Joseph Small

Joseph Small is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Swarthmore College, specializing in taiko drumming, choreography, and Asian-American cultural practices. He holds a BA in Dance from Swarthmore (2005) and an MFA in Dance from UCLA (2015). His career includes a Fulbright Fellowship to Japan (2005-2006), a two-year apprenticeship with the renowned KODO ensemble on Sado Island (2007-2009), and membership in Eitetsu Hayashi’s ensemble Fu-Un no Kai since 2012. He has performed globally with groups like Taikoz (Australia) and Taikoza (NYC), and his works include the acclaimed *Spall Fragments* (2015) and *CQCQ* (2021). Small is also a co-founder of Small Mountain Studios and has taught at institutions like UCLA and Santa Monica College.

• Education: BA, Dance (Swarthmore College, 2005); MFA, Dance (UCLA, 2015)
• Key Collaborations: Eitetsu Hayashi, KODO, Taikoz, Marco Lienhard
• Performance Venues: Sydney Opera House, LA Taiko Institute, Swarthmore College

His research integrates Japanese taiko traditions with postmodern performance, emphasizing cultural preservation and innovation. Awards include the Fulbright Fellowship, UCLA scholarships, and Swarthmore’s Hally Jo Stein Award.

Teaching focuses on taiko technique and ensemble performance, including courses at Swarthmore and workshops at North American Taiko Conferences. He balances academic roles with international touring and solo projects.