Associate Professor, Chair
Dance, College of Arts and Sciences
Performing Arts Center 150
516.877.4254
oduckstein@adelphi.edu
BFA, University of Connecticut (1991)
Professional Performances & Choreography
Paul Taylor Dance Company 1999-2010; 2014 (guest artist)
Take Dance Company - Takehiro Ueyama, artistic director 2003-2008, 2014-15
Taylor 2 Dance Company 1995-1999
Mazzini Dance Collective guest artist, choreographer, dancer
Patricia Kenny Dance Collection, guest artist, choreographer, dancer
Robert Wood Dance
Samson et Delilah, choreographed by Peter Pucci
Judy Dworin Performance Ensemble
Sonia Plumb Dance Company
Teaching
Open Professional classes in NYC, Paul Taylor Studios, STEPS. 1998-2026
Workshops taught: Paul Taylor Dance Company Summer Intensives, Winter Intensives 1999-2026, Modern Technique, Repertory
Masterclasses: Taught masterclasses in the Taylor style in hundreds of cities across the US and in 30 countries.
Residencies: Guest Artist-In-Residence, Choreography, Teaching, Master Classes
Greater Hartford Arts Academy
Boston Arts Academy
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA
Booker T Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Dallas, TX
Idyllwild High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Idyllwild, CA
Lehigh Valley High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, Lehigh, PA
Long Island University, CW Post Campus, NY
I love teaching dance. I love helping a young dancer find and develop their artistry, to explore the human experience through movement, and to develop their communicative and expressive skills through specificity and vulnerability.
Ballet V I
Contemporary Partnering
Dance Performance II
Dance Theater I
Modern Dance IV
Modern Dance Vi
Senior Dance Choreography Project
Modern Dance I-VIII
Dance Improvisation
Performance Coaching
Artistic Caoching
Conditioning for Dance
Professional Dance Seminar I & II
Repertory
The repertory lof Paul Taylor
The Modern Dance scene in New York City 1990-2015
Partnering
Conditioning for Dancers, Pilates
Professional Preparation; audition techniques, resumès and the professional portfolio
Artistic Coaching
Interviewed by Dance Magazine about techniques and tips for partnering, how to work with a new partner, how to communicate with a fellow, dancer, etc.
Article here.
American College Dance Association Northeast Conference
Presented Original choreography: When We Fly (performed by Adelphi dance majors)
Selected for finalist honors in Gala concert
Performed Original choreography: Put Me Back (original solo performance)
American College Dance Association, Northeast Conference
presented original choreography: Introducing Mrs Baxter
Awards: Finalist, selected runner up for National Conference
Bamboo Dreams (Dancer) (Review by Philip Gardner)
Choreography: Takehiro Ueyama
Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Dancers: Kristen Bell, Orion Duckstein, Corinna Nicholson, Lynda Senisi
October, 2023, Arts On Site, New York, NY
Re:Turn (Apr 2022) Choreography: Orion Duckstein
Music: various
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
-Dance Adelphi, Garden City, NY
12 dancers
It Happens This Way Once (Fall 2024)
Music and Music Algorithm: Carson Moody
Technology and Programming: Dr. Lee Stemkoski
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
-Dance Adelphi, Garden City, NY
12 dancers
Talking to Myselves (Spring 2025)
Music: David Grisman
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
- 8 dancers
Introducing Mrs Baxter (2023 Revision/Update) [promo video here]
(Revision, with revised choreography, casting, and text)
Choreography, text, and media: Orion Duckstein
Music: Les Baxter
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Props: Erin Kiernan, Orion Duckstein
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
-Dance Adelphi, Garden City, NY
12 dancers
Suite Sharon Jones (Nov 2022)
Music: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
-Dance Adelphi, Garden City, NY
16 dancers
Closer to Closure (Dec, 2021) Choreography: Orion Duckstein
Music: Kate Moore, Jherek Bischoff, Frederic Chopin
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
-Dance Adelphi, Garden City, NY
14 dancers
The Day Sky
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
Original Music Performed Live by Sidney Boquiren
Cast 16 dancers
Length 18 minutes
When We Fly (2019)
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
Cast 10 dancers
Length 12 minutes
This is a version reworked and expanded for the First-year students at Adelphi University
Closer to Closure (2018)
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
8-16 Dancers
15:00
Inspired by complex relationships, and ultimatley coming to terms with forgiveness
When You Are In The Fire
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
12-16 Dancers
16:00
Music: Cloistral, Tom Waits, Carla Bruni
Inspired depression, and the journey back to love
Beyellim
Video: Beyellim Trailer
Inspired by the beauty within and the simplicity of being present
Cast: 12-15 dancers
Length 18:00
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
Music: JS Bach, Art of the Fugue (excerpts) Suite for Solo Cello (excerpts)
Not Yours Never Was
Choreography: Orion Duckstein, with input from select cast members
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
Music: Peggy Lee; So Percussion; DakhaBrakha
15 dancers, 15 minutes
Inspired by the women around me, showcasing each woman's personality, fortitude, love, and badassery.
Closer to Closure
Choreography: Orion Duckstein, with cast input
Music: Kate Moore & Ashley Bathgate; Jherek Bischoff; Frederic Chopin
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
8 Dancers, 14 minutes
Inspired by the grieving process.
Desirium 2016
Choreography: Orion Duckstein, with cast input
Music: Funki Porcini; John Cage; Tango a Trois
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
12-16 dancers
19 minutes
Re-worked and expanded version of the hit from 2011
When We Fly
Choreography: Orion Duckstein
Music: Antonio Vivaldi; Claudio Monteverdi
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
15 minutes
12-16 dancers
An uplifting look at dancers in motion.
When We Fly
September 2015.
Choreographeed on the powerhouse students of the Repertory II Company. Using 16 dancers this dance is an uplifting look at dancers in motion. The students premiered the dance in October 2015 at Booker T Washington HSPVA, Dallas, TX. September 2015.
"Guest Artist, Dancer: Take Dance Company". Professor Duckstein re-joined Take Dance to the company's summer tour. Duckstein performed in the evening-length "Somewhere Familiar Melodies" in which choreographer Takehiro Ueyama reflects upon his family and childhood in Japan through the popular Japanese songs from teh 70's and 80's. New York. June 2015.
"Choregrapher, Dancer". Mr. Duckstein performed his own 'When We Rise' with his partner Annmaria Mazzini at a benefit for Best Buddies at Carnegie Hall on May 20. The even was organized by concert pianist Elaine Kwon and featured performances my Ms. Kwon, Mr. Duckstein,Ms. Mazzini, Questlove, and more. Carnegie Hall. May 2015.
"Rehearsal Director, Paul Taylor's Company B". Re-staged Paul Taylor's 1991 masterpiece Company B on Adelphi's dance majors. Performed as part of the 2015 Spring Dance Adelphi. The students were asked to perform the dance with the Paul Taylor Dance Company as part of a special concert for Dr. Robert Scott on May 9, 2015. Adelphi University. May 2015.
Back to Back
Choreography by Orion Duckstein
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Costume Design: Sean Sullivan
Music: Sophia Loren; Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings; Tom Waits
12 minutes
8-16 dancers
"Guest Artist, Dancer: Take Dance Company". March 18-21, 2015 Guest artist for Take Dance 2015 season. Featured performer in Mr. Ueyama's evening length 'There & Here' premier at the Schimmel Ctr, NYC. NY. March 2015.
"Guest Artist, Patricia Kenny Dance Collection".
Performed Love 15 with PKDC at renowned dance festival Jacob's Pillow. Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. July 2014.
"Guest Artist: Mazzini Dance Collection". Choreographed and performed 'When We Rise' with Annmaria Mazzini, deirector, Mazzini Dance Collective throughout their summer and fall season, performances in NYC, at the Downtown Dance Festival and Ailey Citigroup Theater, and on tour in Pennsylvania. Premier: June 19, 2014, NY, NY. New York, NY. June 2014.
RED
Link:. Red promo reel
Choreography: Orion Duckstein
Music: Julia Wolfe; Josquin Dezprez
Costumes: Sean Sullivan
Lighting Design: Joshua Monroe
Red is an intense exploration of the music of Julia Wolfe and Josquin Desprez.
15 minutes, 12-15 dancers
"Introducing Mrs Baxter (redux) at ACDA We performed this reduced version of Introducing Mrs Baxter (with 5 dancers instead of the original 12) at the American College Dance Festival in Brockport, NY. Adjudicators selected Mrs. Baxter for honors. Brockport, NY. March 2014.
"Introducing Mrs Stephen Baxter". Choreopgraphed and first performed at Adelphi, restaged on the Mazzini Dance Collective for their 2014-15 season, including NYC performaces at the Ailey Theater. Mrs Baxter was also entered into the American College Dance Festival taking 4th place out of adjudicated dances from over 50 schools. Adelphi, ACDFA, NYC. December 2013.
"Guest Choreographer, Dancer". Restaged Love 15 on the dancers of Patricia Kenny Dance Collection and performed with them throughout their 2013-14 season. Contract renewed for 2014-15 season. NY. August 2013.
"Performing Artist". Corbindances presents: Covergrrrl and the Bottom Feeders at the Brooklyn Lyceum. Patrick Corbin, Director, Choreographer. Brooklyn Lyceum, Brooklyn, NY. August 2013.
"Consumed". Music: Vivaldi Cantatas, Costume Design: Sean Sullivan Lighting Design: Josh Monroe 16 dancers, 19 minutes. Adelphi University. May 2013.
"Covenant". A duet choreographed and performed with my wife, former Paul Taylor Dance Company memeber Heather Berest. Performed as guesrt artists with the Patricia Kenny Dance Collection as part of their NY season. Music: Beethoven, 'Emporer Concerto', Adagio Lighting Design: Heather Berest 2 dancers, 7 minutes. Queens, NY. April 2013.
"Datastream". Inspired by the isolating nature of technology. Music: Woob, Threesix Costume Design: Sean Sullivan Lighting Design: Jared Klein 14 dancers; 22 minutes. Adelphi University. November 2012.
"Love 15". Love 15 is a study of love and soul music for 15 dancers. First premiered in 2012 at Adelphi, it has been restaged most recently for The Patricia Kenny Dance Collection in 2013 Music: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Sam & Dave Costume Design: Sean Sullivan Lighting Design: Debra Dumas 15 Dancers, 20 minutes. Adelphi University. April 2012.
"Desirium". A study of our desires and the delirium they can induce. Music: Funki Porcini, John Cage, Tango a Trois, 13 dancers; 15 minutes link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDJkxQdugZ4. Adelphi University. December 2011.
Senior Choreography Project (Dance Capstone performances advised and coached)
2019
Ann Francis Ang
Pamyla Cummings
Erik Debono (full length evenong of choreography)
Jamie Kleinschnitz (capstone solo)
Margaret Marchant
Michelle Meggelin
2018
Phoebe Brown
Joy Douglas (combined Levermore Global Scholar/Dance Thesis)
Hannah Franz
Caitlin McCloskey-Meyer
Logan Paschall
Charles Siguenza
Daniel Sima
2016-17
Rachel Kampuries
Lana Hankinson
Gabriel Cruz
Amaris Clarke
Madison Rajchyba
Marion Davidson
Madison McGain
Pascalle Rodqiguez '16 Honors College, Dance Performance Theis paper and performance
Andy Jacobs, '13 Dance Thesis Choreography and Performance
Michelle Baxley '12 Dance/Honors College Paper and performance
Regina Bowe '13 Honors College/Communications Thesis paper
Adelphi Research Days 2020-2026
Student choreography and research advisor; multiple students, multiple years
Student Showcase (Choreographic advisor for the following students)
Adelphi Research Day 2018
Supervised creative research and choreography projects:
Temnein: A Separation of Parts* - Marlee Fleisher ('21) choreography
Temnein went on to receive honors at the American College Dance Association's regional
Sisu (Excerpt) - Joy Douglas ('18) choreography
Multiple student works curated for the American College Dance Association Regional Conferences 2014-2018
Student Government Association Professor of the Year nominee, 2012-13
21-year professional dance career
Guest Artist Residencies:
Booker T Washington HSPVA in Dallas, TX, 2015
Booker T Washington HSPVA in Dallas, TX, 2012
Idyllwild Arts Academy, Idyllwild CA, 2011
Paul Taylor Dance Company Studio: open professional level classes (various times throughout the year)
Annmaria Mazzini & Dancers: rehearsal director
Guest Artist In Residence, Idyllwild Academy, January 2013
Finger Lakes Ballet Academy, Canandagua, NY, 2014
Guest Artist, Choreographer & Dancer:
Patricia Kenny Dance Collection, 2012-14
Mazzini Dance Collective, 2014 New York Season at Ailey Citigroup Theater, NY, NY, various tours and dance festivals.
Unit Peer Review Committee (Performing Arts) 2017-present
University Library Committee 2015-2019
College of Arts & Sciences Academic Affairs Committee 2011-2017
Faculty Liaison: Arts Day
Recruiting and Audition trips 2010-present