Colleen Thomas-Young

Colleen Thomas-Young is the Chair and Professor of Professional Practice in Dance at Barnard College. She is a New York-based choreographer, performer, and director of Colleen Thomas Dance. Her academic roles include co-director of Bill Young/Colleen Thomas Co., co-curator of LIT (loft into theater), and director of Barnard's Dance in Paris study abroad program. She holds a B.A. from SUNY Empire State College and SUNY Purchase, and an M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Her research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, such as a 2019 study on brain activity in contact improvisers with Dr. Andrew Goldman, and a 2021 dance premiere *Light and Desire* exploring women artists under oppressive regimes. She teaches advanced modern dance, contact improvisation, and composition. Awards include a 2022 Bessie Award nomination for Outstanding Performer.

Grants and collaborations include support from New York Live Arts, Barnard College, and the Trust for Mutual Understanding. Her work has been presented globally, emphasizing feminist narratives and social-political themes in dance.