Amber Hongsermeier, originally from Central Nebraska, is a neurodivergent interdisciplinary movement artist, choreographer, dance researcher, educator, facilitator, producer, and dance filmmaker. She received her BA in Dance with a minor in history from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where she was honored with the Porter Award for Creativity in Dance. Amber earned her MFA in Dance from Rutgers University, with her thesis focused on exploring embodiment through archetypes in astrology and tarot within the framework of vitalism. Additionally, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Lila Flow Yoga.

 

Her diverse educational and performance background includes commercial dance styles (theatrical jazz and tap), concert forms (ballet, contemporary, and modern), and vernacular dance (hip hop and various social dance styles). This varied experience provides her with a nuanced understanding of aesthetics and the narratives, both high-brow and low-brow, associated with these dance forms. Amber has performed works by Kayvon Pourazar, Blanca Huertas-Agnew, Jody Sperling, Pavel Zustiak, and Jessica Bostock. Her stage and film work is presented under her project-based dance company, Amber Hongsermeier/Dancers, and has been showcased in Nebraska, Iowa, Washington, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Japan. She regularly attends dance conferences, where she presents or conducts experimental workshops focused on somatics and neurodiversity-affirming practices in dance education and choreographic processes.

 

From a young age, Amber has been fascinated by the study of religion, mythology, indigeneity, and spirituality, particularly in relation to her Celtic and Germanic ancestral background. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, she has developed a broad knowledge of history, cultural anthropology, psychology, sociology, religious studies, and somatics. This foundation informs her scholarly and creative research on the body, spirituality, and movement. She has experience teaching individuals of all ages and abilities from diverse backgrounds in various settings, including private sectors, community outreach, and higher education. Amber views dance education as an intellectual, emotional, and physical discipline that prepares students not only for aesthetic movement but also for success in life by fostering critical thinking skills, creativity, resilience, and discipline.

 

Currently, Amber has relocated to the Pacific Northwest from the Philadelphia area, where she works as a full-time dance professional and part-time multi-disciplinary creatrix, specializing in marketing and social media management. She is dedicated to maintaining high standards in her creative work and emphasizes an accurate historical and cultural perspective in her teaching, choreography, and performances.