Dr. Shura Baryshnikov

Biography

Shura Baryshnikov is an Associate Professor of Practice in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS) at Brown University, where they have been instructing since 2011. With nine years of experience, they have served as the Head of Physical Theatre for the Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Programs, overseeing the design and management of the movement curriculum. Baryshnikov has developed several courses within TAPS, including Choreography, Viewpoints Technique, and Contemporary Dance Studio Project, focusing on the ongoing training and research of intermediate to advanced contemporary dancers. Their research encompasses a wide range of methodologies within postmodern dance, improvisation, and performance. They are also certified in Countertechnique®, a movement system that aids dancers in understanding their bodies in motion. Baryshnikov’s professional engagement spans dance, theatre, and opera; they have co-founded the Doppelgänger Dance Collective and participated in numerous collaborative projects with notable artists and directors. Their choreographic works have been featured in esteemed platforms including Apple TV and the Hartford Stage Company. In 2023, they directed the cinematic opera Svadba for the Boston Lyric Opera, earning the Artistic Creation Award from the 2nd Annual OPERA America Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera. They are a member of Actors' Equity Association and other prominent artistic organizations.

Research Interests

Experience