Instructor of Dance
University of Alabama
Department of Theatre and Dance
August 2025 – Present
DNCA 114 Dance Appreciation
Dance Appreciation (DNCA 114) offers a comprehensive exploration of various dance forms, including ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, through critical and cultural lenses. Students will develop skills to identify, describe, and analyze different dance styles, while enhancing their ability to critically view and interpret performances. The course combines theoretical study from Dance Appreciation by Amanda Clark and Sara Pecina with practical experiences, such as attending live dance concerts and in-class engagement, and reflective assignments. Through lectures, discussions, quizzes, and presentations, students will explore the diverse purposes and cultural contexts of dance, gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of this dynamic art form.
DN 211 Modern Dance II
This studio course introduces foundational modern/contemporary dance techniques, emphasizing breath, alignment, gravity, and momentum to cultivate a dynamic and integrated movement practice. Through floorwork, energy flow breathing exercise, center, release and weight shifting, across the floor, phrase development, and somatic awareness, students will explore both Western and Chinese contemporary aesthetics. The course builds a strong technical and expressive base to support continued study in modern/contemporary dance. Students will develop full-body integration, musicality, and personal artistry within a culturally diverse movement context.
DNCA 341& 441 Choreography II & III
This is the second phase of an immersive exploration into the choreographic development and realization of a public dance performance. Building on creative choreographic research from the previous semester, students engage in leading weekly rehearsals, mentorship from faculty, and collaboration with production partners emphasizing professionalism within the dance production setting. Post-performance, critical analysis, and portfolio creation prompt students to articulate the broader implications of their choreographic experiences. This course cultivates choreographic and production skills alongside the ability to critically assess and contribute meaningfully to collaborative dance production environments.
DN 305 Choreography & Performance Workshop
Choreography and Performance Workshop allows students to apply their knowledge of choreographic and performance practice in a faculty-mentored environment.
Visiting Scholar of Dance
University of Dayton
Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology
August 2023 – May 2025
THR 341 Contemporary Dance
This course explores Chinese contemporary dance as an artistic discipline, focusing on movement, creativity, and self-expression. Students will develop a strong foundation in Chinese contemporary dance elements and techniques, understand its cultural context and global influences, and explore the form's various artistic and creative aspects. Through practical exercises, choreographic exploration, and performance quality, students will develop their physicality, artistic sensibilities, and personal style within contemporary dance.
THR 315 Inclusive Dance Studies
Inclusive Dance Studies explores the diverse aspects of dance within a framework of inclusivity and social justice. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the historical, cultural, and social contexts of dance, with a particular focus on understanding and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equitable practices within the dance field. The course will delve into dance history, foundations of inclusive dance, diversity in dance forms, intersectionality in dance, dance and social justice, dance technology, dance pedagogy, community engagement, and accessibility and disability studies in dance. By engaging with scholarly readings, collaborative engagement, in-class discussion, and practical experiences, students will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of inclusive and diverse dance as a tool for social change.
THR 371 Ballet
This introductory ballet course is designed for beginners with little to no previous experience in ballet. Over 16 weeks, students will be introduced to classical and contemporary ballet's fundamental techniques and principles. Through a combination of theory and practical exercises, participants will develop an understanding of ballet terminology, body alignment, posture, coordination, and musicality.
THR 304 Movement for Everyone
This introductory course is designed to provide students with a diverse and inclusive exploration of various movement styles, including contemporary, hip-hop, K-pop, Chinese folk, Improv, contact improvisation, and choreographic process. Through practical exercises, in-class activities, dance routines, reading, and cultural insights, students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the rich world of dance. This course is open to participants of all skill levels, and no prior dance experience is required.
THR 499 Creating New Works: Capstone
Capstone course for all theatre, dance, and performance technology majors and communication/theatre (CTR) majors. Students will create an original work in an ensemble, taking on various roles of a creative team. The performance will be presented to the public, and documented for portfolio. Students will engage in professional development to prepare for entering various theatre, performance, dance, performance technology, entertainment, creative industry, and applied theatre fields.
THR 372 Dance Film
This course delves into the art of dance filmmaking, where movement and visual storytelling unite to create compelling narratives and evocative emotions. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, practical exercises, and film screenings, students will explore the intersection of dance and cinema, learning to harness the power of choreography, cinematography, editing, and sound design to create captivating dance films.
THR 361 Chinese Jazz Dance
(古风爵士)
In this class, students will be immersed in traditional Chinese dance and jazz dance techniques to produce a distinctive and compelling dance form. Basic techniques of traditional Chinese and jazz dance will be covered, along with an exploration of integrating the two styles into a seamless performance. Additionally, the course will introduce students to the techniques and components of Chinese-style jazz dance, featuring a blend of traditional Chinese dance's movement quality and musicality with jazz dance's expressive and dynamic elements. Throughout the course, students will challenge and enhance their technical capabilities and creative expression by learning various combinations and choreography.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Florida State University, School of Dance
2019 – 2022
DAA 1500-01 Chinese Dance
This course serves as an introduction to Chinese dance. This curriculum includes basic techniques, body rhythm, Chinese folk dances from different regions, acrobatics, dance rhythm awareness, individual artistry, creativity, and emphasizes the critical thinking of the Chinese cultural traditions, and the movement activities. It is designed for non-dance majors and dance major students with little or no previous background in Chinese dance, who wish to develop an understanding of Chinese dance techniques and cultural understanding.
Master Class
OhioDance Festival 2025
04/2025
Chinese Contemporary Dance
Taught a master class in Chinese Contemporary Dance, introducing foundational movement principles, short choreographic combinations, and the cultural and historical context of the form to a diverse group of collegiate dance participants.
Dance Camp
University of Dayton, Facets Theater
Inclusive and Neurodiverse Summer Camp
06/2024
Dance Camp
Led summer classes for neurotypical and neurodivergent campers (ages 8 to adult), designing adaptive lesson plans that emphasized creativity, collaboration, and accessibility through movement-based learning.
Based in San Diego, CA, USA