Haila Strauss

About

Prof. Strauss’ most recent choreographic and directorial project is the original physical theatre adaptation of Eudora Welty’s beloved short story “Why I Live at the Post Office”. Prof. Strauss and her collaborators were honored when the piece was selected to perform at the Eudora Welty International Conference in Jackson, Mississippi in April 2025. Prior performances include PHYSFEST at the Stella Adler Studio and at the Theatre of the New City. Fellow collaborators are Albena Kervanbashshieva (dancer), Donna Cribari (composer) and MMC Alum Beck Farris (actor).

Professional choreography - Prof. Strauss staged over 250 dances for New York and Regional Theatres, film, television and the dance concert stage. Outstanding productions include Paul Green’s Pulitzer Prize Winner The Lost Colony, the first regional production of The Robber Bridegroom at the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, the Roundabout Theatre’s long-running revival of Harold Rome’s Pins and Needles, the Princeton Triangle Show and Kuni Leml, winner of four Outer Circle Drama Critics’ Awards.

MMC Theatre Department Choreography - Prof. Strauss has had the marvelous opportunity to stage dances and movement for productions directed by the Theatre Department’s Acting Faculty. These productions ranged from Shakespeare to contemporary works. Prof. Strauss is grateful for the opportunity to work with Prof. Matthew Mastromatteo on Marie Antoinette – a lovely, creative experience.

Theatrical Intimacy Education Program - With the support of then Theatre Department Chair, Mary Fleischer, Professor Strauss initiated curriculum, trained faculty, taught lectures, and served as Intimacy Director for MMC’s Mainstage productions. Under the guidance of Jill Stevenson, current Theatre Department Chair, the TIE program grew and has become a signature piece of the Theatre Department’s curriculum.

MMC Dance Department and Musical Theatre Minor - for 15 years Prof. Strauss built and served as Teacher/Director/Choreographer for both the MMC Dance Department and the MMC Dance Company. Prof. Strauss initiated the MMC Dance Company Annual Gala. In addition, for eight years, Prof. Strauss co-chaired the Musical Theatre Minor.

MMC Adult Continuing Education - Prof. Strauss initiated, built and coordinated the Fitness Instructor Certification Program. Two more Certificates followed: The Personal Trainer and the Older Adults curriculum. For 18 years the MMC Fitness certificate programs were the only ones of its kind on the East Coast.

Outside of MMC, and as Director of her own enterprise, The Dance Workshop for Actors and Singers, Prof. Strauss coaches performers for Broadway, film and television auditions.

Education - Prof. Strauss received her B.A. in Dance from Sarah Lawrence College and M.A. in Dance Education from Columbia University. Bessie Schonberg and Hanya Holm were her dance/choreography mentors. Prof. Strauss was honored to receive Backstage Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Dance Teacher.