Michele Rusinko
Faculty
Michele Rusinko is a teacher, choreographer, dancer, writer, engaged citizen and passionate life-long learner. She taught in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter, Minnesota, from 1988 - 2022. She received her B.A. from St. Olaf College and M.F.A. from Arizona State University. Her current research explores the intersections between her experience teaching dance and somatic science; her scholarship in the psychology of resiliency; and an embodied understanding of human dignity. She holds a certificate in Positive Psychology from the Wholebeing Institute and is currently developing an undergraduate curriculum in the science of resiliency as grounded in the field of Positive Psychology (the scientific study of human flourishing). Drawing from Circle Process, Appreciative Inquiry and Positive Psychology, Rusinko creates structures for participatory learning and wise action to emerge.
Experience
- Director, dance program at Gustavus Adolphus College: 1988-2022
- Director of Dance Weber State University
- Dancer/Choreographer for concerts in Twin Cities
- Commentator on dance
- Minnesota Public Radio
Teaching Areas
- Resilience
- Modern
- Ballet
- Dance history
- Dance composition
- FTS
Education
B.A. St. Olaf College; M.F.A. Arizona State University
Areas of Expertise
and dance criticism, developmental movement, Modern dance history and technique, and Resilience as grounded in Positive Psychology
Interests
Dance History, Pedagogy and Technique., and Story and Storytelling
Courses Taught
| Synonym | Title | Times Taught | Terms Taught |
|---|---|---|---|
| T/D-117 | Dance Repertory Practicum | 80 | 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2010/SP, 2009/FA, 2009/SP, 2008/FA, 2008/SP, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, 2005/FA, 2005/SP, 2004/FA, 2004/SP, 2003/FA, 2002/SP, 2001/FA, 2001/SP, 2000/FA, 2000/SP, and 2000/JN |
| T/D-104 | Ballet I | 35 | 2021/FA, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, 2012/FA, 2012/SP, 2011/FA, 2010/SP, 2009/FA, 2009/SP, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, 2005/FA, 2005/SP, 2004/FA, 2003/FA, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, 1999/FA, and 1999/SP |
| T/D-370 | Advanced Studies in Performance: Creative Research | 28 | 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2012/FA, 2011/FA, 2010/SP, and 2009/SP |
| T/D-270 | Intermediate Studies in Performance: Creative Research | 19 | 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2013/FA, 2012/FA, 2011/FA, 2010/SP, and 2009/SP |
| T/D-399 | Senior Project | 19 | 2011/SP, 2010/SP, 2009/FA, 2009/SP, 2008/FA, 2008/SP, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, 2005/FA, 2005/SP, 2004/FA, 2004/SP, 2002/SP, 2002/JN, 2001/FA, 2001/SP, and 2000/SP |
| T/D-102 | Contemp Mod Dance I | 18 | 2020/FA, 2019/FA, 2016/SP, 2011/FA, 2010/SP, 2009/FA, 2009/SP, 2008/FA, 2008/SP, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/FA, 2004/SP, 2001/SP, 2000/FA, and 2000/SP |
| T/D-398 | Theatre Honors Project | 17 | 2022/SP, 2021/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/SP, 2019/FA, 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, 2016/FA, 2016/SP, 2015/FA, 2015/SP, 2014/FA, 2014/SP, 2013/FA, 2013/SP, and 2012/SP |
| T/D-377 | Choreography | 16 | 2010/SP, 2009/FA, 2009/SP, 2008/FA, 2008/SP, 2007/FA, 2007/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, 2005/FA, 2005/SP, 2001/FA, 2001/SP, 2000/FA, 2000/SP, and 1999/FA |
| T/D-105 | Modern Dance II | 14 | 2018/SP, 2016/SP, 2014/FA, 2013/SP, 2008/FA, 2008/SP, 2006/FA, 2006/SP, 2004/SP, and 2003/FA |
| T/D-215 | Stage Management | 13 | 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, 2007/SP, 2006/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, and 2000/SP |
| T/D-232 | Dance History | 12 | 2022/SP, 2020/SP, 2018/SP, 2016/SP, 2014/SP, 2012/SP, 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2007/SP, 2005/FA, 2003/FA, and 2001/FA |
| FTS-100 | FTS:Tell Me a Story | 11 | 2021/FA, 2020/FA, 2019/FA, 2017/FA, 2015/FA, 2013/FA, 2011/FA, 2009/FA, 2007/FA, 2001/FA, and 1999/FA |
| T/D-115 | Assistant Stage Manager | 11 | 2010/SP, 2009/SP, 2008/SP, 2007/SP, 2006/SP, 2005/SP, 2004/SP, 2002/SP, 2001/SP, 2000/SP, and 1999/SP |
| T/D-375 | Advanced Modern Dance Company | 7 | 2002/SP, 2001/FA, 2001/SP, 2000/FA, 2000/SP, 1999/FA, and 1999/SP |
| NDL-120 | Resiliency Rebound | 6 | 2022/FA, 2021/SP, 2020/FA, 2020/SP, and 2019/FA |
| NDL-108 | Bouncing Forward | 5 | 2022/JN, 2020/JN, 2018/JN, 2017/JN, and 2016/JN |
| T/D-134 | Ballet II | 4 | 2022/SP and 2021/SP |
| NDL-144 | ST:Resiliency Rebound | 4 | 2018/SP, 2017/FA, 2017/SP, and 2016/FA |
| T/D-305 | Movement Foundations | 4 | 2016/FA, 2014/FA, 2012/FA, and 2008/FA |
| T/D-120 | Body Stories | 4 | 2014/JN, 2013/JN, and 2004/JN |
| T/D-110 | Performance Practicum | 4 | 2002/JN, 1999/FA, and 1999/SP |
| T/D-245 | Dance Composition | 3 | 2006/FA, 2002/SP, and 2000/FA |
| T/D-240 | Kinetic Learning | 3 | 2004/SP, 2002/SP, and 2000/SP |
| CUR-240 | Theatre Arts | 2 | 2021/SP and 2015/SP |
| T/D-268 | Career Exploration | 2 | 2010/JN and 2002/JN |
| T/D-244 | ST:Making Dances | 1 | 2021/JN |
| T/D-372 | Advanced Creative Expression | 1 | 2016/JN |
| T/D-277 | Dance Composition II | 1 | 2015/SP |
| T/D-107 | January Play Production | 1 | 2006/JN |
| T/D-109 | Beginning Jazz Dance | 1 | 2005/SP |
| IDS-100 | Body, Mind, and Art | 1 | 2001/JN |
| T/D-312 | Lighting/Sound Practicum | 1 | 1999/FA |