Elayna Waxse – Semaphore Choreographer Fall 2023

Elayna Waxse (she/they) is a Minneapolis-based choreographer and dance educator whose work bridges contemporary dance and mental health. Their choreography has been supported by Arena Dances, Minnesota Dance Theatre, the University of Minnesota Dance Department, Carleton College Dance Department, Threads Dance Project, and others.

As a performer, Elayna has worked with TU Dance, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Colorado Ballet Studio Company, Black Label Movement, BodyCartography Project, and Cie. Ismael Ivo at ImPulsTanz Vienna International Dance Festival.

They are a 2019 recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in Dance, previously served as Interim Artistic Director of Minnesota Dance Theatre, and hold a Master’s in Counseling Psychology.

Elayna has taught at the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, TU Dance, and Ballare Teatro, among others. They currently serve as the Dayton/Hudson Visiting Artist and Instructor at Carleton College and are the Interim School Director at St. Paul Ballet.