PHD
Steffi has been accepted into the University of Roehampton's PhD Dance Studies program (awaiting funding). Their PhD project features iterative organizational design research to study fluid alternatives to ballet's harmful hierarchies through game-based simulation. Gameplay underpins Steffi's project as a collaborative action research methodology which encourages transformative thinking to improve a community by consulting its members. Their thesis will structurally analyze ballet’s hierarchy and effects on human rights, present power redistribution possibilities through case studies and simulations, and discuss transferability to US ballet companies for a sustainably inclusive ballet future. Because fluid alternatives to ballet’s hierarchies are largely untheorized and untested, this research project constitutes an original contribution to the field of academic ballet research.
POSTGRADUATE
Steffi graduated from the University of Roehampton (MRes Choreography and Performance) with their practice-as-research thesis, The Games We Don't Play: Using game-studies to evaluate the playability of classical ballet as an art form and an industry in the 21st century United States. This independent research project and cultural critique both theoretically recontextualized ballet through the lens of play and games (Huizinga, Caillois) and practically simulated the traditional ballet company hierarchy in order to identify areas for potential reform in the current US industry. Steffi's interactive game-based simulation (practice-as-research) approach is considered novel and effective.
UNDERGRADUATE
Steffi graduated from the University of Chicago (BA Political Science) with their historical analysis thesis, Waltz of the Powers: Exploring the importance of dance in the performance of citizenship. This marks the beginning of Steffi's artist-activism, or "artivism".
MOVEMENT
As founding co-producer and choreographer of San Diego Ballet's now inaugural production Dance Gallery, Steffi facilitated a unique shared-power platform which remains in effect today. Steffi then utilized their first full-length ballet undertaking as an opportunity to simulate an experimental ballet company structure as an alternative to traditional hierarchy. Steffi's other works as international choreographer challenges classical ballet norms, eradicates harmful racial stereotypes, and expands and diversifies balletic roles and repertoire.
ONGOING
Steffi created Renversé Ballet as a virtual resource committed to amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classical ballet industry -- and is leveraging RB's international network of dancers to complete their PhD project.
Steffi has been accepted into the University of Roehampton's PhD Dance Studies program (awaiting funding). Their PhD project features iterative organizational design research to study fluid alternatives to ballet's harmful hierarchies through game-based simulation. Gameplay underpins Steffi's project as a collaborative action research methodology which encourages transformative thinking to improve a community by consulting its members. Their thesis will structurally analyze ballet’s hierarchy and effects on human rights, present power redistribution possibilities through case studies and simulations, and discuss transferability to US ballet companies for a sustainably inclusive ballet future. Because fluid alternatives to ballet’s hierarchies are largely untheorized and untested, this research project constitutes an original contribution to the field of academic ballet research.
POSTGRADUATE
Steffi graduated from the University of Roehampton (MRes Choreography and Performance) with their practice-as-research thesis, The Games We Don't Play: Using game-studies to evaluate the playability of classical ballet as an art form and an industry in the 21st century United States. This independent research project and cultural critique both theoretically recontextualized ballet through the lens of play and games (Huizinga, Caillois) and practically simulated the traditional ballet company hierarchy in order to identify areas for potential reform in the current US industry. Steffi's interactive game-based simulation (practice-as-research) approach is considered novel and effective.
UNDERGRADUATE
Steffi graduated from the University of Chicago (BA Political Science) with their historical analysis thesis, Waltz of the Powers: Exploring the importance of dance in the performance of citizenship. This marks the beginning of Steffi's artist-activism, or "artivism".
MOVEMENT
As founding co-producer and choreographer of San Diego Ballet's now inaugural production Dance Gallery, Steffi facilitated a unique shared-power platform which remains in effect today. Steffi then utilized their first full-length ballet undertaking as an opportunity to simulate an experimental ballet company structure as an alternative to traditional hierarchy. Steffi's other works as international choreographer challenges classical ballet norms, eradicates harmful racial stereotypes, and expands and diversifies balletic roles and repertoire.
ONGOING
Steffi created Renversé Ballet as a virtual resource committed to amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classical ballet industry -- and is leveraging RB's international network of dancers to complete their PhD project.
