Saleemah E. Knight

Saleemah E. Knight is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, and educator currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. With expertise in Jazz, Contemporary, and commercial dance, she bridges academic instruction with professional practice, offering courses in Jazz Dance technique, dance history, and popular culture.

Education

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), University of Arizona, School of Dance (Magna Cum Laude)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of California, Irvine (selected fellowship recipient)

Research and Expertise span Jazz Dance, Contemporary Jazz, Choreography, and the intersection of concert/commercial dance with academic pedagogy. Her work emphasizes technical rigor, improvisation, and cultural context.

Scientific Awards and Scholarships

• Medici Fine Arts Scholarship
• Brian Friedman Millennium Dance Scholarship
• Gus Giordano Scholarship
• Coca-Cola's Leadership Scholarship

Contributions include choreography for music videos (Daddy Yankee, Wisin, Chiquis Rivera), movement coaching for artists (Wiz Khalifa, Akon), and a documentary role in UPROOTED: The Journey of Jazz Dance. She also engages in dance outreach for low-income communities and operates Shop Saleemah, a dancewear and fashion brand.