Artist bio:
Paula Higa is a Brazilian-born American choreographer with a robust career spanning over 40 years in dance. Renowned for her innovative choreography and dynamic performances, Paula has made significant contributions to the field through her work as a producer and director of dance films, as well as through her solo performances and collaborations with her own company, PH Dance, on national and international stages.
Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor and Resident Choreographer in the Dance Program at the University of Vermont, where she continues to inspire and educate the next generation of dancers. Paula’s educational background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Brazil, showcasing her diverse intellectual pursuits.
Her artistic achievements have been recognized with prestigious grants and awards, including the New England Dance Fund Grant and the Vermont Community Foundation, among others. Her creative work won multiple awards from dance festivals in Europe, North America, and South America. One of her recent notable works, the film “The Migrant Body,” has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Best Choreography award at the Canadian Experimental, Dance, & Music Film Festival, Jury Special Mention at Spain’s Festival Girona en Moviment, and the Audience Award at ARFF Berlin in Germany.
During the academic year 2025-206, Paula is set to take on an exciting role as a Visiting Professor at the Center of Brazilian Studies at the University of Salamanca in Spain, furthering her engagement with the global dance community.
Artistic statement:
As a dance maker, I approach choreography as a valuable form of research. My artistic focus is on exploring the dynamic intersection of dance and visual arts. Anchored in feminist principles, my works aim to address and highlight persistent discriminatory issues within our society. Through my art, I strive to elevate the voices of underrepresented groups and invite my audience to consider the power of inequalities, gender hierarchies, and patriarchal structures that influence our lives. In my creative process, I examine the relationship among body, movement, and narrative, drawing on these insights to develop sophisticated, thought-provoking dances. I have a strong commitment to the transformative potential of the arts.