Michael Galen (he/him)
Michael is a dancer, choreographer, and musician known for his use of rhythm, physical theater, and acrobatics. He choreographs & dances with the Portland based dance theater company - Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater. He loves to teach and develop curriculum. He has taught in schools and afterschool programs around Portland, including: SUN, Portland Waldorf, and Vancouver School District as a teaching artist in residence. He teaches a wide range of ages and abilities. For many years he worked with adults with disabilities at PHAME, and was on the dance faculty at PCC.
His rhythmic choreography has been set on various companies and teams around the Pacific NW. Michael’s background in gymnastics, breakdance, and capoeira have heavily informed his curriculum for acro-dance and tumbling. His choreography, physical theater, and dance work has been featured in film, including: Comedy Central’s Kurt Braunholer Special, IFC’s Portlandia, TedX MtHood, Esperanza’s Turn (indie short), as well as commercials and music videos.
Michael’s studies are rooted afro-diasporic movement. He has studied and performed with Ron Brown’s Evidence dance company (Brooklyn, NY), Rosangela Silvestre (Salvador, Brazil), and Khady Badjis Bakalama company (Dakar, Senegal).
Instagram: @michaelpgalen
