Doria E. Charl

Promoting sustainability and innovation in the field of dance and performance studies, Doria E. Charlson serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of California-Davis. She holds a PhD in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies from Brown University, where her research delved deeply into the intersection of the body and socio-economic crises. Her work is particularly focused on the mobilization of migrant laborers' bodies during such events, a subject she approaches with a unique perspective informed by her dual experience as a dancer and an oncology chaplain. Charlson's scholarship is characterized by a rich blend of archival work and embodiment studies. She draws on her extensive training with renowned dance companies to explore how physicality and movement can articulate complex socio-economic narratives. Her academic journey began with a BA in History, complemented by a minor in Drama, from Stanford University. She further honed her expertise with an MA in History and Theatre Arts and Performance Studies, also from Stanford, before pursuing her doctoral studies. In her role at UC Davis, Charlson is committed to fostering an environment where students can explore the dynamic relationship between performance and societal issues. Her courses often encourage students to engage with performance as a means of understanding and responding to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of the body as both a site of knowledge and a tool for activism. Charlson's research has been recognized for its innovative approach, bridging the gap between theoretical inquiry and practical application. Her work not only contributes to academic discourse but also seeks to impact real-world practices, particularly in how societies understand and respond to the embodiment of labor and crisis. Beyond her academic pursuits, Charlson remains actively involved in the dance community, participating in workshops and performances that align with her research interests. Her commitment to both scholarship and practice ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful, continually pushing the boundaries of how we understand the role of the body in socio-economic contexts.