Marlene Robbins is a dance educator/dancer /choreographer who has been sharing her love of dance with people of all ages for over 40 years. Marlene was fortunate to serve as the Dance Specialist at Indianola K-8 for 23 years, teaching thousands of students and developing an integrated curriculum K-5 as part of a full-time arts program. Early in her career Marlene worked as teaching artist for the Ohio Arts Council developing works in schools and communities across generations, the Greater Columbus Arts Council Artists in the Schools program, and Days of Creation (Artist Collaborative dedicated to process-oriented experiences in the arts) where she developed dance residencies and workshops in schools, community centers and camps across Ohio. She received a B.S.in Education from the Department of Dance at The Ohio State University (OSU) as well as a master’s in Art Education. In 2013 Marlene was recognized by the Ohio Legislature and OhioDance for her “Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Dance Education for the State of Ohio”. In addition, she was a guest lecturer in the OSU Department of Dance for many years teaching the course “Dance in Diverse Settings”.

From her deepest core, Marlene sees dance from the point of view of community. She has a unique perspective which spans from traditional to experimental forms in dance. She began dancing as an Israeli and International folk dancer which led to her exploring and performing a variety of improvisational dance forms. To this day she is a “Keeper of the Fire” for Israeli dance in the community. Her training in modern dance, composition, contact improvisation and notation have nurtured her development as a choreographer dance maker. Marlene is interested in the authentic nature of people dancing, no matter age or ability, and designs programs that allow people to explore, discover and express themselves through movement. Joy is at the center of her teaching and dance helps keep our spirits open! She strives to keep spirits open and bring communities together in joy and celebration.

Availability

Upon Request

RECENT PROJECTS: Professional Development workshop for Ballet Met dance educators on cultural diversity in teaching approaches.

“Folks Dancing,” Presentation for the OhioDance Festival at The Ohio State University.

Hillel Folk Dancers – performances and community participation: Hot Times Festival, Columbus Arts Festival, and Community Festival.