Member, NASD Board of Directors
Elected September 2023, term ends September 2024
Anjali Austin serves as Professor and Chair of Florida State University’s School of Dance and teaches ballet and pointe, choreographs, and mentors undergraduate and graduate dance majors. A thirteen-year veteran of Dance Theatre of Harlem, she worked with Agnes de Mille, Louis Johnson, Alexandra Danilova, Glen Tetley, Valerie Bettis, Geoffrey Holder, Frederick Franklin, and others of this genre. Ballets performed include Billy the Kid, Swan Lake (Act II), Serenade, Flower Festival, Dougla, Concerto Barocco, Prince Igor, Paquita, and Frankie and Johnny. Her film credits include the PBS television specials Fall River Legend, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Creole Giselle.
Trained in Pilates, GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® systems of exercise, Professor Austin has worked with Kathleen S. Grant, Hilary Cartwright, and Juliu Horvath. Under Mr. Horvath, she completed her Gyrotonic teacher training and was among the first group certified as Specialized Gyrotonic Master Trainers. Professor Austin’s creative practice continues with the development of a solo performative work, Live Oak, based on 33 quilts designed and created by her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Gussie Beatrice Arnold Hill. She recently performed the solo, Eyes Like Empty Ballrooms (choreographed by Dan Wagoner), and is working on a new piece titled Aeolian. Other professional activities include service as a Past President of CORPS de Ballet International, and conducting lectures on the history and legacy of Black classical ballet dancers.
Professor Austin serves NASD as a visiting evaluator.
Professor Austin holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College.
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Posted October 2023