Christen Bernal, Guest Artist
Christen Bernal began her dance training in North Carolina at the age of three which led her to graduate with a BFA in Dance Performance from East Carolina University. During her time at ECU, Christen was selected to work with artists in residency Mark Haim, Jennifer Archibald, and David Dorfman, as well as companies River North Dance Chicago and David Dorfman Dance. While living in New York City, Christen performed woks with and for Cat Cogliandro’s catastrophe! dance, Teddy Tedholm, Dionna PridGeon, Mike Esperanza, Monica Hogan Danceworks, and BalaSole Dance Company. Her choreography was presented throughout the city, at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup theatre as well as in Jersey City, at the American College Dance Festival, and at J. Chen Translate series at the Dixon Place.
Christen has been a sub teacher at Millennium Dance Complex Philadelphia and Broadway Dance Center, New York City for CTP classes. In fall 2014, she had the opportunity of working with the dancers at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island as the artist/choreographer in residence, teaching master classes and choreographing a piece on select dancers. Christen completed the gypsy project, training under Erica Sobol, Jiri Pokorny, Tilman O’Donnell, and other guest artists.While living in Los Angeles, Christen performed for choreographers Erica Sobol, Julliette Irons, and Teddy Tedholm, and presented work for Ellenore Scott’s Breaking Glass: LA.
Christen has been teaching dance for ten years and has experience with preschool through adults, and with recreational, competitive, and professional level dancers. Her choreography has been honored top overalls, choreography awards, and highest score of the day.