Mark Morris Dance Center: Meet Linda Kuo

 Meet Linda Kuo

 Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary Guest Teaching Artist

Photo by: Jermaine Fletcher

Guest Teaching Artist, Linda Kuo, director of DUNYC, will lead the Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary class on Tuesdays 12-2pm in July and August at the Mark Morris Dance Center. We caught up with the dancer/choreographer to learn about her and find out what to expect from her class. 

How did you get your start in dance and how long have you been performing?

I started dancing when I was 3, tagging along with my cousin who was a year older. I was always the little girl who refused to dress in pink leotards and tutu's and sported my own blue shimmery "leotard" (really a bathing suit) instead. My first performance that I choreographed and directed was the Little Duckling, when I was 5, in my grandparents' living room. Professionally, I have been performing for 11 years.

Your dance company is located in multiple cities, how do you make that work?

Currently, we perform seasonally in NYC while offering outreach programs and producing dance events in Hawaii. I have a team in Hawaii that holds down the fort when I'm in New York. When I am not in NYC, I am back in Hawaii with my company there and working with the community, or in Shanghai where we offer dance training residencies and artist development.

What inspires your choreography?

Heritage and Legacy. Recently, I have been inspired by the role of dance in traditional cultures around the world, and how the dances are shared from generation to generation. This led me to investigate dance styles that I have learned from the previous generation such as Lindy Hop, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Exploring the cultural and social connection of this lineage has made me think more carefully about why a dance should be created, and how the choreography can remain significant and impactful years from now.

What can students expect from your class at the Dance Center?

My class will explore contemporary forms as well as various dance styles. Dancers will be pushed to explore styles they may not be familiar with, while fusing them to create meaningful movements that tell stories. For example, you may work on ballet and jazz technique while incorporating grooves from House dance and floor work inspired by break dancing. 

What's one piece of advice you have for advanced dancers seeking a professional career?

Know who you are. It is so important as a professional dancer because dance is not the easiest career. It takes a toll on you mentally and physically. By knowing who you are as a dancer, brand, and individual, you will better know how to create your unique path. And when things get hard, which they will, it will help to check in with yourself to make sure you're still on the right path.

Where can we find out more about your upcoming shows, workshops, classes, and more?

You can visit our website www.DUHawaii.com or follow us on Instagram at DU_Hi_NYC

Linda has a dance background in a wide range of dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, House, Voguing, Waacking, West African, Salsa, Hustle, and the Hula. Linda's style fuses street dance styles with jazz technique and movement, as well as incorporating technique from other dance styles. Linda is also the director of her dance company, DUNYC. The company is performing its 7th season this summer at the Mark Morris Dance Center, Triskelion Arts Center, New York City Center Studios and Brooklyn Music School.

Linda's class at the Mark Morris Dance Center will run July 11th through August 29th. To find out more about the class, visit our website.