Curtis is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, researcher, and an arts manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Business Administration from SUNY Potsdam (Potsdam, NY), a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY), an MFA in Dance from the University of Maryland (College Park, MD), and a CMA in Laban Movement Studies from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (New York, NY).
Curtis’ career as a professional dancer has seen him tour as a principal with Geomantics Dance Theater and lead his own company, KineoLab. His dedication to contemporary dance and Laban Bartenieff Movement Studies was deepened through intensive study with CMA Richard Haisma from 2005 to 2011. Over the years, he has studied with and performed in works by notable artists such as Christopher K. Morgan, Adriane Fang, PEARSONWIDRIG DanceTheater, Catherine Burge, Wally Cardona, Troika Ranch, Ruth Solomon, and Doug Varone.
In addition to his performance career, Curtis is a certified K-12 dance educator and has taught arts management and dance at the undergraduate level. His teaching experience is extensive, reaching individuals of all ages and backgrounds. His research interests encompass the choreographic process, the role of dance in community and peace building efforts, and the use of dance in placemaking.
As an arts manager, Curtis has brought his expertise to a range of national and international non-profit arts organizations. His roles have included Marketing Associate at The National Centre for Early Music in York, England, Associate Director of Box Office Operations at Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, Patron Services Manager at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC, Executive Director of Projective Kinetics in Rochester, NY, and Managing Director of Neglia Ballet Artists in Buffalo, NY. He has also contributed to grant review panels for the Jersey City Arts & Cultural Trust Fund, NYSCA, and NYFA.
Currently, Curtis serves as the Executive Director of the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies and is the Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of KineoLab. His leadership extends to his role on the editorial board of the Journal of Laban Bartenieff Movement Studies and his involvement in the planning committee for the International Conference of LBMS. Curtis continues to shape the future of dance and movement studies through his multifaceted contributions to the field.
