Meet Stephanie Peña | Choreographer, Dance Educator & Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Peña and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I am a dance artist, and I believe that dance has the power to truly heal people. I have been choreographing for over ten years, and I’ve noticed that those who experience my work often feel seen. The stories I tell through movement are deeply relatable and evoke strong emotions. Many people leave inspired to move their own bodies or create something for themselves.

I have also been teaching dance for over eight years, offering classes for students of all ages. My classes invite people, especially non-dancers, to have fun with movement, discover their creative voice, and build community. It’s a beautiful to witness.

Lastly, for the past four years, I have created a class called Sensual Fluidity. This class specifically helps women connect with the best version of themselves through movement. I guide women to be present in their bodies, cultivate self-love, build confidence, step into their power, and deepen their relationship with sensuality. Through this work, I also foster a strong sense of community and sisterhood among women. Sensual Fluidity attracts adults ranging in age from 19 to 60, including both dancers and non-dancers who simply want to feel alive and comfortable in their own skin. I strive to create a loving, supportive, and welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, safe, and free to express their sensuality without judgment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began dancing when I was younger but didn’t take it seriously until college. I earned my BA in Dance from Hunter College, where I was exposed to a range of styles including Contemporary, Modern, West African dance, and more. During my final year, I took a composition course that initially made me nervous. I didn’t believe I was good enough to choreograph a dance piece. However, I fell in love with choreography instantly. That passion led me to apply to the Ticino Danza Festival in Switzerland, where my work “What Am I Doing Here?” was accepted. After graduating, I traveled to Switzerland with my dancers to present my piece, and the experience was incredible. My choreography was warmly received.

Afterward, I moved to London, UK, to pursue my Master’s Degree in Choreography at the University of Roehampton. While there, I presented my work “Morir Soñando” (Die Dreaming) at the Elefeet Dance Festival, which was reviewed by several arts organizations. When my visa expired, I returned to New York City and began my teaching journey. I quickly realized that, as a teacher, you need the ability to break down movements as simply and clearly as possible. I’ve learned a great deal from my colleagues and other dance educators, which has helped me grow into a better teacher.

Over the years, I have taught at public schools, community centers, and senior centers through organizations such as Ballet Hispánico, Pentacle, Notes in Motion, Groove With Me, Little Island, Dance Parade, and Dancewave. Alongside teaching, I performed with Lakai Dance Theatre and artists such as Ligia Lewis, Rosemary Lee, Oriana Fox, Brice Mousset, and many others. My performance credits include Jacob’s Pillow, MIT, New York Live Arts, The High Line, and other venues.

Lastly four years ago, I felt called to create something deeply personal. My dance class Sensual Fluidity. This beginner-friendly class helps women tap into their sensuality and feel good about themselves. I never imagined the profound impact it would have. Since then, Sensual Fluidity has expanded into weekend intensives featuring guest instructors such as a sexologist, shibari expert, sex/intimacy doula, lap dance instructor, burlesque performer, Tantra teacher, yoga instructor, sound bath healer, and more. Building on this success, I also created a Sensual Fluidity Performance Class for those who wanted to perform, regardless of experience level. In this program, students learn a group piece choreographed by me, create their own solos, and collaborate with a costume designer to craft something beautiful for the stage. Through Sensual Fluidity, I have provided workshops at events like the Twerk Festival and Womb Healing Circle, and partnered with organizations such as Power Plus Wellness, Honeydew Holistics, and The Pearl.

As of today, I continue to choreograph and create new work. I was honored to be selected as one of the awarded artists for the CUNY Dance Initiative, where I developed a full-length evening piece titled Pajón con Agua (Afro with Water). I currently teach at Hostos Community College as a dance professor while continuing to expand my Sensual Fluidity classes. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but I constantly remind myself how much I love what I do and how dance continues to transform lives. I’ve learned that life can truly surprise you when you take risks and do what you love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
These are some fun, interesting and exciting places and things that I’ll take my best friend to make sure they have the best time!!

– Bathhouse: a relaxing place where you can enjoy saunas, steam rooms, massages, cold plunges and hot tubs
– MoMA, Whitney Museum, Salon 94, Brooklyn Museum: have really interesting and cool art exhibitions
– Gidney, Alvin Ailey, Mark Morris & Peridance: dance companies that offers amazing dance classes
– Body & Pole: offer fun aerial and pole classes
– Circus Academy New York: offer fun flying trapeze classes
– Lincoln Center: offer free events and incredible operas/dance performances
– Mr. Purple: a fancy rooftop bar with amazing drinks and a view of Manhattan
– Madam X: a chill sexy bar with really good drinks
– Slipper Room: they have fun burlesque and aerial performances
– Pier 57 Rooftop Park: the biggest rooftop in NYC with the view of the city
– Mundo Party: the best latin dance party
– Perreo Intenso: the best reggaeton party
– Wine for me party: they sell the best wine and the dj plays really good music
– Home and Abroad Afro Global Dance And Drum Party: have live music and everyone is dancing
– Descendants: amazing Afrobeats party
– Ginja: another amazing Afrobeats party
– Your Best Friend Co.: an organization that meets once a month to do different fun activities and meet new people
– Bibliotheque: a wine bar with amazing books you can borrow
– Vspot: vegan Colombian restaurant that have very delicious food and it’s very filling
Wild Ginger: vegan asian restaurant that has delicious food and a cozy environment
– Beyond Sushi: vegan asian restaurant that has the best vegan sushi and fried cauliflower
– Veggie Grill: vegan deli that has amazing vegan philly cheese steak and fries. They are open 24 hours. I ordered at 3am before
– Peacefood town: vegan restaurant that has the best vegan desserts
– Cloudy Donuts: delicious vegan doughnuts

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to my parents, my sister, and my brother. They have been there for me since day one, always encouraging me to keep going even on the days I feel like giving up. Their constant support and love have carried me through this entire journey. I love them with all my heart.

Website: https://www.penastephanie.com

Image Credits
Michael Peterson, Rowa Lee, Marvin H.