Elise Knudson (dancer/puppeteer)

Elise Knudson is a New York City based dance artist. She teaches Contact Improvisation and facilitates CI at festivals and studios around the world including Beijing Dance Academy, Touch Festival (China), Moab Jam (UT), Earthdance (MA), Leviathan Studio (BC) and the West Coast Jam (CA). She created NEXToNow to provide a monthly platform in NYC for the practice of performing interdisciplinary free improvisation and currently hosts the weekly WedJam in Manhattan. Elise has enjoyed the opportunity to perform improvisation with Nancy Stark Smith, Chris Aiken and Angie Houser, Bradley Teal Ellis, Margaret Paek, Alicia Grayson and Eun Jung Gonzales. She also has enjoyed the opportunity to perform choreography with various artists, including Christopher Williams, Jenni Hong Dance, Kiori Kawai/Purring Tiger, Risa Jaroslow, Jody Oberfelder, Koosil-ja/DANCE KUMIKO, Noemie LaFrance and, most recently, as a member of the community in Bill T. Jones's Deep Blue Sea. Over the years Elise has choreographed aerial dances, experimental installations and concert dances for stages large and small. She is currently interested in developing fluidity between instantaneous and premeditated choreography.