Adelphi University

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

Saturday, 11/22
4:00-6:00pm
Daniel Padierna, Int/Adv Jazz Fusion

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY

Adelphi University Department of Dance (@adelphidance)
Offering a BFA in Dance and a Dance Minor, Adelphi provides conservatory-level training within a liberal arts education. Students study under world-class faculty and guest artists, exploring diverse styles and choreographic perspectives across ballet, modern, contemporary, and now industry styles dance. As the first American college to establish a dance program, Adelphi continues to lead with innovation, artistry, and excellence. With small class sizes, extensive performance opportunities, and close proximity to New York City, Adelphi dancers develop the technique, versatility, and professionalism to thrive on stage, in education, and throughout the evolving dance industry.

Class Description
Explore dance trends in pop culture and the fusion of commercial and theatrical styles in this dynamic class designed for pre-professional dancers. Exploration of cultural influences and adaptation of styles are key aspects of this experience. The class offers an inclusive environment, providing a contemporary view of jazz dance expression.

Daniel L. Padierna

Daniel L. Padierna (@danielpadierna_) is a Latino queer dance artist, educator and advocate originally from Wallington, New Jersey. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education from Montclair State University. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY, where he teaches modern, jazz, senior seminar, and choreographs for the mainstage performances. His pedagogy centers on cultivating inclusive spaces for students to explore their identities and artistic voices with confidence and authenticity.   Padierna is the artistic director of Padierna Dance Project, a company rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural storytelling. His choreographic work has been commissioned and presented at venues such as Bryant Park, Symphony Space, 14th Street Y, NJPAC, and numerous pre-professional programs across the tri-state area. He was also choreographer and performer for acclaimed drag artist Olivia Lux (“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 13), celebrating queer excellence and community through movement.   His creative impact extends internationally. In October 2024, Padierna was invited to teach in Japan through the Dance International Program, where he worked with more than 700 students across 10 institutions in seven cities. This immersive experience broadened his perspective on global dance practices and affirmed his commitment to accessible and culturally responsive dance education worldwide.   Padierna currently serves as programs director for Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Inc., leading major initiatives such as Dancing Beyond, EMIA and Hearts of Men, which prioritize financial accessibility, intergenerational mentorship and holistic support for dancers from diverse backgrounds. Nationally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American College Dance Association (ACDA) and contributes to the Equity and Justice Committee, collaborating with colleagues across higher education to shape inclusive programming for regional and national conferences.  Today, his research explores how movement spaces can serve as transformative environments that reflect the past, represent the present and inspire the future. His mission is to empower the next generation of citizen artists through dance practices rooted in equity, wellness and authenticity.