Biography
Yuki Ishiguro is a contemporary dance choreographer and researcher based in Pennsylvania whose work explores the application of Japanese philosophy to contemporary bodily expression through performance, historical research, and education.
After studying ballet and breakdance in Japan, he moved to New York City in 2009 to study contemporary dance at Dance New Amsterdam. Following his work with professional dance companies in New York, he founded the nonprofit contemporary dance company Yu.S.Artistry in 2018. In 2023, he relocated the company to Pennsylvania and began research within the MFA Dance Program at Montclair State University. His current research investigates overlooked influences of Japanese aesthetics within American dance history and incorporates choreographic methodologies based on Japanese philosophical concepts that serve as the foundation of movement.
Education
2026 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: Montclair State University, NJ, USA
2011 International Student Program (Dance): Dance New Amsterdam, New York, NY
2005 Bachelor of Arts in Business: Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
Academic Appointments
2025–2026 Adjunct Professor, Dance Appreciation: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
2025 Graduate Intern, Dance Department: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Selected Performance Venues
Lincoln Center — New York, NY
Carnegie Hall — New York, NY
Ailey Citigroup Theater — New York, NY
Suzanne Roberts Theater — Philadelphia, PA
Queens Theater — Queens, NY
The Tank NYC — New York, NY
Philadelphia Fringe Festival — Philadelphia, PA
Michener Art Museum — Doylestown, PA
Selected Collaborations
・Catapult Entertainment — International African Tour (Nigeria)
・Emery LeCrone — Selected for VioVorum, a work for seven male dancers, performing alongside artists from major companies including the Martha Graham Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
・Roxey Ballet — Full-time contemporary ballet contract
・IsadoraNOW / Dance Visions NY — Performed with a company directed by a direct disciple of Isadora Duncan; subsequently included in the Isadora Duncan Archive
https://www.isadoraduncanarchive.org/dancer/200/
・Yoshito Sakuraba — Contemporary dance choreographer and Artistic Director of Abarukas
Awards & Grants
2026 — Cannonball Festival (Philadelphia Fringe), Text and Dramaturgy Cohort, Selected Artist
2026 — Japan Foundation, Echoes of Tranquility Production Support
2025 — Montclair State University, Student-Led Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities. Grant (RSCA FY26)
2024 — Ellen Forman Memorial Award (Choreography), Winner
2023 — PLUNGE Development Grant
2021 — City Artist Corps Grant, awarded by NYFA
Research & Presentations
2026 — “Echoes of Tranquility: Reframing Contemporary Dance through Japanese Philosophy: Pedagogy, History, and Practice”
Montclair State University Student Research Symposium
2026 — “Echoes of Tranquility:
The Fusion of Eastern and Western Aesthetics in Contemporary Dance”
Master of Fine Arts Thesis, Montclair State University
Teaching & Workshops
Montclair State University — Dance Appreciation, Floorwork Workshop
Drexel University — Guest Choreographer
Coker University — Workshop: Floorwork and Japanese Philosophy
Manhattanville College — Floorwork Workshop
Nazareth College — Contemporary Technique, Repertory, and Partnering Workshop
Professional Certifications
Simonson Method Dance Teaching Certification
RYT-500 Yoga Teacher Certification
Acrobatic Arts Certification