vivian shock, GUEST ARTIST (SHE/HER)

Vivian is a North Carolina native who began her dance journey at the age of six. She was heavily influenced while training under Emily Shoemaker, Summer Fare, Eileen Juric, and Nadia Pavlenko in her early years. As well as perform works by notable choreographers such as Sonya Tayeh, Jess Hendricks, Anthony Morigerato, and Martha Nichols. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Point Park University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance with Honors, where she studied under esteemed professors including Garfield Lemonius, Jason McDole, Jae Man Joo, Kiesha Lalama, Kiki Lucas, Marc Spaulding, and Judith Leifer Bentz. Her college career featured impressive performances of works by Bob Fosse, Camille A. Brown, Christopher Huggins, Matthew Neenan, Al Blackstone, Maud Arnold, Julia Erickson, and Staycee Pearl. She joined Houston Contemporary as a Guest Artist following graduation. Her repertoire with the company includes works by Yin Yue, Natasha Adorlee, Norbert De La Cruz III, and other acclaimed choreographers. She is passionate about both performing and education, and is committed to sharing her love for dance through powerful dynamic movement, creative collaboration, and inspired teaching. Vivian is eagerly excited to begin her second season with Houston Contemporary as a Company Member. @vivianshock1