About Penny Frank

Penny Frank began teaching at The Ailey School in its early years, in 1972. At that time, she was also teaching at the Martha Graham School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and at Performing Arts High School, which is now La Guardia High School. She has performed with the Martha Graham Company and the Joyce Trisler Company. In 1973 she began a yearly summer affiliation with the Bat-Dor Studios in Israel, teaching and choreographing which lasted until 1992. In the early 80's she became Director of Training Programs for two years. She was asked to Chair the Dance Department at Performing Arts High School as she decided, "I belong in the studio.” She has taught at Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen Michigan, New Dance Group, PeriDance Studios and is currently on staff at the Martha Graham School and often teaches at Juilliard. Her many awards include eight Presidential Scholar in the Arts Distinguished Teacher Awards, NFAA Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Education Updates Teacher of the Year Award and featured articles in Dance Magazine, NY Daily News, and Dance Teacher Now. Her choreography has been performed by Ailey II, Bat-Dor Company, and Performing Arts High School. She is a board member of the Buglisi Dance Theatre.