Bio

Mandy Kirschner Salva is a dancer, educator, stager, and choreographer. A member of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company from 2000-2004, Mandy currently serves on the faculty of The Cunningham Trust and is an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase. Mandy is an authorized stager of Merce Cunningham’s repertory, believing that opportunities for present-day dancers to perform Cunningham’s dances keep the work ever relevant. Her research delves into Merce Cunningham’s technique and repertory and the continuation of his legacy. In addition to the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Mandy was a member of the Stephen Petronio, Liz Gerring, and Ellen Cornfield Dance Companies. Mandy earned a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase and an MFA in Dance from Montclair State University, where she was awarded a scholarship from The Entertainment Community Fund towards her studies. She has taught at Montclair State University, Vassar College, Iona University, Towson University, The Place, and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Mandy’s teaching is informed by her embodied dance lineage and her certification as a Classical Pilates instructor.