Artist Bio

Lin has served the dance community for over 25 years as a performer, choreographer and teacher. She is Artistic Director of Perceptual Motion Dance Company, currently celebrating its 25th year. Lin has a BA in Education and an MA in Dance from American University where she received the Independent Choreographer's award from the Metropolitan Dance Association in Washington, DC. She served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Dance Coalition for seven years and founded the Chicago Dance Coalition Newsletter. She has also served on the dance panels of the Illinois Arts Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Lin is a Dance Specialist in Chicago area schools. She has worked through Urban Gateways, the Vittum Theater, Arts 4 Learning, C.A.P.E., Art Start and as an Artist-in-Residence for the Illinois Arts Council. She helped write the Chicago Fine Arts Standards for dance and has written extensively on arts integration for the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education, the Chicago Public Schools and the Arts 4 Learning website. She has written, directed and performed in three curricular-based educational performances for children K-6.

Artist Statement

I began dancing at parties when I was in high school. When I was in college I was thrilled to be able to take dance classes to fulfill the required physical education credits. My modern dance teacher was fun and supportive and I absolutely loved it. When modern dance icon Eric Hawkins came for an intensive workshop the summer after I graduated, everything I had been interested in coalesced. I realized that dance was the perfect way for me to express my thoughts and ideas and to bring together my love of literature, visual arts and music. It was what I truly wanted to do. Instead of becoming a high school English teacher, I began seriously pursuing a career in dance. Now, many years later, I’m still loving it and the endless challenges and opportunities for growth it provides.

I love the sensuality of movement; the rush I get when I push myself physically; the joy of helping dancers and students reach their utmost potential; and the intellectual and spiritual challenge of identifying an idea, examining it from all angles and working closely with others to "birth" a dance.

Educational Philosophy

My teaching strives to empower students and teachers by actively experiencing the endless possibilities for self-expression through dance and movement. I love working with others to brainstorm ideas, create dance activities and dances.  

I make the dance experience fun, challenging and supportive. I foster growth in students by giving them dance/movement activities that challenge their minds, their imaginations and their bodies and inspire them to explore their full potential. I encourage them to respect and believe in themselves. A combination of individual exploration, co-operative learning, dance technique, decision-making, critical thinking and improvisation are used to create an optimum environment for growth and learning. Each individual is valued and given tools to use to continue learning and growing in all areas of their lives.

Links

www.perceptualmotiondance.com