Stephanie Peña is a dance artist known for creating work that unapologetically explores sensuality, Blackness within Dominican culture, and ancestral connection through movement. She earned her MFA in Choreography from the University of Roehampton in London, UK.
Her choreographic works have been presented nationally and internationally. What Am I Doing Here? (2014) was showcased at CUNY Hunter College and the Ticino in Danza Festival in Switzerland. Morir Soñando (2016) was presented at the University of Roehampton and the Elefeet Dance Festival in London. Her work mi pajón me habló (2022) was featured at the Spanish Harlem Creative Movement Festival and the Dancewave Adult Community Celebration Performance. As a guest choreographer at Hofstra University, she created HOLD YOUR BREATH, which premiered in April 2023. Peña was awarded the CUNY Dance Initiative (2024–2025), through which she created Pajón con Agua, presented at Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture in 2025.
As a performer, Peña has appeared at Jacob’s Pillow, Hibernian Hall, New York Live Arts, MIT, The High Line, and other notable venues. She has worked with artists and companies including Lakaï Dance Theatre, Ligia Lewis, Rosemary Lee, Oriana Fox, Brice Mousset and more.
Peña is a dedicated teaching artist and educator. She teaches Contemporary and Latin social dances, including Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa, to K–12 students, seniors, and community members through Dancewave and the Dance Parade Outreach Program. She is also a Dance Professor at Hostos Community College, where she teaches Black and Puerto Rican Dance and Dance Fitness. Her work teaching all-ages Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa classes at Little Island was featured in The New York Times.
She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sensual Fluidity, a movement practice and performance platform that encourages participants to explore embodiment, sensuality, and self-connection. Through this work, she teaches beginner classes, intensives, and performance programs designed to support participants in deepening their relationship with their bodies and personal expression.
Peña continues to expand her artistic practice through collaboration while inspiring diverse communities to experience empowerment through movement.
