Faculty and Staff
2010-2011, 2011-2012
Linda Caruso-Haviland is an Associate Professor at Bryn Mawr College and the founder and Director of the Dance Program. Prior to that, she founded the dance program at SUNY/Westchester CC and taught in several colleges and universities. She also teaches in and directed Bryn Mawr College’s critical thinking and writing program for first year students and has received the College’s Rosalyn R. Schwartz teaching award. She received her undergraduate degree in dance from Adelphi University, continued studying technique in NYC, and went on to complete her doctorate in the areas of dance and philosophy at Temple University. She has performed with companies in New York and Philadelphia, principally with ZEROMOVING COMPANY under the direction of Hellmut Gottschild, and continues to dance and choreograph. Her professional activities include panel presentations, interdisciplinary arts collaborations, and projects focusing on mediating the multiple perspectives that arise from the observation of and writing about dance. Her scholarly research has included preserving the work of significant Philadelphia dance artists through oral histories and video documentation and her present writing projects focus on the rise of a professional class of dancers in turn of the century Philadelphia and on the role of bodiedness in both historiography and the archive.
Madeline Cantor (Associate Director) received her BA from Barnard College and an MFA from the University of Michigan. She has performed and choreographed independently and as a member of DANCE CONDUIT from 1980-89. She has been awarded grants for her choreography andhas set her dancers as a guest choreographe on professional companies, youth companies and community groups. In adition to directing Bryn Mawr's Dance Outreach Project, she coordinates Dance TAG (Teaching Artists Group), works with young dancers at a Philadelphia public school, trains daycare staff in using movement as a learning tool, and serves on the national board of Dance and the Child International. She was named one of the "Exciting Women to Watch" by the magazine Main Line Today.
Renee Banson is an administrator of FIELD/PHILADELPHIA, part of a national network of independent artists. Renee danced with ZEROMOVING CO and with TERRY BECK DANCE. She continues to present her own work and has choreographed for The Philadelphia Theatre Workshop and for the Drexel University Dance ensemble. In 2007, Renee's work was recognized by her peers in the region when she was selected to receive the Rocky Award for "Outstanding Contribution to the Philadelphia Dance Community." Renee has taught at several Dance schools in the area and in addition to teaching at BMC, also teaches at the Baldwin School and at Cabrini College.
Myra Bazell has been performing, creating dances and teaching nationally and abroad in Europe, South America and the Middle East. She graduated with a BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has taught Movement for Theater there. She is a sought after choreographer for theatrical productions; is a recipient of several grants or fellowships for her choreography; was selected by Philadelphia Magazine as an artist to watch and is a founding member of SCRAP PERFORMANCE GROUP. Myra also added a Masters in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College to her list of accomplishments. Myra has choreographed for both our Modern and Jazz Ensembles.
David Brick graduated from Wesleyan U. with a double major in Dance and English(with special emphasis on Gender issues). He is co-Artistic Director of HEADLONG DANCE THEATER, a critically acclaimed company that produces work in an environment of physical, intellectual, and choreographic collaboration. The company was awarded a ‘Bessie’ in NYC for their work and was listed in Philadelphia Magazine among its ’50 rising stars.’ Their work has been presented by Dance Theater Workshop (NYC), The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, P.S. 122 (NYC), The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, and The Wilma Theater, among others.Prior to Headlong, David danced with the Richard Bull Dance Theatre. David has guest taught and choreographed at numerous colleges and universities and has taught at Temple University and the University of the Arts. David is also a sign language interpreter (on leave, 2011-12).
Eun Jung Choi graudated from University of North Carolina
School of the Arts and received her Master's from NYU. She is an independent dance and performance artist and artistic co-director of DA·DA·DANCE PROJECT. The company has presented work in venues ranging from New York to to Korea and Mexico. She has also worked with numerous collaborators and dance companies including Limón Dance Co., Allyson Green Dance,
Seán Curran Co., Risa Jaroslow and Dancers,
Katija Wachter (Germany), and Pulso Cía. de Danza
(Mexico) among others. Choi has taught or set work at the NC Governor’s School, Rowen University, Daegue Catholic University (Daegu, Korea), CICO (Center of Choreographic Investigation, Mexico), among others, as well as in various community workshops in and around New York City Eun Jung is also an interdisciplinary video/interactive
installation artist and graphic designer whose works have
been presented at various theaters, galleries, festivals, and
commercial venues in both Mexico and the United States. image: Steven Schreiber
Victor Colón. Raised in Puerto Rico, Victor's extensive background provides him knowledge of styles ranging from Salsa to Mambo to Ballroom and Hustle as well. Victor began his career performing with LUNA NEGRA, shortly after graduating from Penn State University with a B.S. in Engineering and shortly after became the director of and choreographe for Luna Negra and La Luna Dance Studio in Bensalem, PA. He has also taught or choreographed for or collaborated with Dance Crush in Vineland, NJ, Art In Motion and Living in Rhythmand has performed on TV and in local venues. He has earned recognition in the national salsa circuit winning the Philadelphia Salsa Congress 2006 and placing in the top 5 in both World and national Salsa Congresses.
Heidi Cruz-Austin, born and raised in Allentown, Pa.,began her dance training at the age of four at The Dolly Haltzman Dance Academy. She went on to study with Suki Schorer at the School of American Ballet and Gloria Govrin at Pennsylvania Ballet. Ms. Cruz received an apprenticeship with PENNSYLVANIA BALLET in 1994 and joined the Company as a member of the Corps de Ballet in 1995. She has had featured roles in works by choreographers ranging from Alvin Ailey to George Balanchine. Ms. Cruz has also premiered works for such renowned choreographers as Paul Taylor and Pennsylvania Ballet colleagues, Meredith Rainey and Matthew Neenan. Heidi performed more recently with BALLETX and CARBON DANCE THEATER Heidi has turned to choreograph, showing work for several years with PA Ballet's Shut Up and Dance and has received grant support for her work in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey and has work commissioned by several colleges and universities. She is co-artistic director of DANCESPORA. (2011-12)
Nia Eubanks graduated from the University of the Arts and has performed and taught extensively. She danced most recently with URBAN BUSH WOMEN but has performed as well with Chuck Davis and the AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE, PHILADANCO II, DUNYA WEST AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY, ALO BRASIL, and DANCE THEATER X. Nia is also a committed educator working with chldren and adults alike and she is an ordained minister and works with the New Hope Baptist Church, recently creating their Education Through the Arts program. Reverend Nia teaches African and Modern techniques and choreographs for the African Ensemble.
Photo: Tempe
Clyde Evans is a U.S. Trinidad-born dance phenomenon who danced with pioneering Hip-hop company, RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT, for over nine years. He co-developed and co-starred in the role of Mercutio in "Rome and Jules," Harris' dazzling spin-off of "Romeo and Juliet." A recognized dance star in his own right, who has thrilled spectators in Europe, South America and Africa, Clyde is also a born teacher, sharing his skills performing and instructing in places such as Africa, Brazil, London, France, Germany, Italy, Holland and Scotland. Clyde has acted in feature films with Bruce Willis, Madeline Stowe, Robert Redford and Michelle Pfiefer, and has danced in music videos for musical artists, KRS-1, and Will Smith. He is the founder and Artistic Director of CHOSEN DANCE COMPANY.
Yasmin Goodman trained extensively in gymnastics and in Shotokan Karate before turning to dance. She has studied at Temple University and with top area Jazz teachers and has taught and performed in the greater Philadelphia area for 20 years. She founded and directed YAZZU DANCE Co, was director at the Main Line YMCA and continues to design and conduct their Jazz Dance programs.
Corinne Karon has studied tap extensively and currently performs with and is assistant artistic director of the highly celebrated TAP TEAM TWO. She has also studied Irish step dancing in ireland. She has successfully tapped on every continent in the world, including Antarctica! Corinne also teaches on a regular basis at Rowan University, The University of the Arts, The Chester Valley Dance Academy, and Wissahickon Dance Academy.
Anitra N. Keegan began her training at the Academy of Dance Arts in New Jersey, where she received honors in both the Dance Education Syllabus and the Royal Academy of Dance examinations. She continued her training at the Royal Academy of Dance in England, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, and Pennsylvania Ballet School in Philadelphia. After graduating from highschool, she began her professional career with PENNSYLVANIA BALLET COMPANY, OHIO BALLET COMPANY, and AMERICAN BALLET REPERTORY COMPANY. Ms. Keegan then moved to New York and continued her dancing career with DANCES PATRELLE, CHAMBER DANCE PROJECTt, BALLETNY, where she was featured as “Desdemona” in John Butler’s Othello. During this time in her career, she was featured in roles choreographed by Alonzo King, Donald Byrd, Laura Dean, Heinz Poll, George Balanchine, Thaddeus Davis, William Soleau, and Stanton Welch. Upon joining BALLETX in Philadelphia, she has had the privilege to have worked with choreographers such as Christine Cox, Matthew Neenan, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Jodie Gates, Edwaard Liang, Alex Ketley, and Meredith Rainey. Ms. Keegan is also a graduate of Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University.
Ryoko Kudo, a reconstructor from the Limón Foundation will
be setting Psalm, a 1967 work by modern dance master José
Limón, on our students. Kudo has been a principal dancer with the Limón Dance Company since 2001. She worked with Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Rae Ballard Dance Company, and Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company after graduating from The Boston Conservatory. Kudo has taught at high schools and universities across the US and holds workshops in LA and collaborates with Dance Project New York to bring the NY dance scene to Japan. (Spring, 2011)
Jorge Laico is a native of Manila, Philippines. He was trained in the Royal Academy of Dancing (R.A.D.)syllabus and the Vaganova Method. He has taught in numerous ballet schools in the US for 13 years including the Rock School for Dance Education,North Carolina School of the Arts, University of the Arts, and Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts. Mr. Laico danced professionally for 23 years with companies such as PHILIPPINE BALLET THEATRE, ATLANTA BALLET ,OAKLAND BALLET, and MANILA METROPOLIS BALLET, among others. He was a guest choreographer for Regional Dance America's Craft of Choreography 2007. Jorge teaches ballet and will choreograph the Ballet Ensemble in the Spring. (2010-11)
Jamey Leeanne Long-Rislin started dancing at The School of Visual and Performing Arts of Montclair High School in New Jersey, studied with prominent Philadelphia dance artists and teachers, and trained with and danced in the Danco2 company of Philadanco. She went on to double major in Dance and Psychology at Mt. Holyoke, completing an honors thesis on 'Pushing People to Ponder: Using art to comment on social justice issues.' This double interest continues to be reflected in her career as she was awarded a Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania and also dances professionally for the Philadelphia-based campany, DANSE4NIA, as well as other choreographers. Jamey teaches the advanced Modern class. (2010-11)
Dolores Luis studied Flamenco in Barcelona, Madrid and New York. Since 1986 she has been a performer with FLAMENCO OLE. She also teaches flamenco at the Arts League in Philadelphia and at Swarthmore and works with gifted children in the Philadelphia School system.
Rebecca Malcolm-Naib holds a BA in Dance from Holyoke and a Master's degree from University of Washington where she continued as a member of the faculty until her move to the Philadelphia area. She has performed throughout the US with several Dance companies including BATTERY DANCE CO in NYC, KAREN BAMONTE DANCE in Philadelphia, and CHAMBER DANCE CO in Seattle. She is a co-founder of TRAVESTY DANCE GROUP. Malcolm is a choreographer, writer, and dancer, and although trained in several techniques, teaches Modern as well as Kinesiology for the Dancer at BMC. Becky will be teaching advanced Modern this Fall.
Linda Karash Mintzer studied with Thomas Cannon and with the PENNSYLVANIA BALLET and danced with the company from 1971 through 1982, interrupting her tenure to attend Harvard/Radcliffe for two years. She danced several leading roles with the company and after retirement worked there in public relations and special projects. She received a BA from NYU and also attended Drexel University's Nesbitt College of Design Arts. In addition to her teaching here, she continues as a faculty member at the highly regarded Pennsylvania Academy of Dance in Narberth.
Meredith Rainey began dancing at 15 in his hometown of Fort Lauderdale. In 1985 he joined the MILWAUKEE BALLET and in 1987 he was asked to join the newly formed PENNSYLVANIA BALLET-MILWAUKEE BALLET. He remained with the PENNSYLVANIA BALLET when the collaboration ended working his way up to soloist with the company. He was also a demi-soloist with the DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM for a short time in 1997. Meredith has performed throughout Europe and the United States, as well as in South America. His repertoire includes roles in the works of choreographers ranging from George Balanchine to Alvin Ailey to William Forsythe. He has premiered original works by numerous choreographers including David Parsons, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Jorma Elo, Ib Anderson and Matthew Neenan. He has been awarded numerous support grants for his choreographic work as well as commissions from several companies including the Pennsylvania Ballet, Incolballet, Hubbard Street 2, Phrenic New Ballet, Ballet X, and Philadanco. Meredith's work has been performed at many festivals throughout North and South America and in Europe. He is a founding choreographer and yearly contributor to 'Shut Up & Dance,' an event that was created by the dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet to benefit MANNA, a non-profit organization that feeds and cares for home-bound HIV and AIDS patients. He is co-founder and co-director of CARBON DANCE THEATRE. (2010-11)
Ramaa Ramesh began studying classical Indian dance at the age of 6 and her principal mentor was the reknowned artist of the Bharathanatyam style, Citra Visweswaran. She has been performing since the age of 12 and has danced in India, Europe, the middle East, and the US. She pursued her doctoral studies at Temple University and she presently directs the NARDHANA ACADEMY OF DANCE. Ms. Ramesh will be teaching an introduction to Bharathanatyam. (2010-11)
Donna Reinhart & Bob Butryn were co-directors of SWINGCONNECTION DANCE COMPANY for several years and they have continued teaching and performing Lindy, Swing and
other contemporary and historical social forms together and with other partners. They placed in many competitions along the East Coast and teach in various venues throughout the city. Bob is also a sought after musician in the Philadelphia area and Donna's day job is teaching high school chemistry.
Toni Shapiro-Phim is a dance ethnologist with a specialization in the performing arts of Southeast Asia. She received her Ph.D in cultural anthropology from Cornell University in 1994. Her dissertation, "Dance and the Spirit of Cambodia," recent books (Dance in Cambodia with Ashley Thompson and Dance, Human Rights and Social Justice co-edited with Naomi Jackson) and other publications focus on the history and cultural context of dance around the world, particularly in relation to violence and gender concerns. At Philadelphia Folklore (PFP) project for six years, and at Khmer Arts in Cambodia for three, she designed and implemented public arts, educational and documentation programs in diverse settings. She has held teaching and research appointments at the University of California-Berkeley, San Jose State University, Yale and Mills College, and has served as a consultant for the Asia Society, Japan Foundation, New England Folklife Project and other organizations. She is currently back at PFP as a program specialist. Dr. Phim-Shapiro taught Dance, Migration and Exile at Bryn Mawr last academic year and this year will be teaching Anthropology of Dance, cross-listed with the Anthropology Department.
Leah Stein received a BA from Wesleyan University in dance and anthropology. In addition to modern dance she has trained in Aikido, Javanese dance and improvisation techniques. She has choreographed site-specific works and performed nationally supported by fellowships, project grants and residencies. Her choreography often refers to particular landscapes and addresses the relationship between people and their physical surroundings. She directs LEAH STEIN DANCE COMPANY.
(photo©Lois Greenfield)
Michelle Stortz is a Texas native who received her BFA in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin before migrating to San Francisco where she worked both collaboratively and independently as producer, performer and choreographer for eleven years. Her work has graced stages in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Austin, Italy and Singapore where she did a year long residency--choreographing, teaching and performing. She received her MFA in 2005 from Ohio State University. She is currently teaching and performing and is the Artistic Director of RING DANCE THEATRE.
Laura Vriend is a doctoral candidate in Critical Dance Studies at the University of California at Riverside. She is putting the final touches on her dissertation which mines the relationship between social theories of space and choreographic uses/ideas of space in the site based work of several Philadelphia area choreographers. She intends to focus on how these works themselves propose and perform specific understandings of spatiality and urbanism and how these understandings alter the spatial text of the city. Laura graduated in 2005 from Bryn Mawr with a double major in Dance and Anthropology. Throughout her graduate work, she has continued performing her own work and that of other choreographers at various venues in California, Texas, and Philadelphia. Laura will be teaching Dance Composition I this Fall.
Anne White started dancing when she was 6 years old 
in Shrub Oak, NY. At age11, Anne was accepted into the
School of American Ballet in New York City where she
trained until 1988 when she joined The Off Center Ballet
directed by Christopher D’Amboise. In 1990 Anne joined The Pennsylvania Ballet performing for eight seasons and dancing lead roles in ballets by George Balanchine, Peter Martins, Paul Taylor, and Alvin Ailey . Anne originated roles in ballets choreographed by Christopher D’Amboise, Kevin O’Day, and Tony Rizzi. Anne has also worked with many local artists including Myra Bazell, Pig Iron Theater, Rennie Harris, Melanie Stewart, and Phrenic Ballet. Anne toured with Alanis Morristette, assisting dance choreographer Kevin O’Day and appearing in her music video “So pure”. Anne has taught Ballet technique and Repertory at Rowan University, Bryn Mawr College, and Drexel University.