Mentor
As a dancer Katarina Poljak began her training in Ballet with former Pennsylvania ballet soloist Dalia Hay. She trained with many dancers from both Pennsylvania ballet and American Ballet Theatre Including Wendy Whelen and Douglas Hay. After graduating she went on to receive her BFA from the University of the Arts. While there she branched outside of her technical training, and began working with Curt Haworth who taught at American Dance Festival, and making work Alongside Kathy Rose a world renowned Performance artist and Filmmaker who had her roots in Butoh Dance. With Curt and at University of the Arts she trained in contact improvisation and various post modern improvisational dance tools. In 2016 Katarina worked extensively with Sidra Bell and her company in Brooklyn, New York. Katarina’s classes tend to have a mix of technical training and using what Curt Haworth calls “your personal genius”. She is currently dancing as an Artist in Residence at Mascher Space Cooperative in Philadelphia and working on building and casting a new Dance Film.
What college did you attend?
I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of The Arts in 2019.
What did you study in school?
I majored in Dance and minored in Film. I was the first minor to create a full thesis work in both my major and minor and I received the major Film award for my thesis Film from the University.
What is your favorite dance memory?
One of my greatest dance memories was in an improvisational class with Curt Haworth. A group I was dancing with became synchronized and at once we all seemed to be able to anticipate each other’s next step. We glided across the floor gracefully and when it was over we smiled. We knew we had made something brilliant and chaotic and wonderful and only we got to experience it. I think the most beautiful moments in dance can’t be replicated and that’s what makes dance and the feeling of dancing so powerful, and so priceless.
Why are you excited to be a Mentor at ZZ DANCE?
I am so looking forward to Mentoring at ZZ dance! We will work hard, get creative and enjoy moving, learning, and growing together!
What is your favorite TV show?
My Favorite TV show right now is “LOKI”!
