Legendary modern-dance choreographer/director Jennifer Muller will be in residence at the University of Iowa Department of Dance this week, preparing UI dancers to perform her classic work SPEEDS in the upcoming department's upcoming Dance Gala. The residency will include a series of free public events.

• A workshop on The Creative Mind, 2:30-4:20 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4, in the Theatre Building.
• A lecture/rehearsal with the cast of SPEEDS at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 5, in the Space Place Theater of North Hall.
• The rehearsal will be followed by a Q&A with Muller at 6:30 p.m., moderated by faculty member Alan Sener, Rebekah Kowal, and George de la Pena, and a screening of archival footage of SPEEDS, starring Muller and Louis Falco.

The residency of Muller, who teaches her unique form of modern dance technique in New York City and all over the world, will include additional lectures, clinics, and rehearsals with UI students.

Muller has been an influence in the dance world for more than 40 years. With her visionary approach to dance/theater, innovative multi-discipline productions incorporating spoken word, live and commissioned music, artist-inspired decor, and unusual production elements, she has defied convention and created a distinct signature style, educational approach and philosophy.

In addition to her creations for her own company Jennifer Muller/The Works, her credits include opera and theater at the Public Theater, Second Stage and the New York City Opera, and commissions for 23 major repertory companies in nine countries.

Internationally renowned as a teacher and mentor of creative talent, she has headlined workshops in creativity, collaboration and choreography in France, England, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and the United States, as well as teaching Muller technique worldwide.

Muller is one of the few choreographers of her generation to have developed a personalized technique, one that is informed by principles adapted from Taoist energy system concepts and Chinese philosophy.

She has developed unique programs in creative thinking and nonverbal communication, the Creative Mind/Whole Body Workshops. Alumni of The Works teach her techniques, establishing accredited programs worldwide.

Dance has been Muller's passion and creative voice since she was a child. Creating pieces since age seven, she began dancing professionally at age 15 as a member of the Pearl Lang Dance Company. These formative years were followed by nine years as principal dancer with the José Limon Company and seven years as associate artistic director of the Louis Falco Dance Company.

As a result of her many years of productive creativity, her work has been seen on stage in 41 countries and on television in the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Russia, Costa Rica, Australia, China, and Japan. She was honored by being chosen as a founding member of the World Arts Council—the only American representing the dance field.

For more information on Muller’s visit, contact dance chair George de la Peña at george-delapena@uiowa.edu.

Sponsors for the events include the UI's Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professorships Program, the Department of Dance, and the Department of Theatre Arts.

For accommodations at the public events, contact the Department of Dance at 319-335-2228. The Departments of Dance and Theatre Arts are units of the Division of Performing Arts in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For an arts calendar and details of upcoming events, visit the new Arts Iowa website.