Crystal U. Davis

Crystal U. Davis is an Associate Professor and Head of Dance Performance and Scholarship at the University of Maryland’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her work bridges dance education, ethnography, and somatic movement analysis. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies (Emory University), M.F.A. in Dance (Texas Woman’s University), M.A. in Performance Studies (NYU Tisch), and Laban-Bartenieff certification.

• Research Focus: Examines social dynamics in dance through critical theory, exploring how beliefs shape movement and pedagogy.
• Leadership Roles: Board member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, editorial board member for Journal of Dance Education, and grant panelist for the South Carolina Arts Council.

Her book Dance and Belonging (2022) analyzes bias in dance education, while her ethnographic work in Rajasthan, India, explores connections between religion and movement. Awards include the NDEO Executive Director’s Award for Service (2021) and the 2023 Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award.

• Grants: Mellon Foundation’s 'Breaking the M.O.L.D.' Initiative (2022), Research Impact Fellow (2023).
• Professional Ventures: Founded Movement Artistry Project (M.A.P.), a consulting firm for movement education and performance.