Nejla Yatkin is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow in choreography and a globally acclaimed dance artist renowned for her emotionally evocative and intellectually compelling performances. Hailed as “magical” by The New York Times and celebrated for her “fierce and supple” movement, Nejla crafts choreography that transcends traditional boundaries, immersing audiences in profound explorations of identity, transformation, and the human condition.
With a career spanning decades, Nejla draws from her nomadic heritage and extensive training across diverse traditions, including Dance Theater, Limon, Horton, Graham techniques, Ballet, Japanese Butoh, Middle Eastern dance, and pantomime. Her work seamlessly integrates these influences, showcasing her ability to navigate genres and storytelling with remarkable depth.
Born in Germany, Nejla holds a Professional Degree in Contemporary Dance from Die Etage in Berlin. In 1995, she was invited to the United States under the designation of an artist of extraordinary ability. There, she performed with celebrated companies such as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, collaborating with legendary choreographers like Donald McKayle, Eleo Pomare, and Katherine Dunham. Her performance credits also include Shapiro & Smith Dance, Danza Concierto, and Burnt Sugar Danz in New York.
Nejla’s work has earned prestigious accolades, including the Princess Grace Award in Choreography, the 3Arts Fellowship, and support from the National Performance Network. She has been commissioned to create for iconic venues such as the Kennedy Center, Dance Place, and the Dance Center of Columbia College, cementing her reputation as a masterful solo and group choreographer.
In addition to her choreographic achievements, Nejla is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has served as Associate Professor at the University of Maryland and the University of Notre Dame, and guest taught at institutions like Harvard University and the Bates Dance Festival. Through workshops, masterclasses, and community projects, she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists.
Her solo works, including Wings of Desire, De/Reconstructing Mata Hari, and The Other Witch, reflect her personal journey while exploring universal themes of cultural memory and transformation. Her latest creation, Ouroboros, premiered in spring 2024. This interactive solo performance delves into memory, time, and cyclical cultural narratives, earning multiple accolades, including the 2022 DCASE Esteemed Artist Award. Ouroboros will embark on a five-city national tour in 2025, co-commissioned by the National Performance Network, Art2Action, MECA-Houston, and The Dance Complex.
Beyond the stage, Nejla has spearheaded groundbreaking community-driven projects, such as The Berlin Wall Project and Dancing Around the World, fostering conversations around freedom, equality, and cultural connection. Her current dance-on-camera film, Witches Cradle, inspired by Maya Deren, is touring international dance film festivals, while her live performance of The Other Witch debuted at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts as well as Center Stage in Virginia in November 2024, supported by the Illinois Arts Council.
Nejla’s work is an inquiry into the human condition, blending artistic rigor with community engagement. Her visionary contributions to contemporary dance continue to resonate across cultures, affirming her as one of the most respected voices in the field today.
