Iyun Harrison standing at ballet barre with dancer Graciela Kozak

Ballet Artist Visits Duke Dance Program

Iyun Ashani Harrison, associate professor of the practice of dance, recently invited choreographer and dancer Graciela Kozak to the Dance Program as a visiting artist. She worked with Dance students in the intermediate and advanced ballet classes.

Born and trained in Argentina at Teatro Colón, Kozak danced and toured with the Bat-Dor and Bat-Sheva companies of Israel for 12 years. She joined the Peridance Capezio Center faculty in 1985 and the Ailey School faculty in 2002. Her adeptness extends to coaching professional dancers as well as instructing pre-professional and recreational students.

Widely regarded as a master teacher and an accomplished performer, Kozak has collaborated with choreographers such as Alvin Ailey, Jiří Kylián, Lar Lubovich, Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Igal Perry and Donald McKayle.

“It was a delightful experience to witness Ms. Kozak's interactions with our Dance students,” Harrison shares. “Her teaching methodology seamlessly blends anatomically sound technique with profound artistic and musical exploration, leaving a lasting impression on those she mentors.”

ballet dancers reherse
ballet dancers reherse at barre
Graciela Kozak instructs ballet dancers
Graciela Kozak demonstrates ballet stances to dancers
Graciela Kozak instructs ballet dancers
ballet dancers reherse at barre
full group of ballet residency