “This Channel is Open but No Words are Coming” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2001 “Thinking Outside the Box” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA.
2001 “Up On Your Feet, Down On Your Hands” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Bathing Beauties” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “More Heat than Light,” “One Legged Dance,” “Sensing Wait” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Intimacy’s Child is Anxious,” “Fin” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2001 “Imminent Combustion” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This Dance went to ACDF March 2001, and was selected for the Gala Concert.
2000 “Reflections on Process” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
1999 “Learning to Fly is a Question of Gravity” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This piece was a collaborative work with Jude Clark-Warnisher and developed out of Contact Improvisation.
1999 “Transitions” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA.
1999 “RAW” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This Dance went to ACDF March 1999.
1998 “Belonging,” and “The Listening” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
1997 “Intangible Inclinations” CU Boulder, CO. M.F.A. Thesis Concert. Evening length work with several dances.
1991-1997 Student Choreographed Works CU Boulder and UC Irvine. I choreographed several dances as both a B.A. and an M.F.A. student. “Amalgamation” was sent to ACDF in Salt Lake City Utah 1996, and “Untitled” was chosen by UCI faculty to represent to be shown at the International Dance Science Conference in 1993.
1991 “Dancing About Architecture,” Los Angeles Open Festival, CA.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
2024 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Weber State University, Ogden UT. “Modern Dance for Momentum Junkies” an exploration of Modern and Contemporary techniques.
2019 “Jigsaw” Choreography Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in San Jose CA, March 2019.
2018 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ. “Modern Dance Meets Contemporary” an exploration of Modern and Contemporary techniques.
2017 “The Spell” Choreography Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in Modesto CA March 2017.
2016 Dance Film: “State of Grace” Presented at ACDA NW Conference, University of Wyoming, March 2016
2015 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Long Beach, CA (Cal State Long Beach) “Modern Dance With a Partner.” Modern Dance technique focusing on partnering.
2013 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Scottsdale Community College, March 2013. "Upside Down and Backwards" Modern Dance technique focusing on inverting the body in space and techniques for moving backwards.
2007 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, University of Montana, Missoula, March 2007. "Upside Down and Backwards" Modern Dance technique focusing on inverting the body in space and techniques for moving backwards.
2001 “Imminent Combustion” Choreography Presented at ACDA West Region Albuquerque MN (University of NM) and was selected for the Gala Concert. March 2001.
1999 “RAW” Choreography Presented at ACDA West Region March 1999.
OTHER RELATED PRESENTATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
2024 “Action Lab,” a modern dance based community class at Cal Poly to interface local dance community with Cal Poly dancers. Content explores age diversity and movement for mental health. July 2024
2023 Psychology Honors Seminar HNRS 100, Guest Lecturer, Movement for four class workshops. Directed by Dr. Jasna Jovanovic and Dr. Kelly Bennion
2023 “Action Lab,” a modern dance based community class at Cal Poly to interface local dance community with Cal Poly dancers. Content explores age diversity and movement for mental health. July 2023
2023 Soloist for David Capps and Dancers “Sunday Morning” Dance for the Camera based on poems by Wallace Stevens (In development - on site filming March 20-22, 2023.)
2023 Orchesis Dance Company mini documentary: O53 Documentary. Director, editor for four short documentary films about the process of creating “Falling Forward,” Orchesis Dance Company’s 53rd annual performance.
2021 Movement Workshop - Connect, Communicate Collaborate, Marketing Class, College of Business, Professor Sharon Dobson
2020 Planned and executed, “Orchesis 50” Pre closing night celebration event for 200 guests - alumni and professors emeriti.
2019 Guest Instructor for Vocal Practicum course, MUS 189, Cal Poly Music Department, Nov. 2019.
2017 Master Class: Steamboat Dance Theatre in Steamboat Springs Colorado. Invited as master teacher March 2017.
2015 Movement Workshops (2) for Architecture 133. Movement workshops under the direction of Professor Keith Wiley. Content: movement in relation to space and spatial design, a site specific workshop in Architecture building.
2015 Movement Workshop in English 251. Movement workshop for English students - two sections of English 251: Introduction to Ancient and Classical Literature, Fall - focusing on Agammemnon, Greek Drama, and Greek Theatre.
2013 Class Act Dance/Studio D, Paso Robles, CA Invited to teach two Master Classes/Workshops in Modern Technique and Contact Improvisation.
2011 Riverside Community College, Riverside CA Adjudicator and Master Class teacher. Invited guest artist to teach a master class and adjudicate student choreography in this residency.
2009 Momentus International, Santa Maria, CA Artist Mentor, Advisor. I was invited to give a movement workshop and advise the creation of cross-cultural, multi-media performance project.
2009 Master Class: Modern Dance, Dance Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2008 Movement Workshop, “Animal Farm” Theatre and Dance Department, Cal Poly 2008.
2005-2006 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA. Movement Consultant “Macbeth” 2005 and The “Crucible” 2006.
2000 Lecture/Presentation: University of Oregon May 2000. Technique Demands of Contemporary Dancers in Relation to Aesthetic Desires. This presentation was part of a final interview for an assistant professor position.
1999 Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Santa Maria, CA Movement Consultant for “Skylight.”
1998 Colorado Dance Festival, Boulder, CO Artist Liaison.
TEACHING RELATED ACTIVITIES
COURSES TAUGHT
CAL POLY
Dance 130 Pilates
Dance 132 Beginning Modern Dance
Dance 133 Beginning Jazz Dance
Dance 221 Dance Appreciation
Dance 221 Dance Appreciation Online
Dance 232 Intermediate Modern Dance
Dance 233 Intermediate Jazz
Dance/TH 280 Body Awareness and Expression
Dance 332 Modern Dance Repertory
Dance 340 Composition
Dance 341 Dance Concert Practicum
Dance 345 Choreography/Workshop in Dance Concert Preparation
Dance 346 Dance Production
Dance 381 Dance Fundamentals and Methods of Teaching
Dance 471 Advanced Modern Dance Dance
PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS
Movement for the Actor
Dance for the Actor
NEW COURSE PREPARATION
Dance 221 Online
Dance/TH 280 Body Awareness and Expression
Dance 340 Dance Composition
Dance 341 Dance Concert Practicum
ADVISING
2007 - Present Dance Minor Advisor
2007 - Present. Spring Dance Concert Faculty Advisor
2017 - Present United Movement Club Advisor
MAJOR REVISIONS IN EXISTING COURSES
2020 Dance 221, 232, 280, 341 - created as Online Courses, Spring 2020 (due to Pandemic, COVID-19)
2014 Dance 221 Dance Appreciation Online (Promising Practices Grant)
2014 Dance Minor Curriculum Revision
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
2014 Dance 341 Concert Practicum – to align with the production of the Spring Dance Concert, (taught initially as experimental course
2013 Dance/TH 280 Initially taught as Theatre 470 Movement for the Actor, which is now in the Catalogue as TH 280 and Dance 280 and Titled: Body Awareness and Expression.
2012 Dance 381 Assisted writing new curriculum for Fundamentals of Dance and Methods of Teaching.
INSTRUCTION, SCHOLARSHIP AND RELATED PROJECTS
2014 Workshop: Critical Thinking: What it is and Why it Counts (Facione Gittens)
2014 Flip Your Course Workshop CTL
2008 Winged Workshop Spring
2007 CTL Technology Initiative Phase I Participant
CONTINUING EDUCATION
PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES ATTENDED, CERTIFICATIONS
2020 Gaga Home Lab workshop for dancers, Ohad Naharin and Dancers (Online)
2020 Embodied Creativity, Tamalpa Institue, Daria Halprin, Joy Coscuella, Natan Daskal, Dohee Lee, Rosario Sammartino (Online)
2020 The Science of Wellbeing, Courserra, Laurie Santos, Yale University (Online)
2019 Up and Down, Live Free Through Body Movement (Feldenkrais technique), Irene Lyon and Elia Mrak, 1440 Multiversity
2019, 2017 Thai Yoga Therapy Intensive and Certificate
2018 Radiant Intimacy with Esther Perel, Michaela Boehm, Steve James, Sasha Cobra, 1440 Multiversity
2017 “Start Simple” Joe Goode Performance Group
2014 David Deida Intensive 2014
2003-Present American College Dance Association Conference - Annually in Spring
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Pacific Dance Convergence, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
2009 5X5 Modern Dance and Choreography Workshop, San Diego, CA Dancers Group
2009, 2008 Summer Festival San Francisco, CA
2009, 2007 Anna Halprin Workshop, San Francisco, CA
2007, 2003 Yoga Intensive, Peter Sterios, San Luis Obispo, CA
2006, 2002 Summerdance, Santa Barbara, CA
2006, 2005 West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival San Francisco, CA
2000-2003 Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop Boulder, CO
2000 Aerial Dance Festival Boulder, CO
1999 Laban Centre London, UK International Summer School - Certificate
1997 Bates Dance Festival, Maine - Certificate
1997 Colorado Dance Festival Boulder, CO
1996 Pilates Teacher Training, Pilates Center, Boulder, CO
INTENSIVE/WORKSHOP Training Faculty:
Joe Goode, Keith Johnson, Gabe Masson, Anna Halprin, Nancy Stark Smith, Victoria Marks, Rennie Harris, Ralph Lemon, Kim Epifano, Valerie Preston Dunlap , Liz Lerman, Dana Reitz, Seán Curran, Mel Wong, David Dorfman, Chuck Davis, KJ Holmes, Wally Cardona, Brenda Angiel, Ruth Zaporah, Wade Madsen, Eddie Taketa, John Malashock, Jean Issacs, Azsure Barton, David Deida,Daria Halprin, Joy Coscuella, Natan Daskal, Dohee Lee, Rosario Sammartino, Esther Perel, Michaela Boehm, Steve James, Sasha Cobra, Irene Lyon, Elia Mrak, Ohad Naharin
UNIVERSITY TRAINING Faculty:
Donald McKayle, Carmela Weber , David Capps, Toby Hankin, Nancy Spanier, Nada Diachenko , Robin Haig, Letitia Williams , Nancy Cranbourne , Janice Plastino, James Penrod , Israel El Gabriel , Diane Diefenderfer
OTHER:
Gymnastics: 11 years experience in competitive gymnastics
Yoga: Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga practice since 1995
PUBLICATIONS
1997 Stanton, Diana. Ralph Lemon. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
1997 Stanton, Diana. Sarah Skaggs. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
1997 Stanton, Diana. Carmela Weber. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
GRANTS AND AWARDS
2021 CLA Summer Scholarship Stipend, for Research activity. Proposal: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate: the Choreographic Process applied to Business Systems
2020 Distinguished Scholar for Creative Activity Award, Academic Senate, Cal Poly.
2019 Honored Faculty Appreciation, Cal Poly Women's Volley Ball team.
2016 Circle of Giving Grant Cal Poly CLA for “Breaking Bread” Dance Film.
2014 Promising Practices Course Redesign CSU Grant for Dance 221.
2014 Allen and Susan Minker Cal Poly CLA Endowment for “State of Grace” Dance Film.
2009-2013 Unrestricted Grant, Jeannie and Andy Greensfelder, San Luis Obispo Community Foundation, Annually.
2009 Bravo Award, Foundation for the Preforming Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2006 Art Inspires Grant - San Luis Obispo Arts Council, CA City of San Luis Obispo.
2003, 2000 Promotions Committee Grant Mini Grant San Luis Obispo Arts Council.
1997 Teaching Excellence Award For Graduate Student Teachers, (by faculty nomination and committee review) CU Boulder.
1996 Dean’s Small Grant Award CU Boulder.
1996 Charlotte York Irey Scholarship Awarded to outstanding graduate student talent and GPA, CU Boulder.
1991-1994 Dean’s Honor List UC Irvine. Cum Laude graduate UC Irvine.
1993-1994 Undergraduate Advisory Committee to Dance Chair, UC Irvine.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTATIONS
2022 Pre Concert Lecture: David Parsons Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2021 Pre Concert Lecture: Lula Washington Dance Theatre Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2018 Pre Concert Lecture: Pilobolus, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2018 Pre Concert Lecture: Koresh Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. 2016 Pre Concert Lecture: Twyla Tharp Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2016 Pre Concert Lecture: Mark Morris, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. 2013 Pre Concert Lecture: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2012 Pre Concert Lecture: Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts,Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2011 Pre Concert Lecture: Axis Dance Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo,CA.
SERVICE
UNIVERSITY
2020 Faculty Technology Fellows Committee
2020 CSU Dance Collective
2013 Orchesis Dance Performance coordination at the President's Green and Gold Gala Dinner
2012 Orchesis Dance Performance coordination at the President’s Cabinet Dinner
2008 Lifelong Learning Working Group for Strategic Planning and WASC review
2008 Interface Disciplines Working Group for Strategic Planning and WASC review
2008 Cal Poly Arts Director Search, faculty representative Theatre and Dance Department
COLLEGE
2019-22, 2024 College Peer Review Committee
2018-2020 Curriculum Committee
2013, 2012 Sabbatical/Leave Committee
DEPARTMENT
2012 - Present Dance Program Director, Theatre and Dance Department, CLA
2024 Peer Review Committee: Leann Alduenda (Chair), Ramón Esquivel, Phyllis Wong
2023 TT Dance Position, Search Committee Chair
2022-2023 Semester Conversion - Dance Program Curriculum Revision
2023 Peer Review Committee: Karin Hendricks-Bolen, Ramón Esquivel
2022 Peer Review Committee: Hala Baki, Kathleen Helm, Ramón Esquivel, Phillip Valle, Jude Warnisher
2021 Chair: Peer Review Committee Tom Bernard
2021 Chair: Peer Review Committee: Hala Baki, Kathleen Helm, Ramón Esquivel, Phillip Valle, Jude Warnisher
2020 Peer Review Committee: Karin Hendricks-Bolen
2019 Chair: Peer Review Committee: Brian Healy
2018 Search Committee for Acting Performance Faculty Position
2018 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Brian Healy, Christy McNeil-Chand
2017 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2016 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Pegi Marshall Amundsen, Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2015 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Pegi Marshall Amundsen, Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2013 Search Committee for Scenic Designer Faculty Position
2013 Search Committee for Technical Director Staff Position
2011 Search Committee for Dance Position
2008-Present Field Trip Organizer, Faculty Representative, American College Dance Association Conference - Cal State Long Beach, March 2020, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA March 2019, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ March 2023, 2018, Modesto Junior College, Modesto, CA March 2017, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 2016, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 2015, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ March 2014, Scottsdale Community College March 2013, Cal State Dominguez Hills March 2012, Cal State Long Beach, CA March 2011, Tempe, AZ March 2010, UC Irvine, March 2008.
COMMUNITY
2001-2013 Volunteer teacher, Modern Dance, Performance Athletics, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Dance Festival Committee Member, San Luis Obispo, CA.
1997 M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts in Dance, University of Colorado, Boulder.
1994 B.A.Bachelor of Arts in Dance, University of California, Irvine, Choreography and Teaching emphases, Cum Laude.
1997 Certified Massage Therapist, International Professional School of Bodywork, San Diego CA.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
2000-Present California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Program Director, Theatre and Dance Department, College of Liberal Arts (2012 - Present,) Full Professor (2017-Present,) Associate Professor (2012-2017,) Assistant Professor (2007-2012,) Lecturer (2000-2007).
1998-2004 Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Instructor of Dance and Movement for the Actor, Santa Maria, CA PCPA is an auxiliary program of Allan Hancock College.
2002-2011 World Rhythm and Motion Dance Studio, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Instructor.
1998-2004 Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA Part -time Lecturer in Dance.
2001 Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, Boulder, CO Guest Faculty, Choreographer, Dancer.
2001 Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA Part Time Lecturer in Dance.
1999 Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA Guest Instructor, Modern Dance.
1998-1999 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Guest Artist - Choreography.
1999-2002 Infinite Dynamics in San Luis Obispo, CA Instructor of Pilates Based Conditioning.
1995-1997 University of Colorado, Boulder Graduate Part Time Instructor, Dance.
1993-1994 Studio Du Corps, Costa Mesa, CA Instructor of Pilates technique.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE-CHOREOGRAPHY, DIRECTING, and PERFORMING
2000 - Present Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Director: 2009-2014 and 2021 to Present. Directed Orchesis Dance Company annual performances: "Retrograde" 2024, "Falling Forward" 2023, “Convergence” 2022, “Vitality” 2014, “Suspension” 2013, “Immersion” 2012, “Shift”2011, “Continuum” 2010, “Impact” 2009, Assistant Director: 2015-2021.
2024 “Soundings” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Director of Dance, Choreographer. Directed 13 student choreographers in creating original choreography, eleven dances, for the evening length work set to original music compositions. Interdisciplinary Multimedia collaboration. Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department under the direction of Dr. Julie Herndon
2023 Inga Swearingen "House Concert," July 2023. Performed a duet as a structured improvisation with singer Inga Swearingen and pianist Marshall Otwell.
2022 “To the Hands” Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, and LAES, Caroline Shaw’s “To the Hands,” a twenty two minute work with film and dance, choir conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2018 "Luminosity" Dance Director, Choreographer - a choreographic collaboration with Cal PolyChoirs, James Whitbourne's "Luminosity, conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2017 “Breaking Bread” A Dance for the Camera. Choreographer, Director, Editor and Performer. Selected for Screening at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival March 2018, ACDA NW Regional Conference ASU, Tempe AZ March 2018 and Seattle Transmedia and Independent Film Festival July 2018
2016 - 2017 "State of Grace" A Dance for the Camera. Choreographer, Director, Editor and Performer. Selected for Screening at the Front and Main Festival in Temecula CA March 2016, ACDA NW Regional Conference in Laramie WY March 2016, the Flying Frame Film Festival in Dixon Illinois in May 2016, Petaluma International Film Festival Oct.2016 and the Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival in OK in 2017.
2014-2017 RSVP California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Choreographer, Dance Director, 2020 Performer. Created original choreography for evening length work set to original music compositions. Interdisciplinary Multimedia collaboration. Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department under the direction of Dr. Antonio Barata. “Wine, a Whimsical Commentary” 2017, “Evangeline” 2016, “Kinship, Being Frank” 2015, “Vox Baleana” 2014.
2009-Present Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company, San Luis Obispo, CA Director: 2009-2014 Directed Orchesis’ annual performances: “Vitality,” “Suspension,” “Immersion,” “Shift,” “Continuum,” “Impact.” Assistant Director: 2015-Present.
2013, 2015 “A Time, A Place,” and “Daedal” Choreographer - These dances were collaborations with Cal Poly’s Music Department and resulted in performances with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2015 UpSide Dance Company, Healdsburg, CA Invited Guest Artist, Choreographer, Choreographic Residency Set “Rock, Paper, Scissors” on the company of 9 dancers for their “All Things Paper" Performance in March 2016.
2001-2013 Variable Velocity Performance Group Founder, Executive Director, Co-Artistic Director, Choreographer and Performer. Variable Velocity is a non-profit organization in San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented: “Voices” June 2013, “Inside Out” June 2012, “Extraordinary Mysteries” April 2011 (10th Anniversary Performance at the Performing Arts Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) “The Treasure of Presence” June 2010, “Alchemy” June 2009, “Elements, Forces and Other Mysteries” June 2008, Juxtaposed” June 2007, “From the Mundane to the Sublime” June 2006, “Heaven is in Your Mind” June 2005, “Moving to Place” (including the Community Project)June 2003, “Momentum Junkies” June 2002 and “Up on Your Feet” June 2001 Cal Poly Spanos Theatre. These performances were evening length works comprised of nine to twelve choreographed complete pieces plus theatrical interludes. Variable Velocity was invited to perform in: Bravo SLO, Sept 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, San Luis Obispo Art Center’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo, CA, April 2009 and in “Collaborations” January 2001 and 2002 in the Riverside Aids benefit, June 2001 performance. Variable Velocity provides Educational Outreach and Consulting services in addition to performance and classes.
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Pacific Dance Convergence, San Luis Obispo, CA Dance Festival hosted by Cal Poly Arts. Invited Committee Member, festival Instructor, Choreographer and Performer. Selected for “Reverse Residency” to set my dance “We Come, We Go” with Joe Goode Dancers. Selected as a lead performer for Joe Goode’s “Excerpts from: When Things Fall Apart” as part of the residency. Both dances were featured in the festival finale performance.
2011 “Come Together,” Core Dance Studio, San Luis Obispo, CA Invited Choreographer to present my dance, “Falling Up.”
2010 “Choreography Under the Stars” McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert CA Dancer, Choreographer. This performance was the showcase of a National Choreography Competition in which I was a selected choreographer for my dance “Imminent Combustion.”
2009 “First Rain,” Inga Swearingen CD Release Performance, Dancer.
2000-2009 Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company 2000-2009 Guest Choreographer, Performer. Assistant Director 2008, 2001.
2008 “CQD/SOS Transmissions of Distress” A collaborative multi-media performance project, Performer, Choreographer (collaborative) Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2007 “Impulse,” with Inga Swearingen. Arts Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA Creator/Performer. An experimental, completely improvisational, interdisciplinary collective and performance.
2001 Interweave Dance Theatre, Boulder, CO, Dancer.
1999 Voice of Dance, San Luis Obispo, CA, Choreographer, Performer and Committee Member, a SLO county collective dance concert.
1998-2005 Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA Guest Choreographer, Faculty Member.
1998 Celebration of Life, A Benefit for Aids, San Luis Obispo, CA invited Choreographer and Performer.
1997 “Intangible Inclinations,” M.F.A. Thesis Concert, Boulder, CO Producer, Director, Choreographer and Performer.
1995-1996 David Capps Dances, Boulder, CO Dancer.
1996 CU Contemporary Dance Works, Boulder, CO Graduate Student Touring Company, Choreographer, Dancer, Teacher.
1993-1994 “Bare Bones Dance Concert” Co-Producer and Director. Undergraduate student directed dance concert independent of the Dance Department, UC Irvine.
1992-1997 CU Boulder and UC Irvine, Faculty and Student Dance Concerts Choreographer and Dancer in numerous department concerts, and participation in ACDF (American College Dance Festival).
1991 Los Angeles Open Arts Festival, CA Choreographer and Dancer.
1987-1989 March of Dimes Benefit, Orange County, CA, Choreographer, Dancer.
1996 Liberty Weekend Closing Ceremonies New York, NY, Dancer
1984 Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies Los Angeles, CA, Dancer
COMPLETED ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKS
2024 “Koan” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Original choreography, 9 minutes, 24 dancers.
2023 “Rock, Paper, Scissors” (Reworked from 2008) Orchesis Dance Company, with live accompaniment with guest Dr. Terrence Spiller, Professor Emeritus, Music Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 7.5 minute dance with 9 dancers.
2022 “To the Hands” Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, and LAES, Caroline Shaw’s “To the Hands,” a twenty two minute work with film and dance, choir conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2022 “Please, No, Please” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2021 "Hi Me" and "Shall We," (Virtual dances) Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2020 “Transcend” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2019 “Enantiodromia” Orchesis Dance Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company.
2018 “Kaleidoscope” Spring Concert, Cal Poly, San Luis Obsipo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2018 "Luminosity" Staged and Directed a choreographic collaboration with Cal Poly Choirs, James Whitbourne's "Luminosity, conducted by Dr. Scott Glysson.
2018 “Moving On” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2017 Dance Film: “Breaking Bread” (Supported by Cal Poly’s CLA Circle of Giving Grant) San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Editor, Creator. Original Music: Alexander Kato-Willis. Selected for Screening at San Luis Obispo International Film Festival March 2018, ACDA NW Regional Conference ASU, Tempe AZ March 2018 Seattle Transmedia and Independent Film Festival July 2018
2017 RSVP XXII “Wine, A Whimsical Commentary” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed 9 original dances for the evening length work: Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2017 “The Spell” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in Modesto CA March 2017. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Orchesis Dance Company.
2016 RSVP XXI “Evangeline” California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed original dance for the evening length work: Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department
2016 “Jigsaw” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in San Jose CA March 2019. Choreographed in collaboration with the dancers from Cal Poly’s Contemporary Repertory Course.
2015 Dance Film: “State of Grace” (Supported by Cal Poly’s Minker Grant) San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographer, Editor, Creator. Original Music: Inga Swearingen. This film was selected to be screened at “Front and Main Dance Festival” in Temecula, CA March 2016, ACDA NW Conference, University of Wyoming, March 2016, Flying Frame Film Festival, Illinois, May 2016, Petaluma International Film Festival, October 2016 and Bare Bones International Music and Film Festival in OK, April 2017.
2015 RSVP XX “ Being Frank” 2015 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA. Choreographed original dances: “Big Bang,” “Molecule,” “Oh Humanity,”“Adam and Eve,” “Empty Promises,”Drink From the Bowl” “Free Willy,” “In a Sacred Manner I Come,” “Taku Skan Skan Speaks.” Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2015 “Daedal” (Excerpt) Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA This Dance was a collaboration with Cal Poly’s Music Department and resulted in a second performance with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2014 RSVP XIX “Vox Baleana” 2014 California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA Choreographer of 5 original dances: “School of Dance,” “Sirens,” Sola et Desolata,” Deep Channel,” “One For All.” Produced by Cal Poly’s Music Department.
2014 “We Belong” 2014 Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA A 15 minute dance with 2 casts of 14 dancers.
2013 “Voices,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Voices Inside Our Heads” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Free the Captives” a 17 minute dance in 6 sections with 16 dancers.
2013 “A Time, A Place” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA This Dance was a collaboration with Cal Poly's Music Department and resulted in a second performance with live Symphony Orchestra, Cal Poly Symphony, at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly.
2012 “Inside Out,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Inside Out” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Torque,” “We Come, We Go.”
2012 “Torque” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2011 “Extraordinary Mysteries” 2011 Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “This Moment” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Falling Up,” “The Guys and Me” (reset), “State of Grace” (reset), “Breaking Bread” and “Ode de do da Day” (reset).
2010 “The Treasure of Presence” 2010 Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Viscera,” “Be Present,” a structured improvisation and a collaboration LAES students, “Daedal” (a completed version), “State of Grace,” “Cell Phone Interlude.”
2010 “Daedal” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2009 “Alchemy,” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Imminent Combustion,” “Dreamers” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Amalgamation,” “You Me = We,” “Treasure of Treasures” a collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2009 “Sculpture Garden” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2008 “Elements, Forces, and Other Mysteries” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Convergence” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “A Phase Change” a solo performance, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” “A Mysterious Collision of Atmospheric Agencies” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2008 “txt.me” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2007 “Juxtaposed” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Hanging Out” a vertical dance collaboration in rope and harness with Jude Clark Warnisher and Chris Nosti,“Dance is a Contact Sport” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher “Frame of Reference,” “Moving to Place” (rework), “How We All Started” community piece collaboration “Red.”
2007 “Sliding Scale,” and “Rat Race” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2006 “From the Mundane to the Sublime” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “A Day in the Life” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “We Come...We Go,” “Breaking Bread” community piece collaboration, “Ode de do da day” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2006 “Looking Out for Number One” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2005 “Heaven is in Your Mind” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Genesis” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Falling Up,” “Echoes and Accents” (Rework), “Ritual” community piece collaboration, “The Guys and Me.”
2005 “Echoes,” and “Belonging” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2004 “Under The Influence” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2003 “Moving to Place” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Places Please” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Moving to Place,” “Finding Our Way,” community piece collaboration, “Portrait of a Transparent Lady,” “Moving Between Moments” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2003 “Imbroglio” and “Hanging by Threads,” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2002 “Release” Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA.
2002 “Momentum Junkies” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Momentum Junkies” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Between Then and When,” “Two Eggs” collaboration with Bryan Meeks, “Hanging by Threads,” “ Wound.”
2002 “Going Under” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
2002 “This Channel is Open but No Words are Coming” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2001 “Thinking Outside the Box” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA.
2001 “Up On Your Feet, Down On Your Hands” Variable Velocity Performance Group, San Luis Obispo, CA. An evening of choreography and multi-media theatre. Including: “Bathing Beauties” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “More Heat than Light,” “One Legged Dance,” “Sensing Wait” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher, “Intimacy’s Child is Anxious,” “Fin” collaboration with Jude Clark Warnisher.
2001 “Imminent Combustion” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This Dance went to ACDF March 2001, and was selected for the Gala Concert.
2000 “Reflections on Process” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
1999 “Learning to Fly is a Question of Gravity” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This piece was a collaborative work with Jude Clark-Warnisher and developed out of Contact Improvisation.
1999 “Transitions” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA.
1999 “RAW” Orchesis Dance Company, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. This Dance went to ACDF March 1999.
1998 “Belonging,” and “The Listening” Allan Hancock College, Santa Maria, CA
1997 “Intangible Inclinations” CU Boulder, CO. M.F.A. Thesis Concert. Evening length work with several dances.
1991-1997 Student Choreographed Works CU Boulder and UC Irvine. I choreographed several dances as both a B.A. and an M.F.A. student. “Amalgamation” was sent to ACDF in Salt Lake City Utah 1996, and “Untitled” was chosen by UCI faculty to represent to be shown at the International Dance Science Conference in 1993.
1991 “Dancing About Architecture,” Los Angeles Open Festival, CA.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
2024 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Weber State University, Ogden UT. “Modern Dance for Momentum Junkies” an exploration of Modern and Contemporary techniques.
2019 “Jigsaw” Choreography Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in San Jose CA, March 2019.
2018 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ. “Modern Dance Meets Contemporary” an exploration of Modern and Contemporary techniques.
2017 “The Spell” Choreography Presented at ACDA National Conference West Region in Modesto CA March 2017.
2016 Dance Film: “State of Grace” Presented at ACDA NW Conference, University of Wyoming, March 2016
2015 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Long Beach, CA (Cal State Long Beach) “Modern Dance With a Partner.” Modern Dance technique focusing on partnering.
2013 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, Scottsdale Community College, March 2013. "Upside Down and Backwards" Modern Dance technique focusing on inverting the body in space and techniques for moving backwards.
2007 Master Class: American College Dance Association Conference, University of Montana, Missoula, March 2007. "Upside Down and Backwards" Modern Dance technique focusing on inverting the body in space and techniques for moving backwards.
2001 “Imminent Combustion” Choreography Presented at ACDA West Region Albuquerque MN (University of NM) and was selected for the Gala Concert. March 2001.
1999 “RAW” Choreography Presented at ACDA West Region March 1999.
OTHER RELATED PRESENTATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
2024 “Action Lab,” a modern dance based community class at Cal Poly to interface local dance community with Cal Poly dancers. Content explores age diversity and movement for mental health. July 2024
2023 Psychology Honors Seminar HNRS 100, Guest Lecturer, Movement for four class workshops. Directed by Dr. Jasna Jovanovic and Dr. Kelly Bennion
2023 “Action Lab,” a modern dance based community class at Cal Poly to interface local dance community with Cal Poly dancers. Content explores age diversity and movement for mental health. July 2023
2023 Soloist for David Capps and Dancers “Sunday Morning” Dance for the Camera based on poems by Wallace Stevens (In development - on site filming March 20-22, 2023.)
2023 Orchesis Dance Company mini documentary: O53 Documentary. Director, editor for four short documentary films about the process of creating “Falling Forward,” Orchesis Dance Company’s 53rd annual performance.
2021 Movement Workshop - Connect, Communicate Collaborate, Marketing Class, College of Business, Professor Sharon Dobson
2020 Planned and executed, “Orchesis 50” Pre closing night celebration event for 200 guests - alumni and professors emeriti.
2019 Guest Instructor for Vocal Practicum course, MUS 189, Cal Poly Music Department, Nov. 2019.
2017 Master Class: Steamboat Dance Theatre in Steamboat Springs Colorado. Invited as master teacher March 2017.
2015 Movement Workshops (2) for Architecture 133. Movement workshops under the direction of Professor Keith Wiley. Content: movement in relation to space and spatial design, a site specific workshop in Architecture building.
2015 Movement Workshop in English 251. Movement workshop for English students - two sections of English 251: Introduction to Ancient and Classical Literature, Fall - focusing on Agammemnon, Greek Drama, and Greek Theatre.
2013 Class Act Dance/Studio D, Paso Robles, CA Invited to teach two Master Classes/Workshops in Modern Technique and Contact Improvisation.
2011 Riverside Community College, Riverside CA Adjudicator and Master Class teacher. Invited guest artist to teach a master class and adjudicate student choreography in this residency.
2009 Momentus International, Santa Maria, CA Artist Mentor, Advisor. I was invited to give a movement workshop and advise the creation of cross-cultural, multi-media performance project.
2009 Master Class: Modern Dance, Dance Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2008 Movement Workshop, “Animal Farm” Theatre and Dance Department, Cal Poly 2008.
2005-2006 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA. Movement Consultant “Macbeth” 2005 and The “Crucible” 2006.
2000 Lecture/Presentation: University of Oregon May 2000. Technique Demands of Contemporary Dancers in Relation to Aesthetic Desires. This presentation was part of a final interview for an assistant professor position.
1999 Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Santa Maria, CA Movement Consultant for “Skylight.”
1998 Colorado Dance Festival, Boulder, CO Artist Liaison.
TEACHING RELATED ACTIVITIES
COURSES TAUGHT
CAL POLY
Dance 130 Pilates
Dance 132 Beginning Modern Dance
Dance 133 Beginning Jazz Dance
Dance 221 Dance Appreciation
Dance 221 Dance Appreciation Online
Dance 232 Intermediate Modern Dance
Dance 233 Intermediate Jazz
Dance/TH 280 Body Awareness and Expression
Dance 332 Modern Dance Repertory
Dance 340 Composition
Dance 341 Dance Concert Practicum
Dance 345 Choreography/Workshop in Dance Concert Preparation
Dance 346 Dance Production
Dance 381 Dance Fundamentals and Methods of Teaching
Dance 471 Advanced Modern Dance Dance
PACIFIC CONSERVATORY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS
Movement for the Actor
Dance for the Actor
NEW COURSE PREPARATION
Dance 221 Online
Dance/TH 280 Body Awareness and Expression
Dance 340 Dance Composition
Dance 341 Dance Concert Practicum
ADVISING
2007 - Present Dance Minor Advisor
2007 - Present. Spring Dance Concert Faculty Advisor
2017 - Present United Movement Club Advisor
MAJOR REVISIONS IN EXISTING COURSES
2020 Dance 221, 232, 280, 341 - created as Online Courses, Spring 2020 (due to Pandemic, COVID-19)
2014 Dance 221 Dance Appreciation Online (Promising Practices Grant)
2014 Dance Minor Curriculum Revision
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
2014 Dance 341 Concert Practicum – to align with the production of the Spring Dance Concert, (taught initially as experimental course
2013 Dance/TH 280 Initially taught as Theatre 470 Movement for the Actor, which is now in the Catalogue as TH 280 and Dance 280 and Titled: Body Awareness and Expression.
2012 Dance 381 Assisted writing new curriculum for Fundamentals of Dance and Methods of Teaching.
INSTRUCTION, SCHOLARSHIP AND RELATED PROJECTS
2014 Workshop: Critical Thinking: What it is and Why it Counts (Facione Gittens)
2014 Flip Your Course Workshop CTL
2008 Winged Workshop Spring
2007 CTL Technology Initiative Phase I Participant
CONTINUING EDUCATION
PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES ATTENDED, CERTIFICATIONS
2020 Gaga Home Lab workshop for dancers, Ohad Naharin and Dancers (Online)
2020 Embodied Creativity, Tamalpa Institue, Daria Halprin, Joy Coscuella, Natan Daskal, Dohee Lee, Rosario Sammartino (Online)
2020 The Science of Wellbeing, Courserra, Laurie Santos, Yale University (Online)
2019 Up and Down, Live Free Through Body Movement (Feldenkrais technique), Irene Lyon and Elia Mrak, 1440 Multiversity
2019, 2017 Thai Yoga Therapy Intensive and Certificate
2018 Radiant Intimacy with Esther Perel, Michaela Boehm, Steve James, Sasha Cobra, 1440 Multiversity
2017 “Start Simple” Joe Goode Performance Group
2014 David Deida Intensive 2014
2003-Present American College Dance Association Conference - Annually in Spring
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Pacific Dance Convergence, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
2009 5X5 Modern Dance and Choreography Workshop, San Diego, CA Dancers Group
2009, 2008 Summer Festival San Francisco, CA
2009, 2007 Anna Halprin Workshop, San Francisco, CA
2007, 2003 Yoga Intensive, Peter Sterios, San Luis Obispo, CA
2006, 2002 Summerdance, Santa Barbara, CA
2006, 2005 West Coast Contact Improvisation Festival San Francisco, CA
2000-2003 Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop Boulder, CO
2000 Aerial Dance Festival Boulder, CO
1999 Laban Centre London, UK International Summer School - Certificate
1997 Bates Dance Festival, Maine - Certificate
1997 Colorado Dance Festival Boulder, CO
1996 Pilates Teacher Training, Pilates Center, Boulder, CO
INTENSIVE/WORKSHOP Training Faculty:
Joe Goode, Keith Johnson, Gabe Masson, Anna Halprin, Nancy Stark Smith, Victoria Marks, Rennie Harris, Ralph Lemon, Kim Epifano, Valerie Preston Dunlap , Liz Lerman, Dana Reitz, Seán Curran, Mel Wong, David Dorfman, Chuck Davis, KJ Holmes, Wally Cardona, Brenda Angiel, Ruth Zaporah, Wade Madsen, Eddie Taketa, John Malashock, Jean Issacs, Azsure Barton, David Deida,Daria Halprin, Joy Coscuella, Natan Daskal, Dohee Lee, Rosario Sammartino, Esther Perel, Michaela Boehm, Steve James, Sasha Cobra, Irene Lyon, Elia Mrak, Ohad Naharin
UNIVERSITY TRAINING Faculty:
Donald McKayle, Carmela Weber , David Capps, Toby Hankin, Nancy Spanier, Nada Diachenko , Robin Haig, Letitia Williams , Nancy Cranbourne , Janice Plastino, James Penrod , Israel El Gabriel , Diane Diefenderfer
OTHER:
Gymnastics: 11 years experience in competitive gymnastics
Yoga: Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga practice since 1995
PUBLICATIONS
1997 Stanton, Diana. Ralph Lemon. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
1997 Stanton, Diana. Sarah Skaggs. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
1997 Stanton, Diana. Carmela Weber. The International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Illinois: St. James Press.
GRANTS AND AWARDS
2021 CLA Summer Scholarship Stipend, for Research activity. Proposal: Connect, Communicate, Collaborate: the Choreographic Process applied to Business Systems
2020 Distinguished Scholar for Creative Activity Award, Academic Senate, Cal Poly.
2019 Honored Faculty Appreciation, Cal Poly Women's Volley Ball team.
2016 Circle of Giving Grant Cal Poly CLA for “Breaking Bread” Dance Film.
2014 Promising Practices Course Redesign CSU Grant for Dance 221.
2014 Allen and Susan Minker Cal Poly CLA Endowment for “State of Grace” Dance Film.
2009-2013 Unrestricted Grant, Jeannie and Andy Greensfelder, San Luis Obispo Community Foundation, Annually.
2009 Bravo Award, Foundation for the Preforming Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2006 Art Inspires Grant - San Luis Obispo Arts Council, CA City of San Luis Obispo.
2003, 2000 Promotions Committee Grant Mini Grant San Luis Obispo Arts Council.
1997 Teaching Excellence Award For Graduate Student Teachers, (by faculty nomination and committee review) CU Boulder.
1996 Dean’s Small Grant Award CU Boulder.
1996 Charlotte York Irey Scholarship Awarded to outstanding graduate student talent and GPA, CU Boulder.
1991-1994 Dean’s Honor List UC Irvine. Cum Laude graduate UC Irvine.
1993-1994 Undergraduate Advisory Committee to Dance Chair, UC Irvine.
ADDITIONAL PRESENTATIONS
2022 Pre Concert Lecture: David Parsons Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2021 Pre Concert Lecture: Lula Washington Dance Theatre Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2018 Pre Concert Lecture: Pilobolus, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2018 Pre Concert Lecture: Koresh Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. 2016 Pre Concert Lecture: Twyla Tharp Dance, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2016 Pre Concert Lecture: Mark Morris, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA. 2013 Pre Concert Lecture: Dance Theatre of Harlem, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2012 Pre Concert Lecture: Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts,Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2011 Pre Concert Lecture: Axis Dance Preconcert Lecture for Cal Poly Arts, Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo,CA.
SERVICE
UNIVERSITY
2020 Faculty Technology Fellows Committee
2020 CSU Dance Collective
2013 Orchesis Dance Performance coordination at the President's Green and Gold Gala Dinner
2012 Orchesis Dance Performance coordination at the President’s Cabinet Dinner
2008 Lifelong Learning Working Group for Strategic Planning and WASC review
2008 Interface Disciplines Working Group for Strategic Planning and WASC review
2008 Cal Poly Arts Director Search, faculty representative Theatre and Dance Department
COLLEGE
2019-22, 2024 College Peer Review Committee
2018-2020 Curriculum Committee
2013, 2012 Sabbatical/Leave Committee
DEPARTMENT
2012 - Present Dance Program Director, Theatre and Dance Department, CLA
2024 Peer Review Committee: Leann Alduenda (Chair), Ramón Esquivel, Phyllis Wong
2023 TT Dance Position, Search Committee Chair
2022-2023 Semester Conversion - Dance Program Curriculum Revision
2023 Peer Review Committee: Karin Hendricks-Bolen, Ramón Esquivel
2022 Peer Review Committee: Hala Baki, Kathleen Helm, Ramón Esquivel, Phillip Valle, Jude Warnisher
2021 Chair: Peer Review Committee Tom Bernard
2021 Chair: Peer Review Committee: Hala Baki, Kathleen Helm, Ramón Esquivel, Phillip Valle, Jude Warnisher
2020 Peer Review Committee: Karin Hendricks-Bolen
2019 Chair: Peer Review Committee: Brian Healy
2018 Search Committee for Acting Performance Faculty Position
2018 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Brian Healy, Christy McNeil-Chand
2017 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2016 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Pegi Marshall Amundsen, Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2015 Chair: Peer Review Committees: Pegi Marshall Amundsen, Dr. Heidi Nees, Christy McNeil-Chand
2013 Search Committee for Scenic Designer Faculty Position
2013 Search Committee for Technical Director Staff Position
2011 Search Committee for Dance Position
2008-Present Field Trip Organizer, Faculty Representative, American College Dance Association Conference - Cal State Long Beach, March 2020, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA March 2019, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ March 2023, 2018, Modesto Junior College, Modesto, CA March 2017, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 2016, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 2015, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ March 2014, Scottsdale Community College March 2013, Cal State Dominguez Hills March 2012, Cal State Long Beach, CA March 2011, Tempe, AZ March 2010, UC Irvine, March 2008.
COMMUNITY
2001-2013 Volunteer teacher, Modern Dance, Performance Athletics, San Luis Obispo, CA.
2012, 2010 Jumpbrush Dance Festival Committee Member, San Luis Obispo, CA.