Jennifer Muller

Jennifer Muller was a creative force in the modern dance world for over 50 years. She was known for her visionary approach to and innovation in dance and theater. Her multi-disciplinary productions incorporating spoken word, live and commissioned music, artist-inspired decor, and unusual production elements. 

Muller began dancing professionally at age 15 as a member of the Pearl Lang Dance Company. These formative years were followed by nine years as a principal dancer with the José Limón Dance Company—during which she graduated from The Juilliard School—and seven years as associate artistic director of the Louis Falco Dance Company. She founded Jennifer Muller/The Works in 1974 and served as artistic director until her death in 2023. For 45 years, she led the company to global recognition for its dynamic theatricality, virtuosity, and humanity. The company toured 39 countries on four continents, performed in 30 states, and self-produced 28 seasons in New York City. Throughout her career, Muller created over 125 pieces, including seven full-evening productions. Additionally, she was commissioned to create and re-stage dance works for 26 domestic and international repertory companies in nine countries.  

Muller was chosen as a founding member of the World Arts Council in 2003. In 2009, she was awarded a commissioning grant from The Joyce Theater’s 25@25 Initiative to create the piece Bench. In 2010, she received the Trophy of Cultural Responsibility in recognition of her invaluable contributions to dance in South America. In 2011, she was awarded an “American Masterpieces: 3 Centuries of Artistic Genius Grant” to set her 1974 work Speeds on the UCSB Dance Company. The piece was accompanied by a scholarly conference, an exhibit, and a publication entitledTransformation & Continuance: Jennifer Muller and the Reshaping of American Modern Dance, 1959–Present.

Internationally renowned as a consummate teacher and mentor of creative talent, Muller was one of the only choreographers of her generation to develop an original technique, based upon principles drawn from Eastern philosophy. In addition to teaching the Muller Polarity Technique worldwide, she headlined workshops in creativity, collaboration, and choreography around the world. Additionally, she developed unique programs in creative thinking and non-verbal communication entitled Creative Mind Workshops for dancers and non-dancers alike.