Jeffrey PetersonFaculty

Jeffrey Peterson holds an MFA in dance from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, a Certification in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis from Integrated Movement Studies, and a BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Peterson's performing career includes the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, JAZZDANCE by Danny Buraczeski, ARENA Dances by Mathew Janczewski, The Grand Step Project by Stephan Koplowitz, Clare Byrne Dance, DELiRiOUS Dance Co. / Edisa Weeks, The Eclectic Edge Ensemble, and The Minnesota Opera, among others.

Prior to his work at Gustavus, Peterson served as Associate Professor in the dance department at Muhlenberg College, in addition to positions at St. Olaf College, Saint Mary's University - Winona, Hamline University, Winona State University, as well as for The Children's Theatre Company and Zenon Dance School, to name a few.

Dubbed "poetic precision" by the Minneapolis StarTribune, and "moving and heart-racingly joyous" by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Peterson's choreographic research seeks to challenge the way in which we see the world.  While striving to offer avenues of intellectual and kinesthetic entertainment, Peterson's work can combine dance, theatre, and even colorguard elements, often with a goal of challenging social norms.  “Choreographer Jeffrey Peterson has some serious chops…” –Camille LeFevre, Mnartists.org

Mr. Peterson's choreography has been commissioned by Rhythmically Speaking, Dance New Amsterdam's In The Company of Men, Movement Research at Judson Church, as well as by Muhlenberg College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, St. Mary’s University - Winona, Old Dominion University, Hamline University, Bucknell University, and The Perpich Center for Arts Education, among others. Further, he has been presented by the Dancenow/NYC Festival at Joe's Pub and JoyceSOHO, Dixon Place (NY), The Bryant Lake Bowl Theater (MN), Kinetic Kitchen (MN), Patrick's Cabaret (MN), and The Minnesota Fringe Festivals of 2003, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2017. He has created or restaged work on the Gustavus Dance Company 8 times. 

As an educator, Peterson is most interested in empowering his students to internally sense and take ownership of their own range of movement and performance skills. This involves the creation of a safe space to grow and learn, exploring material that allows the time and space to investigate one's internal mechanisms, and encouraging the taking of physical and performative risks in order to move past one's perceived edges.

Peterson is an avid Minnesota Twins fan, holds a 165 average for his bowling team, plays for a softball team called "Purple Reign," and does administrative support for the Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps in St. Peter.  He resides in Minneapolis.

Courses Taught