2013 Scholar/Artist &

2012 National College/University Dance Educator of the Year

Debra Knapp, New Mexico State University

deknapp@nmsu.edu

Debra KnappDr. Knapp came to New Mexico State University in the fall of 2001.  Debra is an Associate Professor and Director of Dance.  She has been on the dance faculties of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana; Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana; University of New Mexico in Albuquerque; New Mexico and Palucca School Academy of Performing Arts in Dresden Germany.

She has danced professionally with the Bill Evans Dance Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the Semperoper Ballet Company in Dresden, Germany; the Nora Reynolds Dance Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico; the Danzantes Dance Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico; InMotion Dance Company in Indianapolis, Indiana; and the Windfall Dancers in Bloomington, Indiana.Debra Knapp2- photo courtesy of Debra Knapp New Mexico State University

During her career she has had the opportunities to be the Artistic Director for the Windfall Dancers and the Windfall Movement Center, the Rehearsal Director and Modern Dance Trainer for the Semperoper Ballet, the Artistic Coordinator of Celebrate Youth Summer Dance and the Bill Evans Summer Dance Institute, and guest choreographer and instructor for universities and colleges throughout the United States.

Debra has been an Artist-in-Education since 1977 as a dance/movement specialist.  Her creative endeavors in education has included researching and implementing movement programs that enhance the curriculum for the kinesthetic learner for grades pre-school, elementary and middle school students.  She is a dance/movement specialist for Young Audiences of Indiana and Arkansas Arts-in-Education program.  She served as dance chairperson for the development of dance proficiency for the Indiana Department of Education.

Debra continues to freelance as a choreographer, performer, and dance instructor.

Debra Knapp- photo courtesy of Debra Knapp New Mexico State University)                Debra Knapp4 - Courtesy of Debra Knapp and New Mexico State University