Teaching Statements

I believe the body holds profound wisdom and that performance is both rigorous and joyous. I aim to cultivate learning environments where students feel empowered to explore, to take risks, and to create with authenticity and curiosity, while being supported in their growth as artists and as people.

My teaching integrates diverse methodologies: Lecoq physical theater, Laban Movement Analysis, dance-theater, mindfulness and embodied presence practices, alongside extensive training in Contemporary Dance, House, Hip-hop, Waacking, Feldenkrais, and Yoga.

My classroom functions as both playground and laboratory. Through structured ensemble play, students overcome self-consciousness to achieve bold, embodied performances. I guide them to observe their world - objects, landscapes, people - and translate these observations into compositions, connecting quality, rhythm, and space to human behavior and character. This process bridges acting practice with broader artistic forms, expanding both technical capacity and creative imagination.

I intentionally weave together movement traditions across cultures, demonstrating vital connections like those between Lecoq's core movement, Undulation, and the fundamental “jack” in House dance. This approach helps students see themselves within a global artistic lineage across disciplines. Drawing from my varied teaching experience, which spans from youth development programs to higher education, I aim to create environments where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and challenged - across varied neurological, social, and cultural identities.

In my collaborative classroom, students and teacher learn from one another, cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared discovery. Through this approach, students emerge not only as skilled performers but as thoughtful, engaged artists ready to push boundaries and innovate within constraints. They leave my classroom with a deeper understanding of themselves, their craft, and their potential to create a social impact through performance.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of my creative and pedagogical practice. These principles guide how I approach teaching, create art, and engage with the communities I serve. I believe that fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported is essential to unlocking the full potential of individuals and ensembles. By embracing the diversity of lived experiences and cultural perspectives, I strive to create spaces that celebrate multiplicity and cultivate meaningful connections.

In my teaching, I prioritize creating a classroom environment that is as inclusive and equitable as it is rigorous. I begin by cultivating a sense of belonging, recognizing that students bring unique experiences and identities into the room. This includes attending to access needs, creating opportunities for students to share their stories, and challenging traditional hierarchies of knowledge. For example, I invite students to draw upon their cultural practices and personal histories as sources of artistic inspiration. This approach not only enriches the creative process but also fosters mutual respect and curiosity among peers.

I employ a range of modalities to meet diverse learning styles and access points. Techniques such as Lecoq physical theater, Laban Movement Analysis, Meisner, mindfulness, and embodied presence allow me to address the varied needs of students. For instance, integrating house dance into lessons on Lecoq’s undulation technique enabled students to explore rhythm and movement through a cultural lens that resonated with their experiences. By situating technical training within broader cultural and historical contexts, I aim to empower students to see themselves as contributors to a dynamic artistic lineage.

Play and ensemble work are central to my approach, as they invite vulnerability and collaboration. I use ensemble exercises that encourage students to celebrate failure as an integral part of learning, helping to dismantle fear and self-consciousness. For example, in a physical storytelling exercise, students exchange ideas and build narratives collectively, practicing active listening and mutual support. This emphasis on collaboration models the principles of equity and inclusion by fostering a sense of shared responsibility and interconnectedness.

My creative practice reflects my commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing systemic inequities. Much of my work engages with themes of loss, connection, and community resilience, often incorporating personal narratives and embodied storytelling. In the performance piece Being/With, for instance, I worked with participants to create intimate exchanges that highlighted the beauty and complexity of human connection across differences. The project employed both virtual and in-person modalities, expanding access and inviting a wide range of participants to engage deeply with one another.

As an educator and artist, I continually examine my own positionality and biases. This requires listening to students, colleagues, and community members with humility and a willingness to adapt. I actively seek out professional development opportunities, such as training in restorative practices and intimacy direction, to expand my understanding of equity-centered pedagogy. I also prioritize mentorship, particularly for students from historically marginalized backgrounds, to support their growth and advocate for their success in a field that has often excluded them. 

At its core, my practice is about cultivating spaces where individuals feel empowered to take creative risks, engage critically, and connect authentically with one another. By integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into every aspect of my work, I hope to inspire students and collaborators to imagine and enact a more just and compassionate world.

CURRICULUM VITAE

LILLIAN MAE RANSIJN

                                                                                  2910 Nicholas Street 

    Philadelphia, PA 19121

                                                                                              404.376.5873

Lillian.ransijn@gmail.com

www.lillianransijn.com

EDUCATION

M.F.A, Devised Performance Practice, University of the Arts/Pig Iron, Philadelphia, PA, 2016 Thesis: Fourth Quarter, a 50-minute play about climate change, grief, & motherhood.

B.A, Dance and Movement Studies, magna cum laude, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 2005 Thesis: Reviving Ophelia, a 25-minute solo performance investigating themes of adolescence through the dance theater form.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING 

Visiting Assistant Professor of Movement, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 2023-currently

• Teaches Movement for the Actor I-IV and Stage Movement I and II.

• Choreographs productions and serves as Intimacy Director for Connecticut Repertory Theater and other departmental needs.

• Teaches dance technique and intimacy for stage and screen independent study,

• Collaborates with fellow Performance Faculty members on MFA and BFA curricular redesigns, student recruitment, auditions and visit days, guest artists, and DEI initiatives.

Adjunct Associate, Movement for the Actor, University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA, 2021-2023

• Taught two sections of Movement for the Actor I and II and provided ongoing student feedback and assessment.

• Fused Laban Movement Analysis and Lecoq pedagogies with consent-forward ensemble practices.

Senior Lecturer, Movement for the Actor, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, 2018

• Composed a new Movement for the Actor curriculum and taught three class sections.

• Provided on-going individual feedback and student progress evaluations.

PROFESSIONAL STUDY  

Workshops:

• Igniting Emancipatory Possibilities Through African Diaspora Dance Summit: Ron K. Brown/Evidence, Shani Collins, Truth Hunter, Kwame Shaka Opare, Jeffrey Paige, Connecticut College, New London, CT, 2024 (four days)

• The World’s Smallest Stage Platform Theater Intensive with Theater Unspeakable: Marc Frost, Pig Iron Theater, Philadelphia, PA, 2023 (three days)

• Embodied Voice Lessac U.S. Intensive Workshop: Marth Munro and Crystal Robbins, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, 2023 (one week)

• The Pedagogy of Clown: Giovanni Fusetti, Pig Iron APT School, Philadelphia, PA 2023 (two weeks)

• Intimacy Coordination, IDC Professionals: Alicia Rodis, Claire Warden, Marcus Watson and Lauren Kiele Deleon, Online and New York, NY 2020-2022

• Breaking, Capoeira & Ground Moves, Hip Hop, House, Locking, Waacking dance    techniques with Mark “Metal” Wong and Jerry Valme, Ron Wood, Virgil ‘Lil ‘O’ “Gadson, Ricky “Glytch” Evans, Emily Pietruzska , Sophiann Mahalia, Rylee Prodigy, and Vince Johnson, Urban Movement Arts, Philadelphia, PA 2017-currently (ongoing)

• Advanced Performance for Video, Jonathan Van Dyke, Online 2021 (five weeks)

• Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, Diane Hilleary/Atlanta Center for Self-Compassion, Online 2021 (eight weeks)

• Performance for Video: Manners and Techniques for Performing on Camera, Jonathan Van Dyke, Online 2021 (5 weeks)

• Inclusive Teaching: Supporting All Students in the College Classroom/Columbia Edx, Online 2021 (six weeks)

• The Tao of Clown, Giovanni Fusetti, Boulder, CO 2019 (four days)

• The Wilma Theater Hothouse Intensive in Cicely Berry, Primitive Voice (Jean Renee Toussaint), and Terzopoulos techniques, Philadelphia, PA 2018 (three weeks)

• Pedagogy of Lecoq’s 20 Movements, Norman Taylor, New York, NY 2018 (four days)

• Movement Archery and Zen Acrobatics, Tom Weksler, Philadelphia, PA 2018 (three days)

• Meisner Acting Technique and On-Camera Acting, Rob Mello, Atlanta, GA 2013-2014 (sixteen months)

• Arts Integration, Language, and Literacy, Habla Institute, Merida, MX, 2013 (two weeks)

• Viewpoints, Clown, Suzuki, Roy Hart, Out of Hand Theater, Atlanta, GA 2009-2012 (weekly)

• Bates Dance Festival, Lewiston, ME, 2007 (three weeks)

• Colorado College Dance Festival, Colorado Spring, CO, 2006 (three weeks)

• American Dance Festival, Durham, NC, 2003 (six weeks)

Certifications:

Advanced Yoga Teacher Certification, Alex Auder/Magu Yoga, Philadelphia, PA 2019

Restorative Arts Teaching Certification, Buildabridge International, Philadelphia, PA 2018

SFGI Certified Kettlebell Instructor, StrongFirst Girya, Philadelphia, PA 2017

Level 4 Educator’s Certificate, Special Education (K-12),  Middle Grades All Subjects, & Elementary P-4, Atlanta, GA 2012

200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification, Yoga Vida Gurukal, Maharashtra, India 2008

GRANTS AND AWARDS

UConn Faculty DEI Project Initiative Award 2023

Cannonball Festival Theater for Youth Production Grant 2023

UArts Faculty Academic Development Award 2023

Cannonball Festival Fringe Co-Production Grant 2022

Network of Ensemble Theaters Travel Grant 2019

Barn Arts Artist-in-Residency 2017

Fringearts Summer Artist-in-Residency 2017

Breaking New Ground Artist Grant                                                                               2012

City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Individual Artist Grant                               2013

Fulton County Arts Council Grant Award                                                      2009, 2010, 2013

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Movement Consultant, Urban Movement Arts, Philadelphia, PA 2021—2023

• Provides 30 min one-on-one consultations for adult dancers enrolled in Urban MovementArts’ monthly introductory foundations course, The UMA DIP. 

• Helps students to connect to and define their needs, goals, preferences, concerns and possibilities alongside their studio-based course.

Teaching Artist, Wilma Theater Portable Studio Program, Philadelphia PA 2017-2023

• Co-created and led English Conversation Through Storytelling in partnership with the Philadelphia Free Library Language Learning Program.  Devised with individuals through the Temple Center for Disabilities.  Led Poetry in Motion workshops in partnership with Broad Street Ministry. In-service professional development participant in Trauma-informed practice  (Women Against Abuse), Accessibility (ARTREACH), Audio Description (VSA Pennsylvania), Intentional Inclusivity (Bartol Foundation).

Teaching Artist, Wilma Theater Wilmagination Program, Philadelphia, PA 2021-2023

• Co-designed and co-taught residency at Vaux Big Picture High School. 

• Collaborated with classroom teacher to integrate thematic and artistic content from The Wilma Theater’s production of Fat Ham into meaningful dialogue and activities for 9th-11th graders at Vaux.

Teaching Artist, Movemakers Philly, Philadelphia, PA,  2021-2023

• Taught  “Minimovers” Hip-hop at Mi Casita, a Spanish-immersion preschool.

Teaching Artist, Dancing Classrooms Philly, Philadelphia PA,  2021-2023

• Taught Ballroom, Latin, and Hip Hop residencies at Elementary and High Schools throughout the Philadelphia Area.

Teaching Artist, The Lantern Theater, Philadelphia PA, 2019-2023

• Led Shakespeare theater workshops at middle and high schools throughout Philadelphia. 

Teaching Artist, Buildabridge International, Philadelphia, PA, 2019-2020

• Designed and taught Trauma-Informed Restorative Arts curriculum and Deep Listening and Transformational Dialogue workshops.

Teaching Artist, University of the Arts PAEP Program, Philadelphia, PA, 2014-2015

• Taught arts-integrated after school classes at five public elementary and middle schools in  Philadelphia.

Lead Teacher: Special Education, Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, Atlanta, GA 2012-2014

• Crafted and co-taught Constructivist, project-based 7th and 8th Grade Humanities and MST curricula

• Supported students with learning differences in individual and small group breakout sessions, Drafted Individual Education Plans and ran IEP meetings.

Language, Science and Performing Arts Teacher, The Orion School, Atlanta, GA, 2010-2012

• Fostered  positive interpersonal skills, creative expression, self-regulation, self-esteem, and academic learning

• Incorporated pro-social skills and positive discipline techniques gained in ongoing professional development.

Lead Teacher and Youth DevelopmentMentor, Moving in the Spirit, Atlanta, GA 2008-2012 

• Taught students ages 3-15 weekly dance classes

• Integrated Eldridge Movement Technique into thePositive Youth Developmental Model for Instruction and Assessment

• Choreographed for Teen National Tour and fundraising events.

Teaching Artist, Spectrum Arts (Shenanigans) Performing Arts, Atlanta, GA, 2012

• Collaborated with autism theatre specialist and music therapist to organize and run 2-week performing arts camp for students on the autism spectrum 7 to 19 years old

• Taught dance classes and choreographed culminating musical production.

Lead Teacher, The Cloverleaf School Summer Sensory Camp, Atlanta, GA, 2012

• Differentiated learning activities, Facilitated students’ daily educational field trips

• Managed the safety, sensory needs, and learning of students on an ongoing basis.

Teaching Artist, Alternate Endings Workshop, Clarkston, GA, 2010-2011

• Co-taught weekly performance and improvisation workshops for twenty teens of Refugee Family Services Youth Empowerment for Success Program, culminating in an informal performance.

Dance Coach,Decatur/East Lake YMCAs, Atlanta, GA, 2005-2009

• Taught weekly ballet classes to students

• Coached gymnastics team in dance technique

Teaching Artist, Fly-By Theatre,Atlanta, GA, 2005-2009

• Taught dance, theater, creative writing, and visual arts for West End Performing Arts Center Spring Break and Summer Block Performing Arts Camps.

Dance Instructor, DancerKids, Inc., Atlanta, GA, 2005-2007

• Taught creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, pointe, and choreography

• Choreographer and Production Assistant for an annual recital for 200 students.

SELECTED DIRECTION & CHOREOGRAPHY

2024    Movement/Intimacy, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, dir. Paul Bernstein, Rutgers University--Camden, Camden, NJ

2023   Make Bank, devised by Rough & Tumble Productions and Meg Saligman, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia, PA

2023    Magic Trash Day, Cannonball Fest in Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia, PA

2022    Rough and Tumble: Pickled Peaches and Herring, Cannonball Fest in Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia, PA

2021    Umami, Urban Movement Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2020 Good Grief!, Urban Movement Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2019   “Per(four)mance”, co-created with members of One Movement Project,  Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA

2018   “So Big” in Fourth Quarter, Christ Church Neighborhood House, Philadelphia, PA

2018 “Rough and Tumble”, Circadium, Philadelphia, PA; West End Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, GA; University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; Urban Movement Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2014 “Let Downs”, original music by Wahid Khoshravani, The Beam Theater, Atlanta,   GA, additional music by Nina Simone, Harry Connick Jr., The Zombies.

2013 “To the Mats”, Decatur Book Festival, Atlanta, GA, music by the Zombies

2014 “F-Bomb” (music video), dir. Mike Moore, Studio 8, Atlanta, GA

2012 “To Have and To Hold” (Dance for Camera) Dances Made to Order: Online, music by Chip Epstein.

2010    “Onions”, 7 Stages Theater, Atlanta, GA; re-worked for Moving  in the Spirit’s Teen Apprentice Corporation National Tour (2012), original sound score by Lillian Ransijn.

2009     “Bathroom Politics”, Thoughts from the Other Side, The Beam Theater, Atlanta, GA

2006     “Mrs. Malaprop”, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO

SELECTED PERFORMANCE

Production, Role, Producing Body

Make Bank Creator-Performer Meg Saligman & Fringearts 2023

Rough & Tumble Lead Artist/Performer Cannonball Festival 2022

Being/With Performer/Guide Nichole Canuso Dance Co. 2021

Wolfthicket Creator-Performer Lily Kind 2021

The Garden Creator-Performer Nichole Canuso Dance Co. 2021

Being/With (online) Performer/Guide Nichole Canuso Dance Co. 2020

Cyber Snax Soloist, Dancer The Peek-a-boo Revue 2020

Bolero Performer Urban Movement Arts 2019

A Grief Cabaret Creator-Performer Werks Barehouse 2019

Fourth Quarter Creator-Performer First Person Arts Festival 2018     Shuttlefish Creator-Performer Eva Steinmetz Project 2017

Home Dancer Amanda Byars 2016

Dessert in the Desert Producer/Dancer DENSE with Ground Delivery 2014

Free Fall Actor-Dancer Theater Emory 2013

Signs of Intelligence Dancer DENSE 2013

Anti-Manners Actor-Dancer Dashboard Co-Op           2011

Group Intelligence Writer-Performer Out of Hand Theater 2011

Tempo  Dancer Catellier Dance Projects 2011

HeadFirst to UpsideDown  Dancer Helen Hale Dance 2010

American Muscle Dancer The Lucky Penny 2009

Underground Dancer/Ensemble      David Dorfman Dance Theater 2008

FreshAir Better Air Tell-Tale Theatre 2006

A World of Silents Mary/Lillian Fly-By Theatre 2004 

INTIMACY DIRECTION AND COORDINATION

2024 The Moors, dir. Kristen Palmer, Conn. Repertory Theater, Storrs, CT

2024 Young Frankenstein, dir Gerry McIntyre, Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA

2024 “Femininity”, dir. Samantha Nye-Guggenheim Fellowship Project, Fire Island, NY

2024 4,000 Miles, dir. Lizzie Gottlieb, Berkshire Theater Group, Stockbridge, CT

2024 “Lazy Bones”, dir. Douglas Williams, Rabbit Rabbit Film Co., Philadelphia, PA

2023 A Hundred Words for Snow, dir. Brendon Fox, Conn. Repertory Theater, Storrs, CT

2023 War of the Worlds 2023, dir. Jaron Hollander, Conn. Repertory Theater, Storrs, CT

2024 A Doctor’s Dilemma, dir. Tlaloc Rivas, Conn. Repertory Theater, Storrs, CT

2023 “Jigsaw”, dir. Tristan Hurst, Tristan Writes, Philadelphia, PA

INTIMACY DIRECTION AND COORDINATION--EDUCATIONAL

2024 A True Love Story, dir. Chastity LaFrancois , D-Series at UConn, Storrs, CT

2024 Guitarrrón, dir. Vince Tycer, UConn Senior Showcase, Storrs, CT

2024 Hazel’s Hands, dir. Carlos Fruzzetti, ROJO Fest, UCONN, Storrs, CT

2023 Taurus, dir. Joanie Papillon, MFA Puppetry Arts Capstone, UConn, Storrs, CT

2023 Horsegirls, dir. Reese Spenser, ROJO Festival, UConn, Storrs, CT

2023 A Servant of Two Masters, dir. Sandi Carroll, UConn Sophomore Project, Storrs, CT

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Co-director, Rough & Tumble Productions, Philadelphia, PA 2023-currently

Produces, devises, and directs original works, Performs, Organizes tours, partnerships, season planning, and budgets, Designs and leads workshops

Member, UConn BFA Recruitment Committee and CRT Season Planning Committee, Storrs, CT 2023-currently

Founding Director, Ground Delivery Dance Theater, Atlanta, GA, 2008-2014 

Wrote grants, Choreographed and directed productions, Organized partnerships and public workshops

Member, Emory Friends of Dance, Atlanta, GA 2005-2014

Board President (2009-2014), Member (2005-2009) Ran quarterly meetings, Co-determined Guest Lecturer Series, Granted Summer Scholarship Awards, Fundraised

Critical Friends Group Coach, National School Reform Initiative, Atlanta, GA 2012-2014

Led monthly professional development for 12 colleagues, Attended facilitation workshops and National School Reform Initiative conferences

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

IDC Professionals

American Association of University Professionals

Unified Academics of Philadelphia

Network of Ensemble Theaters 

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

University of the Arts:

• THMD 165, 166 -001, 002,003 Movement for the Actor I & II

University of Connecticut:

• DRAM 1801 Stage Movement I

• DRAM 1802 Stage Movement II

• DRAM 2810 Stage Movement III

• DRAM 2812 Stage Movement IV

Graduate:

• DRAM 5192 Independent Study in Intimacy Coordination

• DRAM 5801 Movement for the Actor I

• DRAM 5802 Movement for the Actor II