Susan Shields

Susan Shields has been a member of the dance community for over 35 years as a performer, choreographer, educator, and leader. A recipient of the ‘2006 Choo-San Goh Award’ for Choreography, she has created works for Ballet West, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Washington Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Nashville Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, The Juilliard Ensemble, Boston Ballet II, and City Dance Ensemble. Her choreography is also featured at George Mason University, Harvard University, University of Richmond, and Shenandoah University. In 2005, Shields was commissioned by the Wolf Trap Foundation to create a ballet for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, premiering at the Filene Center. She began touring at age 18 and performed nationally and internationally with numerous companies. As a member of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, she danced works by leading contemporary choreographers and was featured with Baryshnikov in Mark Morris’ acclaimed The Argument. She spent eight years as a principal dancer with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, performing a wide range of repertory with many roles created for her. Shields also performed with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians, Eliot Feld Ballet New York, and apprenticed with the Washington Ballet, where she trained under Mary Day. She currently serves as Director of the School of Dance at George Mason University, continuing her commitment to shaping the future of dance through education and mentorship.