Fangfei Miao

Fangfei Miao is an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). She teaches seminar and physical practice courses, specializing in dance and performance studies. Her affiliations include the International Institute, Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, and Center for Japanese Studies. Miao holds a PhD in Culture and Performance from UCLA, alongside an MFA and BA from Beijing Dance Academy, China’s premier dance conservatory.

• PhD: University of California, Los Angeles (Culture and Performance)
• MFA & BA: Beijing Dance Academy (Dance)

Her research bridges dance/performance studies, Chinese/Japanese studies, and globalization critiques. She explores topics like premodern East Asian court dance, Buddhist influences, and dance-theatre interdisciplinarity. Her artistic work includes choreography staged globally and teaching a contemporary fusion dance technique rooted in diverse traditions.

Miao’s scholarly activities involve editorial and advisory roles for Dance Research Journal, Theatre Journal, and the Dance Studies Association. She co-edited the special issue “Mobility, Dance, and China” and an interdisciplinary book series “Dance in Dialogue” with Bloomsbury Academic. Her recent publication (2022) analyzes cross-cultural dance exchanges between the U.S. and Reform-Era China, reflecting her focus on historical mis-steps and global encounters.

As a performer, she has toured internationally and holds professional training in modern dance, Chinese classical/folk dance, Tai Chi Quan, and ballet.