ABOUT

Michelle Slavik is a Philadelphia performing artist, choreographer, and teacher. Michelle graduated in 2018 from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance with concentrations in Performance & Choreography and Business Administration. Michelle was awarded SRU Department of Dance's Outstanding Dance Major award.

Michelle currently dances for Philadelphia artist, Kalila Kingsford Smith. Michelle has presented her own work at SpringUp Dance Festival, Small Plates Dance Festival, Kun-Yang Lin/Dancer's InHale Series, Koresh Dance Company's Artist Showcase, Gibney Dance in New York City as well as the American College Dance Association conference. Michelle collaborated with dance artist, Samuel Elizondo, and music professor, Dr. Cassandra Eisenrich, to create a piece for SRU's flute ensemble concert. In addition, Michelle has worked for Leah Stein Dance Company, based in Philadelphia, as production coordinator.

In 2014 she was featured in Marta Renzi’s dance film, Plow Plant Reap, which has been screened nationally and internationally at notable festivals.

In addition, Michelle studied and performed at the American Dance Festival. At ADF Michelle worked with notable dance artists such as Kira Blazek, Joy Davis, Jim Sutton, and Jesse Zarrit.

Michelle served SRU's Department of Dance in several leadership positions such as SRU Dance Theatre Student Director, National Arts Honor Society for Dance Arts President, Department of Dance Advisory Board Member, and department student worker.

Photo by Brian Mengni

ARTIST STATEMENT

Driven by curiosity and innovation, Michelle is interested in exploring dance as a tool to empower, challenge, and inspire others. Michelle's work explores the human experience through authentic and creative movement expression. Passionate about the power of dance, Michelle aims to use her art through performance, dance film, teaching, and outreach to positively influence individual’s lives and communities.