About Astrid von Ussar

Astrid von Ussar came to New York City from her native Slovenia in order to pursue dance. Since her arrival, her choreography has been presented throughout the United States and she’s become a faculty dance teacher at The Ailey School and Columbia University. Her company, VON USSAR danceworks premiered at the Joyce Soho in New York in April of 2002. VON USSAR danceworks was presented at the Jacob’s Pillow Festival in the summer of 2003. The company’s 2004 season will be held at the Joyce SoHo in New York from July 15 – 18, 2004.

In addition, the company has been presented at the dancenow/nyc, the Rivertown Arts Council Dance Series in Dobbs Ferry, The Remember Project 2002 & 2003, the Collage Festival in Texas, the Dumbo Dance Festival and SWEAT Dance Series. Von Ussar’s choreographies are part of the repertory of the The Ailey Showcase Group, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, and Plesna Izba in Slovenia.

After teaching throughout Europe, von Ussar has developed into a highly-regarded dance teacher in New York City. Currently, she is a faculty member at The Ailey School, Columbia University, and previously, von Ussar has taught at Ballet Hispanico, Dance Space Center, Peridance, and held workshops throughout the U.S. In the summer of 2004, she will be teaching a repertory workshop at The Ailey School.

Von Ussar is also the co-founder and artistic director of EVON ARTS, a non-profit arts organization with the purpose of initiating events for the emerging artist. One of Evon Arts’ chief aims is the COMING TOGETHER Dance Showcases, which are presented biannually. Finally, von Ussar graduated with a Masters in Dance/Dance Education from Columbia University Teacher’s College.