Caitlin Pickens

Caitlin Pickens, a Midwestern native, has been teaching youth dance classes in Portland for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Modern Dance and was awarded the Dee R. Winterton Outstanding Teacher Award for her work and dedication as a teaching assistant within the dance department during her senior year. Caitlin performed in nearly 30 works during college, has had the pleasure to work with renowned choreographers such as Andrea Miller, Nicholas Leichter, and Sharee Lane, and continued to collaborate and perform with local artists for evening length performances upon moving to Portland.

Caitlin served as the Education and Outreach Coordinator at NW Dance Project for six years and had the pleasure of teaching Creative Movement, Contemporary Jazz, Modern, and Broadway Jazz within the school at NW Dance Project. She also crafted tailored outreach programs for various elementary schools and non-profit organizations for both youth and adults. Caitlin is currently on faculty at The School at Open Space and has been a guest teacher at Multnomah Arts Center, Center for Movement Arts, and the Independent Dance Project. Caitlin often uses playful imagery to promote authentic movement exploration. Caitlin strives to provide an outlet for her students to discover themselves more deeply through movement by creating a safe and supportive atmosphere while challenging students to find comfort in their vulnerability and follow wherever their imagination and creative power leads.