biography
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
2016 M.F.A. Dance, Department of Theatre and Dance, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
2009 B.A. Theater, Dance Cognate, Department of Theatre and Dance, Middle Tennessee State University
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
2016-Present Director of Dance, Professor of Theatre/Dance, Shorter University, Rome, Ga
2015-2016 Teaching Assistant/Instructor of Record, Introductory Ballet Courses, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
HONORS, AWARDS
2024-2025 Fountain screendance awards:
"Best Music Video," Faith, Hope, and Love Screenwriting Competition & Film Festival, Green, Valley AZ
Official Selection: Zion International Film Festival, Tacoma, WA
2019 The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV "Excellence in Choreography Award for Into the Woods, Shorter University
2016 Nancy Takei Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Department of Theatre and Dance, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
2015-2016 Graduate Teaching Assistantship, UH Mānoa
2014-2015 Theater and Dance Merit Scholarship, UH Mānoa
2013-2015 Western Regional Graduate Program Award, UH Mānoa
2007-2009 Anne Holland Dance Scholarship, Middle Tennessee State University
RESEARCH
Produced Choreography
2026 The Art of Being Fragile: contemporary solo performance by Moriah Jones, original music by Robert Een, Pearl Cleage & Zaron Burnett Center for Culture & Creativity, Atlanta, GA
Dance Concert 2026: choreography and direction of Shorter University’s annual dance concert featuring original jazz and contemporary choreography and a screen dance of Dancing Lights, a Lois Fuller re-creation piece.
Hands on Hardbody: cast of 15, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2025 Little Women: cast of 12, Shorter University, Rome, GA
The Art of Being Fragile (premiere): six-minute contemporary solo performance by Moriah Jones, featuring original, live cello composition by Robert Een, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Dance Concert 2025: choreography and direction of Shorter University’s annual dance concert featuring original contemporary choreography and an ensemble Loie Fuller re-creation piece. Rome, GA
2024 Of Thee I Sing: cast of 16, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Dance Concert 2024: choreography and direction of Shorter University’s annual dance concert featuring a new 10-minute contemporary work, Quietus, and the premiere the screendance, Fountain. Rome, GA
Fountain: a screendance featuring a collaboration with a full choir and eight member dance ensemble on the theme of water and spiritual renewal. Filmed at Red Top Mountain State Park in October.
Poise and Buzz: Original jazz and modern fusion piece for Room to Move Dance Company. The piece is a six- minute quartet featuring original jazz music written by Robert Een. Premiered at City Springs Studio Theatre in Atlanta, GA in May.
2023 Merrily We Roll Along, “The Blob:” cast of 10, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Spring Dance Concert 2023: showcasing four original works in contemporary modern and theatre dance, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2022 Image: A collaboration with abstract artist, Abby Stevenson, yielding solo choreography and an immersive, contemporary dance performance. Kingfisther Art Co, Rome, GA, and The Camp House, Chattanooga, TN.
Songs for a New World: cast of 8, Shorter University, Rome GA
Cinderella: cast of 15, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Spring Dance Concert 2022: showcasing two original works, cast of 6, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2021 Godspell: cast of 12, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Disturbances: 4 dancers, City Springs Studio Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Spring Dance Concert 2021: showcasing three original works exploring shape and energy, cast of 7, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Polkadots: cast of 8, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2020 And the World Goes Round: cast of 11, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Carousel: cast of 18, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2019 My Favorite Year: cast of 20, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Lost Window: poetry and solo dance collaboration, Desoto Theatre, Rome, GA
Disturbances: 6 dancers, City Springs Studio Theatre, Atlanta GA
Spring Dance Concert 2019: half hour concert presenting a collaboration of original choreography and poetry, 7 dancers, Rome, GA
Into the Woods, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2018 Spring Dance Concert: showcasing 4 original works, 8 dancers, Rome, GA
Tuck Everlasting: cast of 13, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2017 Children of Eden: cast of 23, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Though Love Be a Day: duet collaboration with opera performer, Dr. Tara Warfield, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Big Fish: 10 dancers, Shorter University, Rome, GA
Spring Dance Concert: showcasing three original works, 6 dancers, Rome, GA
2016 Perishable: 6 dancers, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
2015 Untitled: 5 dancers, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI. Fringe Festival. Psychotropics: Self Help, Self Hurt, 2 dancers, Kaka'ako Agora,Honolulu, HI
2014 Still: solo dancer, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Sentiment: 5 dancers, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Within: Untitled, 5 dancers, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
2011-2013 The Thorn: 35 dancers, Colorado Springs and Denver, CO, Nashville, TN, Seattle, WA
Paper Presentations and Other
2023 Lecturer/Choreographer for Insights and Ingredients Dance Festival: facilitated movement improvisations based on especially quality of movement, but also time and space.
2019, 2020 Choreographer for Insights and Ingredients: a dance festival and platform for contemporary, choreographic incubation. Sponsored by the city of Atlanta. Various locations in Atlanta, GA.
2016 “Contemporary Dance in Palestine and Lebanon and Their Connection to Conflict Experiences,” paper presentation, International Graduate Student Conference, Honolulu, HI and video presentation, Arab Dance Platform, Beirut, Lebanon
2015-2016 Perishable, Evolution of America’s Market Society, thesis research paper and choreography, Honolulu, HI
“So You Think You Can Dance and Hegemony, Pluralism, High and Low Art,” paper, Honolulu, HI
2014 Jack Cole, influence on American Jazz Dance, paper, Honolulu, HI
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
2018-Present Dancer for Room To Move Dance, which produces annual dance concerts in contemporary Modern dance, Atlanta, GA
2017 Though Love Be a Day, solo dance performance at Faculty Gala, Rome, GA
2016 Trio, Choreographer: Camille Monson, Honolulu, HI
TEDx Flow, Dance Improvisation, Honolulu, HI
Arab Dance Platform Video Presentation, Beirut, Lebanon. Solo: Improvisation
Moving Through Her, in Variables, Choreographer: Camille Monson, Honolulu, HI
2015-2016 The Re-Up, Choreographer: Gregory Dolbashian of the Dash Ensemble, Honolulu, HI
Octet for 9, Choreographers: Betsy Fisher and Gregg Lizenbery, Honolulu, HI
2015 First Friday. Politics and Poetics, Choreographer: Wailana Simcock, Honolulu,HI
Salesi, Dance film, Choreographers: Peter Rockford Espiritu and Kara Miller, Honolulu, HI
Uchinaa and Kunjan, Asia Pacific Dance Festival, Choreographer: Yukie Shiroma, Honolulu, HI
Dancing Off the Page, Choreographers: Amy Schiffner and Kara Miller Honolulu, HI
2014 Within, solo and ensemble. Choreographer: Jenny Mair
Still, Choreographer: Faith Im, Honolulu, HI
Untitled, Choreographer: Faith Im, Honolulu, HI
Upside Reverie, Choreographer: Camille Monson, Honolulu, HI
2013 Streetdance, Choreographer: Andrew Sakaguchi, Honolulu, HI
2012-2013 The Thorn, Choreographer: Faith Im, Colorado Springs, CO, Austin, TX, Seattle, WA and Nashville, TN
2011 Play, Choreographer: Julie Edwards, featured in dance festival Going Dutch, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL
2010-2011 Dancer, Shelter Repertory Dance Theatre
TEACHING
Shorter University
Dance Composition (spring 2022, 2024, 2026)
Dance Performance (spring 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026)
Contemporary Modern I (fall 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Contemporary Modern II (spring 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)
Dance History (spring 2017, 2021, 2023, 2025)
Dance Appreciation (fall 2016, spring 2017, fall 2017-2025)
Ballet I (fall 2016-2025)
Ballet II (spring 2017-2026)
Musical Theatre Dance I (fall 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
Musical Theatre Dance II (spring 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
University of Hawai'i at Manoa (Instructor of Record)
Introductory Ballet (2 sections fall 2015 and 2 sections spring 2016)
Guest Teaching
2026 American College Dance Association Festival, Gainesville, GA “Dancing 3D: Discovering New Movement Initiations Through Somatic Visualizations, Partner Work, and Props.”
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 9-21
Act I Academy, Contemporary Modern and Musical Theatre Jazz to ages 9-22
Dalton Ballet, Musical Theatre Jazz to ages 9-18
2025 Unity Dance, Cleveland, TN, Choreography and Improvisation workshops to ages 9-21
Dance History Lecture, “Tracing our Dance Heritage” to ages 9-21
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 9-21
2024 Act I Academy, Cartersville, GA, Contemporary Modern, and Musical Theatre repertoire to ages 12-18 Sample Class: Contemporary Modern
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 10-18
Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 12-18
2023 Berry College, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 12-19
Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 12-18
Unity Dance Studios, Cleveland, TN, Contemporary Modern Dance to ages 14-adult
2022 Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA, Contemporary Modern Dance to ages 11-18
Unity Dance Studios, Cleveland, TN, Contemporary Modern Dance and Somatics and Conditioning to ages 10-22
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern Dance and Somatics and Conditioning to ages 9-18+
2019 American College Dance Festival, Kennesaw, GA, Dance Improvisation and Contemporary Modern
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 14-18
2018 British Academy of Performing Arts, Marietta, GA, Contemporary Ballet to ages 10-18
The Studio Atlanta Dance, Vinings, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 10-12
Steps of Faith, Cartersville, GA, Musical Theatre Repertoire and Contemporary Modern to ages 10-18
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Contemporary Modern to ages 10-18
2017 Arts in Motion, Kingston, TN, One-week workshop in Contemporary Ballet Technique and Choreography to ages 8- 18
Baird Ballet, Rome, GA, Movement Repertoire and Contemporary Modern technique and floor work to ages 12-18
2016 Alive Ballet Academy, Honolulu, HI, Contemporary Modern technique to students 12-18
2015 Arts In Motion, Kingston, TN, Contemporary floor work, students ages 13-18
Cleveland City Ballet, Cleveland, TN, Contemporary floorwork and Creative Movement to students ages 8-18
2013-2015 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, Using focus in dance; Various Modern technique introduction classes
2013 Dance Art Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, Various classes in Contact Improvisation to students ages 14-18
Other POSITIONS HELD
2022-Present Board member, Room To Move Dance Company, Atlanta, GA
2018-Present Dancer and Choreographer for Room To Move Dance Company, Atlanta, GA
2015 Dance Teacher, Applause Performance Academy, Wahiawa, Hi
Rehearsal Director for Kara Miller, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Dance Teacher, Hongwanji Mission School, Honolulu, HI
2014 Dance Teacher, Rehearsal Director, Ohana Arts, Honolulu, HI
Rehearsal Assistant, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
2013 Dance Captain for Andrew Sakaguchi, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
2012-2013 Assistant to Director, Colorado College Dance Festival, Colorado Springs, CO
2011-2013 Dance Director, Choreographer, Rehearsal Director, Fundraising Coordinator, Thorn Productions, Colorado Springs, CO
2010-2011 Dancer, Shelter Repertory Dance Theater, Murfreesboro, TN
SERVICE, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, VOLUNTEER WORK
2026 Choreographer for “Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge,” supporting the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center.
Cumulatively raised over $200,000. Rome, GA
2024 Creative dance class for the Floyd County Gymnastics Center, ages 7-17, Rome, GA
2023-Present Serve on the Fine and Performing Arts Recruitment Committee, and Shorter University’s General Education Assessment Committee
2023, 2024 Served on Governor Honors Program Interview Panel
2020-2024 Guest lecture for Creative Arts and Health Education Course on “Dance and Movement in the K-5 Classroom.” Shorter University, Rome, GA
2018-2024 Semesterly contemporary modern and creative dance classes: Boys and Girls Club, Model Elementary, Westminster Christian Academy, Rome, GA
2016-present Create promotional materials for promotion of dance program and dance program events
Ongoing recruitment for Theatre and Dance Program through university related events, teaching classes/workshops to prospective students, serving on the recruitment committee, and other departmental endeavors
2021 Taught, facilitated, and directed an ongoing program at the Boys and Girls Club. The program provided free weekly creative dance classes to kids ages 7 -12 in Rome, GA.
2018 Rehearsed and performed dance trio for Shorter University fundraiser concert, Rome, GA
Choreographer and Performer for “Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge,” supporting the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center, cumulatively raised over $100k. Rome, GA
2017 Rehearsed and presented duet, Up to the Mountain, Shorter University International Festival
Choreographer and Performer for “Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge,” supporting the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center, cumulatively raised $173,000. Rome, GA
Director and Choreographer for Spring Dance Concert, Shorter University, Rome, GA
2016-2017 Authored fundraising letter for Theatre and Musical Theatre Dept., Shorter University
2015 Assistant Stage Manager, Footholds: Student Dance Concert, Honolulu, HI
Operations Volunteer, World Dance Alliance Conference, Honolulu, HI
2014 Creative Movement dance class to youth ages 13-18, Camp Timberline, Kapolei, HI
2010-2011 Creative Movement dance class to youth ages 14-18, Summer Camp, Coker Creek, TN
2010 Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD), Operations Assistant, Beirut, Lebanon
CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2025 Music 1004 Voice Secondary. Dr. Maryann Kyle
“Strong and Beautiful Ballet Feet,” Masterclass by Lisa Howell, P.T., covering foot and ankle anatomy, self- assessment, massage techniques, mobilization, control, and stability
2024-2025 Giordano Jazz Dance Certification Level 1
2020-2022 National Dance Education Organization Annual Conference
2021 Progressing Ballet Technique Certification Level 1
2019 Atlanta Optimal Performance Symposium in Atlanta, GA.
Content focused on dancer health: strength and conditioning, injuries, mental health, nutrition, etc.
American College Dance Association Festival. Taught 2 Contemporary Modern/Improvisation workshops, Gaga Workshop, Flamenco masterclass, observation of Modern Dance Floorwork class and Contemporary Jazz class, attended more than 7 hours of adjudicated concerts, attended professional guest dance company concert
“Helping students take ownership of Their education” through Experiential Learning Opportunities – Part 2. Lunch and Learn Presentation. Shorter University, Rome, GA.1.5 hours.
2018 “Helping Students Take Ownership of Their Education through Experiential Learning Opportunities – Part 1.” Lunch and Learn Presentation. Shorter University, Rome, GA. 1.5 hours
Peer faculty observation: Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, Brenau University. 3 hours
Atlanta/Chicago Dance Class Series at Callanwolde. (Contemporary Modern Dance) Atlanta, GA. 3.5 hours
“The Current State of Mind and Mental Health of our Students.” Panel Discussion. Shorter University, Rome, GA. 1.5 hours
“Multiple Intelligences: A New Look at an Old Theory.” Thomas Armstrong, ASCD Webinars. 1 hour
Staibdance: Winter and Summer Workshops (Improvisation, Contemporary Ballet and Modern) Atlanta, GA. 5.5 hours
2017 Staibdance: Workshop Atlanta (Contemporary Ballet and Modern technique and repertoire), Staibdance, Atlanta, GA. 9 hours
Contemporary Dance Workshop, T. Lang Dance, Atlanta, GA. 7.5 hours
“Introduction to NCAS Dance Standards” Webinar, National Dance Education Organization, 2 hours
Planning and implementation of new Shorter University Dance Minor curriculum
“Contemporary Cross Training Series:” Modern and Ballet Technique, New Dialect, Nashville, TN. 3 hours
Ballet Technique classes, Atlanta Ballet Center, Atlanta, GA
“Round Table Discussion: Aiding Students with Resources and Active Engagement,” Shorter University, Rome, GA. 1.5 hours
“Wholistic Dance Education:” The Dance Professional’s Summit, Tennessee Association of Dance, Murfreesboro, TN. 12 hours
2016 “Understanding How Today’s Students Learn in the Digital World,” professional development lecture and discussion, Shorter University, Rome, GA. 1.5 hour
ArtsBridge Internship, Honolulu, HI. 16 hours
2015 Contact Improvisation, master class, Matt DelRosario of Pilobolus, Honolulu, HI. 1.5 hours
Attendee, Teaching Assistant Training, Center for Teaching Excellence, UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI. 9.5 hours
Contemporary Dance, masterclass, Leandro Damasco of Diavolo Dance Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1.5 hours
Contemporary Dance, masterclasses, LA Contemporary Dance, Los Angeles, CA. 3 hours
The Feldenkrais Method, masterclass, Pieter, Los Angeles, CA. 2 hours
Attendee, World Dance Alliance Conference, Honolulu, HI
Modern Contemporary Dance, master classes, Melecio Estrella of Joe Goode Performance Dance Group, Honolulu, HI. 3 hours
Modern Contemporary Dance and Improvisation, master classes, Gregory Dolbashian of the Dash Ensemble, Honolulu, HI. 3 hours
2013 Colorado College Dance Festival, Modern Dance Technique and Repertoire: Ayo Jackson of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance company, Ballet Technique: Debra Mercer
2012 Modern Dance Technique, Billy Chang of Cirque du Soleil, six-week course, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO
2010 Choreography, Sasha Waltz, workshop, Maqamat Dance Company, Beirut, Lebanon
DANCE TECHNIQUE TRAINING
2018-Present Hawkins Technique, Amy Gately, Atlanta, GA
2015 Okinawan Dance, one semester, Yukie Shiroma, Honolulu, HI
2013 Jack Cole Technique, six-week training and performance, Andrew Sakaguchi, Honolulu, HI
Japanese Classical Dance, one semester, Howard Asao and Gertrude Tsutsumi, Honolulu, HI
Martha Graham Technique, six-week course, Patrizia Herminjard, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO
2007 Introduction to Social Dances - Salsa, Cha Cha, Swing and Tango, one semester, Francisco J.Ramos Grasa, Murfreesboro, TN
2005-2009 RAD Ballet, Nancy Ammerman, Murfreesboro, TN
Modern Technique (Cunningham, Limón), Kim Neal Nofsinger, Murfreesboro, TN
Release Technique, Marsha Barsky, Murfreesboro, TN
2005 Hip-hop, masterclasses and performance, B girl Tina Marie (Tina Custer), Murfreesboro, TN
2004 Fosse, Jazz Dance technique, one-week intensive, Janice Kronkite
1998-2005 Vaganova Ballet, Lilia Valieva, Kingston, TN