Valerie Huston

Valerie Huston is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). She joined UCSB in 1983 and has held roles as resident choreographer for the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. Her work spans contemporary ballet, choreography, and dance education.

Education: BFA from the University of Utah. Professional background includes directing the Valerie Huston Dance Theatre (1976–1985), a touring contemporary ballet company.

Research and artistic interests focus on choreography innovation, ballet technique, and interdisciplinary performance. Notable achievements include awards such as three National Endowment Fellowships, the 1995 Independent Artist Award, and the 1999 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Teaching and mentorship: Guest instructor at the University of Hawaii and the Fifth International Dance Festival in Hong Kong. Adjudicator for the Southeast Regional Ballet Festival. Known for creating works like 'Athena' (2012 Cecchetti Competition winner) and the Arabian pas de deux in The Nutcracker (2006).