Theatre, Film & Dance, Cornell University

Research Overview

Janice Kovar has worked in the field of modern dance as a performer, choreographer and educator for over 35 years. After receiving a degree in dance from the University of Illinois, she continued her training in NYC studying modern dance at the Cunningham Studio, improvisation with Yvonne Rainer, and Tai Chi Chuan with Da Liu. She is currently studying movement exploration in The Five Rhythms with Gabrielle Roth and Jonathan Horan at The Moving School in NYC. She came to Cornell in 1972 where has taught modern dance technique, composition, and Tai Chi. She has performed extensively with numerous choreographers in NYC and the Upstate NY area, including, Jill Becker, Joyce Morgenroth, Peggy Lawler, Jim Self, Byron Suber, Lonna Wilkinson, Wendy Peron, Blondell Cummings, June Finch, Judith Hook, Karen Bell, Jeff Slayton, Peter Saul, Mel Wong, Yvonne Rainer, Albert Reid, Pat Catterson, Ben Dolphin, and Barbara Dilley Lloyd.

She has choreographed over 30 dances while on the faculty at Cornell, Wells College, Elmira College, University of Rochester, Keuka College, and the Ithaca Dancemakers. These dances range from solos to large group pieces. Her choreography often has a meditative, prayer-like quality, combining elements of Tai Chi Chuan with modern dance technique. Coming from a Cunningham/Cage background, she works visually with pure movement in space and time. Most recently, she has been exploring archetypal images and symbols with the intent of making connections and rediscovering ancient forms of movement that live in the unconscious.

Courses Taught

• DANCE 2240 - Dance Technique Workshop
• DANCE 1200 - Dance Technique I