Dr. Alyssa Motter

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Alyssa E. Motter is a dance artist, educator, and writer who specializes in socially engaged dance practices. She designs and facilitates interactive, movement-based experiences that connect individuals and encourage creative exploration, dialogue, and self-reflection. Her research focuses on community-building in the learning arts, particularly the study of identity and embodied methods that use movement to enhance science learning. Currently, Motter serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University, where she teaches courses including Dance Composition and Improvisation. She holds an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Throughout her career, she has danced with the South Chicago Dance Theatre and notable choreographers such as Kyle Abraham and Jasmine Hearn. Motter has also contributed as a dance writer for Newcity and has held roles as an arts administrator at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Carnegie Mellon University.

Research Interests

Awards

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Learning Fellowship

2023-01-01
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Chicago Cultural Center Residency

2019-01-01
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Jack Mezirow Living Theory Transformative Learning Award

2018-01-01

Courses

Dance 225-0 Introduction Dance Composition Dance 101-2 Dance Creative Collaboration Dance 345 Studies in Dance Collaboration Dance 350 Modern/Contemporary: Studies in Advanced Improvisation

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.