Sydney Schiff

Originally from Washington, D.C., I am a contemporary dancer, dance educator, choreographer, and scholar. My dance background includes a lifetime of ballet, modern, and jazz with 15 years of social dance training (Lindy Hop, competitive International Latin and Standard Ballroom, Blues, Fusion, and Brazilian Zouk). I received my Bachelor's in History of Science and a Certificate in the Program in Dance from Princeton University. 

I was a New York City-based freelance dancer and choreographer for six years, after which I earned my Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Michigan. While in graduate school, I researched Brazilian Zouk as a Fellow in the Center for World Performance Studies and upon graduating, traveled the world for a year to teach, study, and continue my preliminary ethnographic research on the dance in preparation for future scholarship, a highlight of which was a three month adventure in Brazil. ​

In 2019, I settled in Chicago to teach at and produce Zouk and Fusion dance events while continuing to travel extensively to teach, perform, and compete at national and international congresses, weekenders, and workshops.

From March 2020 to June 2021, I worked hard to keep students around the world moving, motivated, and connected through dance by providing a flexible and affordable program of daily drop-in classes (along with a rather lively Facebook chat that keeps us going through these dark times). These classes are designed for dancers seeking solo training to support partnered social dancing with a focus on skills specific to Brazilian Zouk.

I started teaching live classes again in January 2022 and but that may change... so be sure to check them out while you can! Can't make it live or wish you could still catch my favorite classes? You're in luck! I've got packages of recorded classes available for purchase. Check them out here and get moving today!

In Chicago, I teach private lessons to dancers looking to improve and grow in specific areas of their dancing as well as direct ELEMENTS, Evolución Latina Dance Company's contemporary dance team. This season, the technique portion of the class is available as an online class, so contact me for more information. Additionally, I train directors and choreograph for Evolución Latina Zouk Flow teams around the USA. Interested in starting your own Zouk Flow team or commissioning a choreography? Say the word and we'll make it happen!