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Susan Osberg
Dance Performance Artist, Writer, and Healing Arts
Professional Background
Susan Osberg is a multifaceted dance performance artist, writer, and healer based in the beautiful Hudson Valley after her transition from Manhattan. Drawing upon the rich cultural and environmental tapestry of her new home, Susan has devoted her career to integrating movement, community engagement, and a profound appreciation for nature into her artistic expression. Her work focuses on site-specific performances that resonate with the local community, allowing her to connect and collaborate with individuals and institutions alike. With a focus on eco-conscious themes, one of her standout projects, 'TREE', was both a visual and performance art piece that served to amplify awareness about environmental concerns. Presented in 2012 at the Beacon community and the Dorsky Museum of ART at SUNY New Paltz, this work embodies Susan's commitment to sustainability and creative expression.
In addition to her performances, Susan has honed her skills as a filmmaker and editor of dance films, working on various projects that capture the essence of dance in unique settings. Projects like 'Rhinoceros', filmed by Jaanika Peerna, and 'Wetlands', a collaboration with Peter Barton, highlight her collaborative spirit and artistic versatility. Her work has also extended to notable projects with Tom Moore, including 'Broken Words' filmed at Denning's Point, and 'Petroleum Wing', a responsive piece that traversed Beacon Studios, reacting critically to contemporary issues such as environmental degradation. Susan’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed; she received a prestigious artist fellowship in choreography from the Dutchess County Arts Council, a testament to her impactful contribution to the arts.
Education and Achievements
Susan Osberg’s educational journey has been as diverse and enriching as her professional path. She studied dance under various renowned teachers and companies, acquiring a breadth of knowledge that forms the backbone of her artistic expression. Furthering her academic pursuits, she attended Columbia University, where she earned her Master of Arts in Dance Education, establishing herself as a thought leader and educator in the dance community. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the prestigious Juilliard School laid a solid foundation for her performance career, equipping her with the technical expertise and artistic insights that have propelled her forward.
Beyond her formal education, Susan has also embraced spirituality and healing. She pursued studies in interfaith ministry, energy healing, and spiritual counseling at the IM School of Healing Arts. This melding of dance and healing practices underscores her philosophy of embodied thinking, whereby the art of dance becomes a means of spiritual exploration and healing. Moreover, through workshops such as 'Dance as Trance/Dance as Ritual,' co-taught in Bordeaux, France, she explores the interrelationships between authentic performance and traditional rituals, bringing a global perspective to her work.
Writing Projects
As a versatile creative, Susan is not only passionately engaged in dance but also devotes significant time to writing. She is crafting her novel and screenplay, exploring narratives that reflect her multifarious experiences as an artist, healer, and community advocate. Her progressive engagement with writing is showcased on her personal website, where she has published several articles focused on dance, including insightful commentaries on the works of Merce Cunningham at Dia: Beacon. This written expression serves to connect with wider audiences, sharing the intricate dialogues between dance and everyday life.
Community Engagement and Teaching
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Susan is deeply committed to education and sharing her knowledge. As a dedicated teacher, she instructs Kundalini Yoga both in Beacon and Maine, promoting health and wellness through physical movement and spiritual practice. Her experience spans prestigious institutions, where she has taught Sufi Dance at Bard College, Princeton University, and Barnard College. As a founder of Dance Across Borders, she aims to foster artistic dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries, positioning dance as a universal language that brings people together.
Inspiration, movement, and community engagement coalesce in Susan Osberg's work, making her a compelling figure in the arts. Her innovative spirit and dedication to both dance and healing arts continue to inspire countless individuals, fostering collaborations that elevate local voices in the environmental dialogue and contribute to the ongoing conversation about art's impact on society. Whether instructing, choreographing, or writing, Susan Osberg embodies the essence of an artist committed to making a difference through the power of creative expression.
Achievements
- Awarded Fellow in Choreography from the Dutchess County Arts Council
- Featured work: "Remembering Pina" at Pentacle's Kinetic Cinema Festival in Beacon
- Extensive experience in site-specific performance and environmental dance work
- Significant contributions to dance film projects highlighting community issues.
