Daniel Padierna

Diplomas/Degrees

Diplomas/Degrees

Master of Fine Arts, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts (2020)

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

 

Daniel L. Padierna (he/they) is a queer Latino dance artist, educator and advocate originally from Wallington, New Jersey. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Montclair State University. Currently, he serves as an assistant professor of dance at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia, where he teaches contemporary, jazz and composition. His pedagogy centers on cultivating inclusive spaces for students to explore their identities and artistic voices with confidence and authenticity.   Padierna is the artistic director of Padierna Dance Project, a company rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural storytelling. His choreographic work has been commissioned and presented at venues such as Bryant Park, Symphony Space, 14th Street Y, NJPAC, and numerous pre-professional programs across the tri-state area. He was also choreographer and performer for acclaimed drag artist Olivia Lux (“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 13), celebrating queer excellence and community through movement.   His creative impact extends internationally. In October 2024, Padierna was invited to teach in Japan through the Dance International Program, where he worked with more than 700 students across 10 institutions in seven cities. This immersive experience broadened his perspective on global dance practices and affirmed his commitment to accessible and culturally responsive dance education worldwide.   Padierna currently serves as programs director for Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Inc., leading major initiatives such as Dancing Beyond, EMIA and Hearts of Men, which prioritize financial accessibility, intergenerational mentorship and holistic support for dancers from diverse backgrounds. Nationally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American College Dance Association (ACDA) and contributes to the Equity and Justice Committee, collaborating with colleagues across higher education to shape inclusive programming for regional and national conferences.   Within Shenandoah Conservatory, Padierna plays a vital role in institutional service. As co-chair of the Being Well Together Committee and a member of the Belonging Together Committee, he helps lead initiatives like Conservatory Community Conversations and wellness fairs that support the well-being and belonging of students, faculty and staff.   Today, his research explores how movement spaces can serve as transformative environments that reflect the past, represent the present and inspire the future. His mission is to empower the next generation of citizen artists through dance practices rooted in equity, wellness and authenticity.