Nancy Colahan

Nancy Colahan is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She has a 35-year performing career with renowned companies such as the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Repertory Ensemble, and White Oak Dance Project. Her work spans ballet, modern dance, and choreography, with a focus on preserving classic dance works through reconstruction and creation. She has collaborated with institutions like the Santa Barbara Dance Theater and State Street Ballet, and her choreography has been performed internationally.

Education and Training: Nancy trained under notable figures like Maggie Black, Finis Jung, and Lar Lubovitch. She holds no formal academic degree but has extensive professional training in classical and modern dance.

Research and Choreography: Her interests include dance preservation, choreographic innovation, and the intersection of dance with film. Notable works include Of Time and the Spirit (2008) and K&L: In Tandem (2012). She has restaged historic pieces like Jane Dudley’s Harmonica Breakdown and Cante Flamenco.

Artistic Roles: Nancy serves as an artistic advisor to Santa Barbara Dance Theater and has held roles on advisory boards for SUMMERDANCE Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Dance Alliance. She contributes to the California Dance Network and mentors emerging artists.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with UCSB Dance Company, State Street Ballet, and Pacific Regional Ballet Festival. Her works have toured in Europe, China, and South Korea.