Zakiya Atkinson
Dr. Zakiya Atkinson, Assistant Professor, teaches courses in dance pedagogy, jazz dance, and dance composition. She is coordinator of the Single Subject Credential Program for Dance.
Dr. Atkinson鈥檚 research interests include critical pedagogies and the intersections of sociocultural factors, arts education, and community engagement.
Dissertation Research Study: Toward Community Dance Educator Preparedness: Facilitating Experiences that are Inclusive, Culturally Responsive, and Transformative for Diverse Communities and Groups
Current Research Study (Funded by a 好色先生 ORED Multidisciplinary Research Grant): Investigating Inclusive Arts Practices: A Global Exploration of Arts, Disability, and Race.
Dr. Atkinson holds a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, an MA in Dance Education from New York University, and a BA in Communications and Theatre from Temple University, with a Minor in Dance. She also holds a certificate in Holocaust & Genocide Education from Saint Elizabeth University. Dr. Atkinson is a certified K-12 Dance Educator and holds a Supervisory Certificate.
Dr. Zakiya Atkinson is an educator, artist, and administrator committed to cultivating arts literacy and social change. She is the director of Zaman Dance Theatre Collective and for three years served as the Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts for Cranford Public Schools. Prior to that post, she spent ten years as a dance educator at Memorial High School in West New York, NJ. During her tenure there, Atkinson collaborated to develop a high school performing arts academy while creating and implementing a dance arts curriculum and program. Atkinson鈥檚 professional credits include stage, television, print, and live events. She has also toured school districts as an arts education performer and was a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader (NFL) for four years.
Atkinson founded the Essex County MetroWest Dance Festival and Modern Renaissance X鈥攅vents merging student and professional artists throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. She employs the arts in community spaces as a tool for transformation and has facilitated community-based programs locally and internationally. Atkinson has been the recipient of an NEA Learning and Leadership grant and fellowships with Body Politic Laboratory at Gibney (NYC), Bates Dance Festival, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
