Compiled by Conor Youhei Hustedde, Communication Specialist Student Assistant
The College of Arts and Humanities is excited to welcome Kathy Luo to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Luo is a local Dance Artist and Choreographer. She holds an MFA in Dance and a dance teaching artist certificate from Arizona State University and her expertise is in Modern and postmodern contemporary dance practice, dance composition, Asian diaspora dance studies, and Yoga and Pilates training. Luo has participated in numerous conferences and festivals and is the selected performing artist for 2023 Mark DeGarmo Dance’s Transcultural and Trans-disciplinary Salon Performance in New York City.
What do you love about dance?
I started dancing at the age of four, and since then dance has been an essential part of my identity and the best companion of my life. Dance to me is a way of thinking and expressing in a moving body, the beauty of dance exists in one’s body and soul. I am fascinated with the fact that dancing makes people happier, healthier, more creative, and open-minded in many aspects of their lives.
Why is dance important?
Dance is an artistic reflection of the personality, community, culture, tradition, and humanity. We all know that body language is the first thing we notice from a person before we even speak to them, the beauty of this is simply that the movement elevates our ability to perceive and connect with others in an authentic way. Dance brings out the most charming part of ourselves through physical training, creating, collaborating, and connecting deeply with our bodies and minds.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration from music, nature, people, life experiences, movies, and even mundane things in my life.
What are you most looking forward to teaching at Fresno State?
I look forward to teaching our dance students and collaborating with my colleagues to develop the dance program. I am also looking forward to connecting with fellow artists who are not in my discipline; I believe in the power of interdisciplinary conversation across all art forms.
What are your teaching specialties? How did you become involved with those areas?
My teaching specialties are Modern and Postmodern Contemporary Dance practice, Dance Choreography, Improvisation, Yoga and Pilates, and Non-Western Dance practice. I started dancing when I was very young, luckily, I was able to soak in as much information as possible at a young age.
What draws you to performing many of your choreographies as site-specific dances?
I am interested in how dance takes place in a nontraditional proscenium stage, and how dancers adapt and adjust in that given moment at that specific location. This also relates to my research interest in dance improvisation. The specific location provides the dancers with a new perspective of knowing their potential and inspiring creativity.
How do you hope your background will elevate the Theatre and Dance Department’s offerings at Fresno State?
I hope I can bring fresh ideas to develop Modern Dance curriculums as well as Choreography-related courses within the program; I also hope that I can be a part of developing a new course that focuses on Non-Western Dance studies and techniques.
As a new instructor who will be teaching dance, what’s your biggest wish for undergraduates as they learn to explore the intersections of cultures, identities, and geographies over time?
My biggest wish for undergraduates is to be open to new ideas, expose themselves to different art forms, be proud of who they are, and honor their diverse social identities.
What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?
I am a big fan of “Game of Thrones”! I enjoy the great music on this show and it got me crying one day just by listening to it.
What are your fall 2023 office hours?
Monday and Wednesday 11-1 pm, and Tuesday 12:30-1:30 pm. I can be reached at kluo@mail.fresnostate.edu
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 