Joe Goode

Joe Goode is a prominent American choreographer, director, and educator, recognized for his innovative contributions to contemporary dance theater. Born in 1951 in Oklahoma City, he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973 and later joined the Merce Cunningham Dance Company before relocating to San Francisco, where he became associated with the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company.

Goode founded the Joe Goode Performance Group (JGPG) in 1986, which has gained acclaim for its unique blend of movement, spoken word, song, and visual imagery. His work often explores themes of identity and interpersonal relationships, and he has created several notable performances, including Gender Heroes and Wonderboy .23

He became a tenured professor in the Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2001. Over his 23-year tenure, Goode has received numerous awards, including the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in 2007 and the New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie) in 1998 .125 He is also known for his teaching, particularly in "felt performance," attracting participants from around the globe .45

As of June 2024, Joe Goode announced his retirement from UC Berkeley, concluding a significant chapter in his academic and artistic career .6