Pedagogy
& Research
​Leslie Parker's experimental and intersectional work combines autoethnographic research, methodology, and dance.
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Parker draws on over 20 years of experience performing and training in dances derived of the Black and African Diaspora. Her work uses multi/trans-disciplinary approach, and draws from unique lived experiences of an individual by referring to the body as an embodied archive, a source for an amalgamation of collective and individual memories.​
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View Leslie Parker's Resume​​
Methodology,
Research,
Writing
Call to Remember Choreographic Residency
Department of Dance Performance and Choreography
Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
March 22-28, 2026
2026
Contemporary Experiment Workshop
Movement Research
150 First Avenue, New York, NY
May 5, 2025
April 29 - May 2, 2025
Event link: https://movementresearch.org/workshops/2807/
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A course that can be condensed into a workshop, the focus is primarily the individual body as a site/map for exploration. It is an embodied practice that expands capacity for a more nuanced, rigorous, and sensory approach to space, time, and energy to integrate the thinking-body with real-time presence; and to play with physical range while increasing flexibility of the spine for a deepening in awareness of strength and endurance. Empathetic exchanges using collaboration in movement studies are significant to amplify grounded power, intuitive connection to the body and place, navigating dissent, and honing clarity in timing and rhythm.
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We experiment with choreographic phrasing including floorwork, contemporary/Modern technique, rhythmic timing, breath control, and moving with abandonment.
2025
Call to Remember Essays & Statements on Collaboration, Improvisation, and Black Creative Research​. By Leslie Parker and Naimah Petigny, printed and distributed by Walker Art Center, in partnership with Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography (MANCC).
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2023
"Call to Remember Methodologies: Reflections."By Naimah Petigny and Leslie Parker, published by Walker Art Center
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2023
Teaching experience
Keshet Dance & Center for Performing Arts -
Guest Artist in Residence
Photo by Pat Berrett
Point Park University - Guest Arttist
TU Dance Center - Guest Artist
Guest Artist
TU Dance Center
Workshop sessions - Contemporary Experiment
2025
Guest Artist-Scholar In Conversation With Professor Lyrric Jackson
Spelman Dance Theatre
Atlanta, GA
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Black Dance Improvisation
2025
Guest Assistant Professor
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Master Dance Class, Black Dance Improvisation (Undergraduate Level)
2024
Instructor
TU Dance Center
St. Paul, MN
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Contemporary Experiment, Black Dance Improvisation (Open Company Class) March 11 & March 13
2024
Mini Residency
Temple University Dance Department
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Improvisation (Graduate Level)
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Neo Traditional African Dance (Graduate and Undergraduate)
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Reflection/Response Artist Talk (Lecture)
2023
Lecturer (Full-Time Faculty)
University of Minnesota Theater Arts & Dance
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Contemporary levels 5, 6, 7, 9
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Composition I, II
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African Diaspora levels 3, 4, 5
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Rehearsal Director
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ACDA Mentor
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Faculty Choreographer-in-Residence for Student Dance Concert
2018-2020
Instructor (Contemporary Experiments Workshops)
TU Dance Center, St. Paul, MN
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Pre-professional Contemporary Classes
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Pre-professional Advanced Contemporary
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Professional Advanced TU Dance Company Members
2017-2019
Adjunct Faculty
University of Minnesota Theater Arts & Dance
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Modern I
2017-2018
Instructor (Summer Low-Residency Graduate Dance Program)
Hollins University, Roanoke, VA
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Contemporary Experiments - Mentored Studio Practice
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Contemporary Experiments - Improvisation + Technique + Performance
2017-2018
Instructor
Zenon Dance Company and School, Minneapolis, MN
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Contemporary Experiments - Processes Unfolding
2017-2018
Artist Lead (Lake Street Arts Program)
Pangea World Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
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"Movement/Resistance" Improvisation & Memory workshop initiative created by Leslie Parker in partnership with Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts, Zenon Dance Company and School, and Pangea World Theare
2016-2017
Substitute Instructor
Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY)
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Modern I
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Choreography II
2016
Teaching Artist (Master Dance Class)
Esther Boyer College of Music & Dance
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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African & Contemporary Technique Fusion
2015
Substitute Instructor
Sarah Lawrence College, Yonkers, NY
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African Diasporic Dance
2015
Parker's autoethnographic research titled, Performing Identities in Real-time as Contemporary Practice in Dance, digs into place, lineage, and memory. She asserts that improvisation is also a critical form of expression for Black and Brown bodies in particular and while related to all improvisation models.
Teaching Experience Continued
Divination Tools: imagine home at Walker McGuire Theatre
Photo by Yasmine Yassin
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Guest Artist
Threads Dance Project, Minneapolis, MN
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Company Master Dance Class - Contemporary Dance Practices
2015
Instructor
Gibney Dance Center, New York, NY​
2014-2015
Instructor
Satellite Academy High School, New York, NY
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World Culture Day
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Afro-Modern
2012-2015
Instructor
St. Ursula High School, Bronx, New York, NY
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African American Culture and Dance History
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Contemporary Dance Practices
2011-2012
Choreographer, Teacher
Co-Program Development (Artist Activist Program)
Penumbra Theatre Summer Institute, St. Paul, MN
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African Diasporic
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Contemporary Dance Practices
2008-2012
Teacher
The William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs
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International Dance & Culture
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Afro-Modern
2007-2010