Department of
Theater, Film, and Media Studies

Leonard Cruz

Assistant professor of dance/movement. Modern dance, world dance forms and dances from the Pacific islands, dance for the camera, dance improvisation and composition, dance history, performance, urban education.
email: lacruz@smcm.edu
web site: https://pantherfile.uwm.edu/vanier/Gradsite/LeonardCruz.html

Leonard Cruz holds a B.A. in dance and an M.A. in world arts and cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles; an M.F.A. in performance/choreography from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and a Ph.D. in urban education from Milwaukee as well. Leonard teaches and performs a range of traditional dance/movement and world dance forms, including modern dance, dance improvisation and composition, dances from the Pacific islands, and dance for the camera. He believes strongly in addressing social justice issues in his solo dance performances and in his dance/movement work with students as well as members of local communities. Leonard has danced and toured internationally for five years with renowned choreographer-performer Bill T. Jones, has worked closely with choreographer Pina Bausch in Essen and Wuppertal, Germany, and performed in the premiere of theater experimentalist Robert Wilson’s “Exploring King Lear.” In addition to an already-lengthy and storied international career as an educator and dance performer-choreographer, Leonard continues his association with the Leonard Cruz Tanztheater in Essen, Germany, where he teaches, choreographs, and performs each summer. (Office: MH 112)