Curriculum Vitae
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Alia Montijo
Dancer. Choreographer. Educator.
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COMMITTEES
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The National Dance Society Performing Arts Council – Adjudicator/Evaluator
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Illinois Dance Education Organization, member
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National Dance Education Organization, Advocacy Committee
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Mignolo Dance Center, Dance Film Adjudicator
AWARDS
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The Logan Foundation, Organizational Arts Partner and Inaugural Tennent of state-of-the-art facility Movement on Montrose – Chicago, 2024
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Individual Artist Program Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events – Chicago, 2023
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Dance and Media Japan International Dance Film Festival 2021: The Blood Harvest
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Contact Dance International Film Festival 2021: The Blood Harvest
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Venice International Art Fair: Excellence in Show. April 2019
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The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Graduate Inductee. October 2019
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American Association of University Women: Career Development Grant Scholar. June 2018
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The Ohio State University: Arts & Sciences Certificate for Excellence in Scholarship. April 2007
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The Denman Undergraduate Research Forum: 3rd Place in Art/Architecture. April 2008
ACADEMIC
2022 - Certification: Progressing Ballet Technique, Junior, Senior & Advanced Programs
Progressing Ballet Technique
2018 – 2020 - Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL
MFA Choreography
2004 – 2008 - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Honors BFA with Distinction in Dance and Arts Administration
Minor: Women’s Studies
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Dance Avondale, Chicago, IL
Founder, Artistic Director, and Primary Instructor
January 2017 – Current
Develop and implement curriculum for beginning through intermediate Ballet, Modern, Tap, and introduction to dance courses, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet and Pre-Jazz.
The Latin School, Chicago, IL
Dance Department, January 2024 – February 2024
Guest Choreographer, Dance Department
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dance Department Part Time Faculty, August 2023 - Current
Ballet II for majors and non-majors. 2-credit hours.
National Dance Educators Organization
National Conference, Atlanta, GA
Conference Speaker & Co-Presenter, October 2022
Reinvigorating the Choreographic Process with Mixed Media
Ohio Dance Festival
The Ohio State University, Dance Department
Guest Instructor, May 2022
Quantum Mechanics & Movement, abandoning codified language in movement generation.
Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dance Department Guest Instructor, April 2022
Quantum Mechanics & Movement – building an improvisational score.
North Central College, Naperville, IL
College of Arts & Sciences
Adjunct Faculty, January 2019 – May 2020
Advanced Contemporary Modern meeting 2 days per week, 2 credit hours.
Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
College of Performing Arts
Substitute Instructor September – October, 2019
Intermediate/Advanced Jazz
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Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Chicago, IL
Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, August 2014 – June 2018
Create class plans in Cecchetti and Horton techniques for advanced and professional level dancers meeting 2 times per week. Create and choreograph a minimum of one work per season.
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Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
School of Fine and Performing Arts, Community Engagement
Teaching Artist, January 2015 – August 2015
Develop and implement curriculum for beginning level Jazz, Hip-Hop, Breaking, and Ballet classes in the elementary school setting. Additional focus on student and parent engagement, connectivity to the school day, and ownership of progress. Document student progress via student testimony, pictures, and written and spoken word.
Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Chicago, IL
Lead Instructor, January 2010 – August 2015
Youth – Advanced and Intermediate Ballet based on Cecchetti and Vaganova curriculums
Adult – Ballet Fundamentals, Beginning Ballet and Beginning Jazz built on Luigi and Joel Hall curriculums
Professional – Advanced Ballet based on Cecchetti and Vaganova curriculums.
Oakland University, Oakland, MI
Music, Theater and Dance Department
Guest Instructor, February 2008 – April 2008
Intermediate and Advanced Ballet based on Cecchetti curriculum meeting 2 days per week, 2 credit hours.
Fundamentals of Modern based based on the influence of Graham and Limón training, 2 credit hours.
RESEARCH
PRACTICE-BASED:
Indeterminate & Entangled
Links Hall, Chicago, IL – March 2020
The Particle Dance
Swisher Theater, Jacksonville, FL – August 2019
https://www.aliamontijo.com/thesis-research
Moving from the Inside Out
Phillips Fine Arts, Black Box Theater, Jacksonville, FL – August 2018
https://www.aliamontijo.com/current-projects
TRADITIONAL:
Agnes de Mille, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp as Choreographers for Ballet and Broadway, 2020
Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and the Culture of Feminism in Shaping Choreography, 2018
The Ballets of Maurice Béjart as Evidence of Shift from the Meta-Narrative, 2018
The Particle Dance: Innate indeterminism and the entanglement of observer/observed, 2020
Body Politics: Louis XIV and the Imperial Russian Ballet, 2019
https://www.academia.edu/38985636/Body_Politics_Louis_XIV_and_the_Imperial_Russian_Ballet
The Body as Political Protest of the Shooting of Laquan McDonald, 2019
https://www.academia.edu/38986137/The_Body_as_Political_Protest_of_the_Shooting_of_LaQuan_McDonald
Martha Graham in Three Parts, 2020
https://www.academia.edu/40786881/Martha_Graham_in_Three_Parts
CHOREOGRAPHIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Within the Collective
The Latin School, Chicago, IL – April 2024
The Third Culture
St. John’s Episcopal, Chicago, IL – June 2023
In the Liminal Space
Palm Court, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL – March 2023
https://vimeo.com/813652045/b42310ede9
Indeterminate & Entangled
Links Hall, Chicago, IL – March 2020
The Particle Dance
Swisher Theater, Jacksonville, FL – August 2019
Challenging Ephemerality
Ca’Zanardi, Venice, Italy – April 2019
Moving From the Inside Out
Swisher Theater, Jacksonville, FL – August 2019
They Tried to Bury Us, They Didn’t Know We Were Seeds
Links Hall, Chicago, IL – April 2018
Impressions
Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL – June 2017
Thresh(hold)
The Mayne Stage, Chicago, IL – December 2016
Another Time, Another Place
Stage 773, Chicago, IL – June 2016
One
The Athenaeum Theater, Chicago, IL – April 2016
FILM DANCE
Tunneling, 2021 - https://youtu.be/HbPht3moZs8?si=5Y6fekMz7umQnxQj
This film was made is partial completion of the Director’s PhD and ineligible for film festivals based on university policy.
The Blood Harvest, 2020 - https://vimeo.com/487644220/40d9e9ef05
Achievements: Toronto International Film Festival, Dance and Media Japan International Dance Film Festival.
Egg Head, 2019 - https://youtu.be/XhY4nsd63O4
This film was made in partial completion of my MFA and ineligible for film festivals based on university policy.
Smile, 2018 - https://youtu.be/Pgg0Ogm0ml4
This film was made in partial completion of my MFA and ineligible for film festivals based on university policy.
PROFESSIONAL DANCE EXPERIENCE
Dance Avondale Collective
Company Dancer
December 2020 – June 2023
Noumenon Dance Ensemble
Artistic Director & Resident Choreographer
September 2015 – June 2018
Joel Hall Dancers
Company Dancer
August 2012 – August 2017
Choreographic performance by Joel Hall, James Morrow. Kenneth Epting & William Gill
Thodos Dance Chicago
Guest Artist
May 2009 – July 2009
Choreographic performance by Elijah Gibson
Inaside Chicago Dance
Company Dancer
July 2009 – June 2011
Choreographic performance by Eddy O’Campo, Lizzie McKenzie & Richard Smith
Eisenhower Dance Detroit
Company Dancer
June 2008 – June 2009
Choreographic performance by Doug Varone, Keisha Llama-White, Larry Keigwan & Laurie Eisenhower
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
Christmas Oratorio. Choreography by Charles Weidman reset by Anne Marie Loesch. Chicago, IL. January 2020, December 2021, and December 2022.
Brahms Waltzes. Choreography by Charles Weidman reset by Anne Marie Loesch. Chicago, IL. August 2021.
For Lo, Winter is Past. Choreography by Mary Ann Mee reset by Anne Marie Loesch. Chicago, IL. June 2021 and June 2023.
SEVEN TO THE SEVENTH. Concept by Ana Sanchez-Colberg. Jacksonville, FL. July 2019.
The Particle Dance. Choreography by Alia Montijo in completion in partial fulfilment of the Master of Fine Arts in Choreography at Jacksonville University. Swisher Theater, Jacksonville, FL – August 2019
Return to Source. Choreography by Alia Montijo in completion in partial fulfilment of the Master of Fine Arts in Choreography at Jacksonville University. Venice International Art Festival. Venice, Italy. April 2019.
Hear/Here concept by Nick Cave, Jeanna Gang with musical composition by Kahlil El’Zabar. Choreography by William Gill at Art Expo Navy Pier. Chicago, IL. September 2017.
Lush Life – Billy Strayhorn Festival. Choreography by Joel Hall with the Joel Hall Dancers. The Auditorium Theater, Chicago, IL. November 2015.
Anja, The Unexpected. Choreography by Joel Hall with the Joel Hall Dancers. Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Chicago, IL. August 2015.
Nuts & Bolts. Choreography by Joel Hall with the Joel Hall Dancers. Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Chicago, IL. December 2014 and December 2015.
Wake Up! Waltz. Directed by Josie Davis. Choreography by Garett Kind and Katherine Hill. Rooftops in Chicago, IL. May – June 2013.
Before and After. Choreography by Elijah Gibson with Thodos Dance Chicago in New Dances. Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Chicago, IL. July 2009.
The Alarm Will Sound. Choreography by Eddy O’Campo with Inaside Chicago Dance in Finale Weekend, Dance Chicago. The Athenaeum Theater. Chicago, IL. November 2008.
Catharsis and Not Even a Postcard. Choreography by Laurie Eisenhower with Eisenhower Dance Detroit. Performing Arts High School. Troy, MI. January 2008.
Five Beds Children of the Dream. Choreography by Neta Pulvermacher at the American Dance Festival. Durham, NC. July 2006.
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TRAINING
Dance Avondale Collective
2020 – 2023
Humphrey-Weidman Technique – Anne Marie Loesch
Ballet – Van Collins
Contemporary African – Van Collins
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Jacksonville University
2018 – 2020
Examining Practice – Christina Teague-Mann
Contemporary Body Practice – Amy Miller, Ana Sànchez-Colberg, Cari Coble, Fabiano Culora & Jüri Nael
Intermedia – William Hill & Tiffany Santeiro
Joel Hall Dancers & Center
2008 – present
Ballet – Betsy Herskind
Horton – William Gill
Jazz – Joel Hall
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Inaside Chicago Dance
2009 – 2011
Ballet – Anna Czajun
Jazz – Elijah Gibson, Eddy O’Campo, Richard Smith & William Gill
Modern – Lizzie McKenzie
Eisenhower Dance Detroit
2008 – 2009
Ballet – Stephanie Garrisi-Pizzo
Modern – Laurie Eisenhower, Matthew Farmer, Michael Foley & Keisha Llama-White
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The Ohio State University
2004 – 2008
Cecchetti Ballet – Susan Dromisky
Modern – Abby Yager, Bebe Miller, Coco Loupe, Ming-Lung Yang & Susan Hadley
Labanotation – Victoria Uris
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The American Dance Festival
2005 & 2006
Modern – David Dorfman, Gerri Houlihan, John Jasperse, Paul Matteson, Jen Nugent, David Parsons, Neta Pulvermacher
Labanotation – Ursula Payne
WORK EXPERIENCE
Dance Avondale, Chicago, IL
Executive Director
January 2017 – Current
Responsible for the overall management, strategic planning, and operational oversight of Dance Avondale. My role ensures the delivery of high-quality dance education, management of faculty and staff, financial operations, and community engagement and growth.
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Leadership and Strategic Planning - I develop and implement strategic plans to advance the school's mission and objectives, provide visionary leadership to ensure growth and sustainability, and foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture within the school.
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Operational Management - I oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth running of all classes, programs, and events. I implement policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness, and manage schedules including class timetables, faculty assignments, and event planning.
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Financial Oversight - I develop and manage the annual budget to ensure financial health and sustainability. I oversee financial operations, including tuition collection, payroll, and expense management, and identify and pursue funding opportunities such as grants, donations, and sponsorships.
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Faculty and Staff Management - I recruit, hire, and retain qualified faculty and staff members. I provide ongoing support, professional development, and performance evaluations for faculty and staff, fostering a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, creativity, and professional growth.
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Student and Parent Relations - I maintain open and effective communication with students and parents, address and resolve any concerns or issues promptly and professionally, and promote student engagement, retention, and success.
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Program Development and Curriculum - I oversee the development and implementation of a diverse and high-quality dance curriculum, ensuring that programs meet the needs and interests of students at various skill levels. I stay current with trends and best practices in dance education.
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Community Engagement and Marketing – I build and maintain relationships with community partners, arts organizations, and other stakeholders. I develop and execute marketing strategies to attract and retain students, and represent the dance school at community events, conferences, and other public engagements.
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Facility Management - I ensure that the school's facilities are well-maintained and meet safety standards. I oversee the use and upkeep of dance studios, equipment, and other resources, and plan for and manage any facility upgrades or expansions.
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Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL
School of Fine and Performing Arts, Community Schools Initiative.
Program Associate
January 2015 – January 2020
Support the Director and Managers of the Community Schools Program including but not limited to: data collection and analysis, budget review and balance, supplies ordering, and event coordination that includes:
Professional teacher development.
Student showcases (school group coordination, site-coordinator coordination, performance order, room assignments, supplies order, distribution, and stage management.
Parent-child together-time in after-school arts enrichment activities.
Summer programming through CCC.
School-year arts-enrichment after-school programming
Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Chicago, IL
Freelance Grant Writer and Fundraiser
September 2009 – June 2010
Draft state, federal and private organization grants designed to compel funding for the Joel Hall Dancers & Center. Research previous projects in which finding was or was not granted, expand on relationships of involvement, and promote new grant giving.
Proof of success:
The Wrightwood Neighbors $2,600. January 2010
Illinois Arts Council - $4,200. June 2009
OhioDance, Columbus, OH
Intern for Jane D’Angelo
May 2004 – June 2007
Created dynamic marketing and publicity techniques for the company facility. Contacted potential subscribers, higher education facilities, and professional dance companies to gain financial support and involvement. Increased exposure and connectivity among professional dancers and higher institutes in Columbus and the surrounding area.
References upon request
REFERENCES UPON REQUEST
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