Cameron McKinney

Visiting Lecturer at Bard College

Cameron McKinney is a prominent choreographer and educator based in New York City, currently serving on the teaching faculty at Gibney Dance since 2016. He is the founder of Kizuna Dance, which he established in 2014 with a mission to create works that explore the connections and divergences between American and Japanese cultures through contemporary dance. His work often incorporates contemporary floorwork and aims to foster connections among diverse audiences.1 3

Education and Career

McKinney has an extensive background in dance education, having taught at various prestigious institutions, including NYU Tisch, Princeton University, and Montclair University. He has also been involved in numerous national and international festivals, enhancing his reputation as a versatile educator.1 2 3

Notable Achievements

Fellowships: McKinney was awarded the U.S.-Japan Friendship Commission Creative Artist Fellowship for the 2019-20 period, allowing him to collaborate with renowned Japanese choreographer Toru Shimazaki.1 2
Kizuna Dance: Through Kizuna Dance, he organizes an annual Open Intensive, providing free dance education to around 100 students each year. This initiative reflects his commitment to accessibility in dance education.2 3
Technique Development: He is currently developing the Nagare Technique, which blends street dance styles with butoh and contemporary floorwork, aiming to innovate within the dance community.2 3

Contributions to Dance

McKinney's choreography has been commissioned by various institutions, including The Ailey School and Marymount Manhattan College. His work has been showcased in multiple states across the U.S. as well as internationally in countries like Japan, France, and the UK.1 2

Overall, Cameron McKinney is recognized for his contributions to dance education and choreography, particularly through his efforts to bridge cultural gaps through artistic expression.