Joy Friedlander founded the dance program at Philadelphia High School for Girls in 2000 where she teaches dance technique and creative process to 200 students, produces dance performances and mentors student teachers. She frequently presents professional development workshops for K-12 teachers, and has worked with the PA Department of Education on dance initiatives. Joy has a PhD in dance from Temple University and was named Dance Educator of the Year in 2005 by the National Dance Association. Joy’s M.F.A. in dance choreography and performance was earned at the University of California, Irvine. She has also taught for the master’s program at Temple University, mentors student-teachers at area universities and teaches younger and older students privately. Previously, Joy has taught at The Philadelphia High School for the Creative & Performing Arts and The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Schenley High School Program and has served on the faculty at the University of Alabama, Duquesne University, and Point Park College.