Former Teaching Artists in Residence

Teaching Artist in Residence Program at NDI New Mexico

The Teaching Artist in Residence program is designed to be a mutually beneficial partnership between NDI New Mexico and high-caliber choreographers in the field of dance. The residency is an opportunity for NDI New Mexico to give students a unique way to learn and grow by working with a professional choreographer with a heart for youth development and dance education. The NDI New Mexico staff and community will also benefit from education and enrichment opportunities, and the inspiration of seeing a great artist create great contemporary work on our dancers. The Teaching Artist has the potential for a commission for their work, exposure to NDI New Mexico’s audiences in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and the means to expand their outreach work to have an impact on youth.

The Teaching Artist in Residence creates or stages choreography with multiple groups of students, ideally in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque over the course of a program year, creating works performed in a variety of NDI New Mexico events, and leading educational and enriching activities for NDI New Mexico staff and the broader community.

Artist Application

2025 Teaching Artist In Residence: Lillian Barbeito

NDI New Mexico Teaching Artist in Residence: Lillian Barbeito Lillian Barbeito, a Santa Fe native, is a Juilliard-educated artist who received a four-year, full-tuition scholarship from Tomorrow’s Leaders of America for her vision of global harmony through dance. She began her career performing with renowned institutions including The Santa Fe Opera and Southwest Ballet before going on to co-found BODYTRAFFIC in Los Angeles. As Co-Artistic Director and Director of Education for over 13 years, she helped lead the company to international acclaim, touring globally to celebrated venues such as Jacob’s Pillow, New York City Center, The Joyce Theater, The Hollywood Bowl, and The Israeli Opera.

During the pandemic, Barbeito founded HAVEN Global Sanctuary for Dance, an innovative online platform that provided vital support and over $45,000 in scholarships to dancers worldwide. A certified Countertechnique instructor—one of only 36 globally—she has taught and choreographed extensively for universities, conservatories, and professional companies across North America and Europe. In 2021, Barbeito launched the Carmel Dance Festival and its resident company, Ballare Carmel, a professional, project-based contemporary dance ensemble that has quickly gained recognition for its artistry and community impact, earning multiple grants and being named “New Business of the Year” by the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

“My hope is that the NDI New Mexico students, through working with me and our other Ballare Carmel dance artists, will be deeply transformed through this process. At the very least, I aim for them to gain invaluable lessons that will resonate both inside and outside the studio, lasting a lifetime.”

~ Lillian

Former Teaching Artist in Residence

Ballare Carmel Dance Company and NDI New Mexico

2024 Inaugural Teaching Artist In Residence: Dana Tai Soon Burgess

In November of 2023, NDI New Mexico announced its inaugural Teaching Artist in Residence Program. The first teaching artist in residence was Dana Tai Soon Burgess. A native of Santa Fe and graduate of Santa Fe High School, Dana is a world-recognized choreographer, dancer, cultural figure, and founder of the Washington, D.C.-based Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Dana has served as a Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. State Department for 30 years and is the first-ever choreographer in residence at The Smithsonian Institution.

In addition to teaching and choreographing for our students, Dana and his company participated in an array of events including master classes, choreography workshops for staff and the local dance community, and public events. His choreography was incorporated into NDI New Mexico’s annual Spring into Motion performance, End-of-Year Event Dream Big!, and was seen at The Hiland Theater as part of our Summer Arts Festival.

“When I teach a piece, I ask everyone how they feel about the subject. We don’t judge individuals for their beliefs. We want to understand everyone’s side. NDI New Mexico’s spring show is called Dream Big!, about important dreamers in history. It’s a universal need to seek a home where you can feel safe. Where you can dream.”