Shayna Ambers is a writer and movement artist from outside of Dallas, Texas whose research explores movement as a coping mechanism for internal and external stressors, including (but not limited to) trauma, loss, and radical change. Shayna's work examines the ways in which certain stressors impact an artist's assumption of physical risk and subsequently affect their movement phrasing, patterns, and passageways in both quotidian and performative settings. Her most recent choreography seeks to explore the dissonance between body and sound (or lack thereof), and how this dissonance can be manipulated to manage one's message and draw attention to a cause. Outside of her studies, Shayna enjoys reading, writing, flying trapeze, attempting to learn various instruments, and spending time with her dog, Mozzie.

Why PS @ NYU?

I chose Performance Studies at NYU not only because of the program's academic rigor, but because it provides a lens other than "spectacle" through which to view performance. In addition to the opportunity to study under renowned Performance Studies faculty, NYU also provides direct access to current social movements and performances due to its location in the heart of a hotspot for performance art and activism. I also aspire to become an educator, and for me, Performance Studies at Tisch provides the ultimate package: the ability to grow as an artist and scholar while gaining a thorough education that will allow me to present the most in-depth curriculum to future activists and artists (both inside and outside of my classroom).