Spenser Theberge

Spenser Theberge is a freelance performing artist and creator from Portland, Oregon, USA. He received his early training from the School of Oregon Ballet Theater, Columbia Dance, and the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. Spenser graduated from The Juilliard School in 2009 and began dancing with the Netherlands Dance Theater II. In 2012, Spenser was promoted to Netherlands Dance Theater I where he created with and danced the works of Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, Lightfoot Leon, Crystal Pite, Johan Inger, Hans van Manen, and Alexander Ekman, among others. In 2013, Spenser joined The Forsythe Company as a guest artist for the final two seasons of the company before its closure in 2015. Freelancing since then, Spenser has most recently been seen as a guest artist with Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot, the Gothenburg Opera Dance Company, and the ARIAS Company.

Spenser’s own work has been presented and supported internationally, with commissions presented at MOCA Geffen, REDCAT, The Korzo Theater, Gothenburg Opera Dance Company, Place des Arts, The Juilliard School, and the Queer Biennial III in LA. Spenser also collaborates with partner Jermaine Spivey, and their work has been supported by Hollins University, PACT Zollverein, Nuova Officina della Danza, and presented by The Korzo Theater, The Frankfurt LAB, Place des Arts, DISJECTA, Reed College, and NAVEL LA. Multidisciplinary in content, Spenser’s work explores ideas of identity and perception through highly physical and inventive scenarios.

As a creator, Spenser has also designed costumes for Andrea Miller, the ARIAS Company, and performing artist Frances Chiaverini, as well as his own creations. He is also the text writer behind Alexander Ekman’s award winning “Cacti” and “Hubbub”. Most recently, Spenser has begun working as a concept coordinator and Movement Director, his work seen across music videos, blogs, and print.

Spenser is a member of the dance faculty at California Institute of the Arts, and conducts master classes at conservatories, schools, and summer programs across America, Europe, and Asia. Spenser is a Young Arts award winner, a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and a Princess Grace Award winner.