Irene Kleinbauer

Irene Kleinbauer is a Dance Lecturer at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo. She also owns and directs KleinDance Arts in Santa Maria, CA, leading a competitive dance team. Her professional background includes performances with Invertigo Dance Theatre, BodyCurrent, and collaborations with artists like Laura Karlin and Gerald Casel.

Education: A.A. in Dance from Allan Hancock College and B.F.A. in Dance from California State University, Long Beach. Additional training at Northwest Dance Project, Ballet Hispanico, Colorado Ballet, and the Kirov Academy (Washington D.C.).

Research interests include diverse dance styles (ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, flamenco, cultural dances) and choreographic innovation. She teaches ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance at Cal Poly while maintaining her studio work.

Awards: Recognized for artistic excellence through the Santa Barbara Ballet Competition (1st Place) and Santa Maria Arts Council Award.

Teaching and choreography span academic and commercial contexts, including musical theater and wedding dances. She actively mentors students through her studio’s competitive team and university courses.