Astrid von Ussar

Founder and Artistic Director

Originally from Slovenia, Astrid von Ussar has become a sought after choreographer and teacher since arriving in New York City. She is on faculty at The Ailey School since 1999 and has recently joined Joffrey Ballet School, Astrid has also taught at Ballet Hispanico, Peridance, Dance New Amsterdam, Dancewave, Long Island University, and Sam Houston State University. Additionally, the demand for Ms. von Ussar’s skilled approach has led her to teach workshops throughout the U.S. and Europe.

In 2002, von Ussar launched VON USSAR danceworks. Since its premier VON USSAR danceworks has been presented at the

Monterey Dance Festival, Dumbo Dance Festival, West Fest, Dance/NOW Festival, The Dance Gallery Festival and, most notably, the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, MA. Most recently the company has been presented at the Joyce Theater’s Dancin’ Downtown and the NYC Summerstage Festival.


On top of her choreographic pursuits, von Ussar instructs a curriculum based program for the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation entitled, Revelations: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Dance. She also developed her own unique movement style that is the base of her work, witch she teaches at Universities around the US. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Dance from Teachers College, at Columbia University.

After producing numerous smaller showcases for emerging choreographers between 2000 and 2005, Ms. von Ussar founded The Dance Gallery Festival in 2007.