Jillian Peterson is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, and educator with roots in Baltimore, Maryland. With an illustrious dance career spanning over three decades, Jillian has devoted herself to a diverse array of movement forms. Her unique journey is shaped by her identity as a white cisgender female, offering over 30 years of dedicated practice in the world of dance. Jillian's extensive movement background predominantly centers on modern and contemporary dance, with a specialized focus on Indic dance forms. This rich tapestry of movement informs her research, which delves into the intricate ways her positionality as a white female impacts her choreography and teaching methodologies.

In 2009, Jillian Peterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Slippery Rock University. During her time at Slippery Rock University, she was honored with a scholarship opportunity to study Bharatanatyam in Chennai, India, under the tutelage of the renowned artist and teacher, Revathi Ramachandran. This experience marked the beginning of Jillian's enduring relationship with India, as she continued her research in Indic dance forms through subsequent visits.

Jillian's dance experiences have not only graced domestic stages but have also taken her to international platforms. She spent a decade contributing her talents to the world-famous Bollywood production, "Mystic India: The World Tour," where she immersed herself in Indian classical, folk, and contemporary dance styles, further expanding her artistic horizons.

As a pivotal member of the contemporary modern company, ReVision Dance Company, based at DancePlace in Washington D.C., Jillian Peterson had the opportunity to tour South Africa with the company. During this tour, she collaborated with Usuthu Arts Productions in Pretoria to develop a groundbreaking new work. Notably, ReVision Dance Company is celebrated for its commitment to engaging individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a cause Jillian passionately supports through outreach classes, performances, and the creative process.

Jillian Peterson's dedication to dance extends beyond her own performances. She has become an inspirational figure in the field of dance education, teaching Bollywood classes, conducting workshops, and holding residencies at various educational institutions along the East Coast. Currently, Jillian is pursuing her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Arizona. Recently, Jillian was awarded Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, which was nominated on by faculty. Upon completing her MFA in 2024, her vision is to contribute to higher education, with a mission to expose all students to the diverse world of dance. She firmly believes that learning about the cultural, historical, and social aspects of dance from around the world enriches students' understanding of this art form and fosters inclusive and culturally responsible learning.

Join Jillian Peterson on a captivating journey of dance, identity, and the profound artistry that binds them together.